What’s a wedding without a heartfelt toast? In Ireland, toasts are filled with encouraging and hopeful dialogue to the newlyweds on their new journey in life together.
These Irish toasts and, indeed Irish blessings for weddings, are romantic and of course, filled with humor.
Most people want to start their married life on the right foot. Since the Irish have some superstitions that can be taken quite seriously, you might as well not mess with the unknown and make sure to have some nice toasts at the wedding. Many Irish toasts have been so heavily used and shared that the origin is often lost in history.
Here are 7 traditional Irish toasts for the wedding season that are sure to bring a little luck and cheer.
May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.
"Merry met, and merry part, I drink to thee with all my heart."
Here's to you both, a beautiful pair
On the birthday of your love affair
Here's to the husband and here's to the wife
May yourselves be lovers for the rest of your life
"May your bank account always be bigger than your troubles."
May all your troubles be little ones
and all your little ones be trouble-free.
"But the best ships are friendships, and May they always be."
There are good ships,
and there are wood ships,
The ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships are friendships, and
May they always be.
"May all your troubles be little ones and all your little ones be trouble free."
Sláinte chuig na fir, agus go mairfidh na mná go deo"
Which means "Health to the men, and may the women live forever!"
"Here's to you both, a beautiful pair, On the birthday of your love affair"
Merry met, and merry part,
I drink to thee with all my heart.
"Health to the men, and may the women live forever!"
May your bank account always be bigger than your troubles.
"May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future."
Searching for more Irish blessings? Check out IrishCentral's traditional Irish family blessings or Irish blessings and proverbs to share with your loved ones.
What’s your favorite Irish toast? Let us know in the comments.
*Originally published in August 2017. Updated in February 2024.
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