How to do a modern handfasting for a wedding ceremony
How to weave a beautiful, ancient tradition into a 21st-century wedding.
Handfastings have become such a popular addition to modern wedding ceremonies and it’s very clear why. Stemming from ancient Celtic and Pagan traditions, couples are making the ritual their own under the guidance of wedding celebrants. So how do you plan and execute a modern handfasting for a wedding ceremony?
You may have heard the word ritual but feel slightly tentative about including one in your ceremony. You may be worried that it won’t resonate with your guests. Let me provide you with some reassurance.
Something happens when a celebrant holds space for your ceremony - everyone opens up to feeling emotions more deeply. And when rituals are done well by someone who knows what they are doing, they have a way of landing that will give your guests goosebumps and have such an impact that everyone will be talking about it for the rest of the day.
Lauren and Joe had never seen a handfasting before and when they heard about it, it hit a chord and they knew they just had to include it. They had the choice between having one slightly heavier handfasting cord or multiple smaller cord. They chose the latter and went for various shades of blue mixed with white.
They decided that they wanted to involve all of their parents and so each one brought up a cord and placed it over the couple’s hands. Each cord was given a symbolic meaning really special to the couple. You can do the same. For example, “This cord represents the journey to this day.” and “This cord represents the present moment.” It’s an opportunity to get creative and produce something really meaningful.
Not only did Joe and Lauren opt for the handfasting but they chose to combine it with the ring exchange which is, indeed, a ritual. And one that everyone expects to see at a wedding. But it doesn’t have to be done the way it’s always been done just for tradition’s sake.
After the cords were placed and the knot made, the couple exchanged their wedding rings. Then they were able to finally “tie the knot” and hold the cord up high. It was a truly stunning moment and made for some great reactions.
The guests’ response was out of this world. Every comment made was that they had never seen anything as beautiful and unique as this. It went down really well and made for a truly unforgettable ceremony.
This beautiful modern handfasting ceremony was captured by the very lovely Rich Howman at Clevedon Hall last summer with absolutely stunning wedding flowers by Daisy Lane Floral.
If you are looking for a modern handfasting to wow your guests with, get in touch using my contact form and we can chat through the vision for your day.
For more information about wedding ceremonies, head to the weddings page.
