Here’s Why You Should Introduce a Hand-Fasting Ceremony to your big day

Everything you need to know about a hand-fasting ceremony – from what it means to how to include it in your wedding day.

What is a hand-fasting ceremony and how would it work on your wedding? Hand-fasting has become really popular in recent years as couples look for ways to add symbolism and personalisation to their ceremony. In order to help you create your dream, unique vows exchange, we've put together all the info you need to know about hand-fasting, and what you’ll need to have prepared for a hand-fasting ceremony.

What is a Hand-fasting ceremony?

Hand-fasting is a symbolic unity ritual in which a couple stands face to face as their hands are tied together, hence, tying the knot! As their hands are bound, words are recited that express their commitment to each another. Hand-fasting rituals are associated with Pagan ceremonies, but are now often seen in secular, spiritual, and even some Christian ceremonies.

What Does Hand-fasting Symbolise?

The hand-fasting ceremony dates back over 2000 years. It is an ancient Celtic tradition, and was originally used to symbolise a betrothal, during which a druid priest would declare that the couple would be bound together. This engagement would last a year, as a sort of 'trial marriage', after which they'd decide to opt in, or opt out! In later times, it has been used as part of a marriage ceremony, in lieu of the presence of a priest. Today, Celtic hand-fasting rituals are particularly common among couples from overseas getting married in Ireland and Scotland. But more and more Irish and British couples are featuring them in their own ceremonies too, to symbolise the binding together of their separate lives and the commitment they're making to each other.

What is a Hand-fasting Cord?

A hand-fasting cord is a ribbon or long piece of fabric used to bind your hands. Some couples use one or two cords, others use several. You can use simple lengths of lace or ribbon, but some couples bring along fabric that's significant to them. Be it from a family heirloom, made or gifted from family members, or cord in colours or patterns that have a special significance. You can also buy hand-fasting ribbons online. A single hand-fasting cord should be about one to two metres long, so it can loop around your wrists and hands.

How Do You Do a Hand-Fasting Ceremony?

You can choose to bind with one hand each, or two. For one hand, stand side-by-side and hold out your arms together. If you choose two, stand face-to-face and clasp each other by the hands (or wrists for a more secure grasp!) — many couples will cross their arms, with one's left hand linking the other's right, which looks like an infinity knot from above. There's no hard or fast rules, try it out beforehand and see what's comfortable to you! You can ask either your celebrant or chosen members of your family or friends to do the fasting — some couples ask lots of different guests to come and place a ribbon over their hands.

There are several ways to tie the ribbon, from a simple knot to a more elaborate wrapping of the wrists that results in an impressive infinity knot. The video above will show you how it's done! However, if you choose to tie it, it shouldn't be so tight that you can't pull yourselves loose afterwards. As the knots are tied, some couples plan to recite their vows of commitment to one another. After the ceremony, you'll have your cord as a wonderful keepsake of your vows.

What Should You Say During a Hand-fasting Ceremony?

It's a good idea to introduce the hand-fasting ritual to your guests, explain the meaning behind it, and why you've chosen it for your wedding. This can be done either by your celebrant, or in your ceremony notes. Depending on your celebrant, they may have a tried and tested hand-fasting ritual structure that they'll be able to share. If you're creating your own ceremony, have a play around and see what works for you. You can say a few lines to each other before the ritual begins, or if you have several cords, exchange a different vow for each one. You could also leave your vows altogether until later in the ceremony. There are lots of hand-fasting vows online, but to be honest, most of them are quite cheesy! You'll probably be better off writing something yourself that will feel more authentic and natural when you recite it on the day.

If you like the sound of a hand-fasting ceremony in Kent, and would like to bring it into your wedding day, we highly recommend our lovely celebrant Karina from Simply Ceremonies UK. She is very experienced in hand-fasting ceremonies along with a multitude of other elements that can give your big day a uniquely personal touch.

Contact Karina today and start planning your special ceremony together.

Email: karina@celebrant-uk.co.uk

Tel: 07970 513715