Personalise your ceremony with handfasting

Katie McCall
May 30
2 min read

Any good wedding celebrant will help you to explore the different ways in which you can make your ceremony personal and unique.

Handfasting is fast becoming one of the most popular symbolic rituals for couples celebrating their big day. In fact, over the last few months, every couple that has booked a ceremony with me has asked to have handfasting incorporated into their celebration.

What is handfasting?

Handfasting is a ritual which dates back to ancient Celtic traditions. Handfasting cords or ribbons are tied around the couple's hands or wrists, as a visual symbol of the couple's unity. Handfasting can be incorporated into a wedding, vow renewal or commitment ceremony, and the couple can then keep the handfasting cord/ ribbon as a keepsake of their special day.

As the cord is bound together, that's where the saying 'tying the knot' comes from.

Adding a personal touch

When choosing the colours of your handfasting ribbons, you can choose your favourite colours, or the colours that align with your wedding décor theme. You may go for the colours of your favourite football team!

Traditionally, the different colour cords/ ribbons carry specific meanings within a handfasting ritual. You might decide to select colours that match your personalities and relationship, or your the priorities for your future together:

blue: tranquillity, understanding
green: abundance, growth, renewal
yellow: joy, sunshine, happiness
orange: warmth, comfort
purple: wealth, luxury, abundance
red: passion, love
pink: romance, feminine energy

Which type of ribbon/ cord to choose

You can order specially designed handfasting cords, which will be long-lasting but more expensive option. Alternatively, a more budget friendly option is to use any type of ribbon or fabric, bought from a haberdashery or fabric shop. It's your ceremony, so you get to decide!

Including loved ones in your handfasting ritual

One of the beautiful things about handfasting is that it allows you to include your loved ones in this part of your ceremony (if you want to). Your loved ones can: