Creating Your Wedding Broom: A Step-By-Step Guide

Jumping the broom is a wedding tradition that is particularly popular among the African and Celtic diasporas, as well as in Pagan handfastings. The tradition is believed to bring good luck to the newly married couple and symbolises the transition from single to married life. The broom can be purchased or made and decorated by the couple and their wedding party. This paragraph aims to provide a guide on how to make your own wedding broom, including the materials required and the steps to follow.

Choosing the right broom

Type of Broom

The type of broom you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the symbolism that resonates with you. The wedding broom, also known as the handfasting besom, holds different meanings for different cultures. For example, in African and Celtic traditions, the broom symbolises the threshold between your old single life and your new married life. In Pagan handfastings, it can represent the daily grind of married life. Consider the significance you want your broom to convey.

Size of the Broom

The size of your wedding broom should be proportionate to the couple jumping over it. Ideally, the length of the finished broom should be long enough so that each person has a bit of the broom in front of them when jumping. This ensures that both partners are fully included in the ritual. Measure the length across your shoulders and add a few inches to account for the broom skirting.

Materials

The materials you choose for your wedding broom can be tailored to your wedding colours, theme, or cultural traditions. Natural straw brooms are a popular choice as they are easier to decorate and give a more traditional look. For the handle, select a sturdy branch from a hardwood tree, preferably with attractive bark that can be left natural or stained to complement the skirting. Softwood trees are ideal for the skirting twigs as they are more flexible and easier to work with. You can also incorporate flowers, ribbons, feathers, decorative wire, pins, shells, beads, or other personalised touches.

Decoration

The decoration of your wedding broom is a fun and creative process that can involve you and your wedding party. Consider using materials that match your wedding colours or theme. Flowers, ribbons, and decorative wire are common choices. You can also add glitter, rhinestones, or brooches for a touch of sparkle and elegance. Don't forget to include any meaningful symbols or decorations that honour your cultural traditions or personal style.

Source

You can purchase a fully decorated wedding broom, or you can opt for a DIY approach. If you decide to make your own, gather your materials and get creative! You can find natural straw brooms and crafting supplies at craft stores, grocery stores, or online retailers like Amazon or Etsy. Remember to allow enough time for creating your broom, especially if you plan to strip and sand the handle or incorporate intricate decorations.

Sourcing materials

Natural Materials

If you want to go the traditional route, start by gathering sticks from trees on your property or attractive trees nearby. Remember to thank the tree before you cut any branches! Look for a sturdy hardwood branch for the handle, which should feel neither too thin nor too thick. For the broom's "skirting", select softer wood twigs that are flexible and easy to work with. Aim for twigs that are roughly the same length and fairly straight. You can also incorporate rushes, grasses, flower stems, silk or dried flowers, and feathers to add a decorative touch.

Crafting Materials

In addition to natural materials, you will need some basic crafting supplies. These include tape, scissors, markers, and a hot glue gun. A crafting stick is also useful for pressing materials into the hot glue. Ribbon, decorative floral curled wire, and decorative pins can be used to embellish your broom and match your wedding colours or theme. If you want to add some sparkle, consider using glitter spray paint or incorporating rhinestones, crystals, or brooches.

Pre-made Brooms

If you don't want to start from scratch, you can purchase a pre-made broom and decorate it. Craft stores often sell natural straw brooms designed for crafting, which are easier to decorate due to the manipulability of the bristles. You can also look for cinnamon brooms, which not only look beautiful but also smell great! Alternatively, you can buy a simple broom from a grocery store or even Amazon, and decorate it with ribbon, flowers, or other embellishments.

Online Sources

If you're short on time or want a more convenient option, consider purchasing a pre-made or DIY wedding broom online. Websites like Etsy offer a wide variety of options, from undecorated brooms that you can personalise yourself to fully decorated brooms that match your colour scheme or theme. You can even find customised brooms that incorporate specific flowers or colours to match your bouquet or wedding decor.

Preparing the handle

Firstly, you need to find a sturdy branch for the handle. It should be made from hardwood and ideally not too thin or thick. Take your time to select the right branch, as it forms the foundation of your broom. Remember to thank the tree before you cut the branch, as suggested by some traditions. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-made broom handle or a natural straw broom designed for crafting, which can be easier to decorate.

Once you have the handle, you can decide whether to keep the bark on or remove it. Removing the bark and staining or painting the handle can create a unique and elegant look. If you choose to remove the bark, make sure to sand it for a smooth finish. This additional step will add a few days to your project, but it can be worth it for a polished result.

If you prefer a more natural look, you can simply find a branch with attractive bark and leave it as it is. You can also add decorations to the handle, such as ribbon, twine, or other embellishments that match your wedding colours or theme. Consider wrapping the handle with ribbon or twine in a diagonal pattern, similar to the grips of a baseball bat. You can wrap the entire handle or just a few inches, depending on your preference.

Another option is to use hot glue and decorative items such as flowers, feathers, or other trinkets to embellish the handle. You can also add a personal touch by incorporating items that match your bouquet or other wedding accessories. Just be careful when using hot glue, as it can cause burns.

Lastly, don't forget to measure the length of the handle before attaching the bristles or "skirting". The finished broom should be long enough so that everyone jumping over it has a bit of the broom in front of them. Keep in mind that the bristles will add to the overall length, and some of the handle will be covered by the bristles.

Adding decorations

Flowers are a popular choice for wedding broom decorations. You can use fresh flowers that match the bride's bouquet, such as lilies, or opt for dried or silk flowers. Feathers can also be a beautiful addition to your floral arrangement. Place your flowers and feathers on one side of the broom, spreading them out like a fan, and secure them with tape. You can also use hot glue to add decorative touches, but be careful as it can cause burns.

Ribbons are another common way to decorate your wedding broom. Choose a ribbon that matches your wedding colors, and use it to cover the end of the broom handle in a cross shape, securing it with hot glue. You can then wrap the ribbon diagonally around the handle, similar to the grip of a baseball bat. Wrap as much or as little of the handle as you like, and consider adding a bow with the same or a complementary-colored ribbon.

If you want to add some sparkle to your broom, you can use decorative pins, plastic jewels, or shells. Wired ribbon and decorative floral curled wire can also be used to add some shine and dimension to your design.

For a more natural look, consider using twigs, grasses, flower stems, or rushes for the "skirting" of the broom. You can attach these directly to the handle with fishing line and hot glue, or bundle them together separately and then insert the handle through the middle.

Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touches to your wedding broom. It's a unique and meaningful part of your ceremony, so make it truly yours!

Final touches

Now that you have the basic structure of your wedding broom, it's time to add your own creative touches to make it unique and meaningful. Here are some ideas for the final steps of creating your wedding broom:

• Personalised Decorations: You can add decorations that match your wedding colours or theme. This could include flowers, ribbons, feathers, shells, jewels, pins, or beads. You can attach these items using hot glue, wire, or decorative pins.
• Wrap the Handle: Consider wrapping the broom's handle with ribbon, cloth, wire, or twine. You can create a diagonal pattern similar to the grips of a baseball bat, or wrap only a few inches of the handle. You can also use the same material to cover the end of the broom handle in a cross shape for a neat finish.
• Create a Bow: Use wired ribbon to create a bow for your broom. It can be simple or elaborate, depending on your preference and skill level. Attach the bow to the broom using hot glue or decorative pins.
• Blessing: If you want to incorporate a traditional element, consider having the married women in your family and friends bless the broom before the ceremony.
• Hang it After: Your wedding broom can become a decorative piece in your home after the wedding. Many couples choose to hang it over a doorway, above the mantle, or cross it with a sword as a reminder of their vows.
• Incorporate Family Traditions: If your family has any unique traditions or rituals associated with the wedding broom, be sure to include them in your design and ceremony.

Remember, the wedding broom is a symbol of your union and the transition into your new life together. So, feel free to be creative, add personal touches, and involve your loved ones in the process of making your wedding broom.

Frequently asked questions