Knot Your Average Wedding Invitation: Tying The Perfect Knot

Tying the knot is a wedding tradition that is creative, engaging, and rich in symbolism. The ritual involves the couple tying a Fisherman's Knot, one of the strongest of all knots, to represent the strengthening of their relationship as pressure is applied. This ritual is especially popular for nautical-themed or coastal weddings. Couples can display the knot as a keepsake in their home after the ceremony. There are many tie the knot wedding invitation options available on Etsy and Zazzle.

Tying the knot: symbolism and meaning

Tying the knot is a phrase that is commonly used to refer to getting married or performing a wedding ceremony. The phrase has both literal and figurative roots, with the former referring to the act of physically tying a knot during the wedding ceremony, and the latter being a congratulatory expression.

The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the ancient Celtic handfasting ceremony, which dates as far back as 7000 B.C. in ancient Ireland. In this ritual, a couple's hands are bound together with a ribbon or cord, symbolising the union of two entities becoming one. The colour of the cord is also significant, with blue representing tranquility, patience, devotion and sincerity. The handfasting ceremony is also believed to have been used in ancient Scotland and by the 18th century in other cultures as a trial marriage lasting about a year, after which the couple would decide whether to part ways or make their union official.

The act of tying a knot during a wedding ceremony is rich in symbolism. As pressure is applied to the knot, it strengthens, much like a marriage. The Fisherman's Knot, in particular, is known for being one of the strongest knots, symbolising the enduring nature of the union. The physical knot also serves as a lasting keepsake of the wedding day, a reminder of the couple's commitment to each other.

In modern times, the handfasting ceremony has evolved and is now often incorporated into wedding ceremonies as a unity ritual, especially for those with Celtic or Scottish roots. Couples may choose to include this ancient ritual as a meaningful way to symbolise their devotion and unity. Alternatively, knots can be incorporated into the wedding decor or food as a subtle nod to the phrase, such as using knotted ropes or ribbons, or serving soft pretzels at the cocktail hour.

How to tie a fisherman's knot

Tying a knot is a creative and engaging wedding ceremony tradition, especially for nautical-themed weddings. The Fisherman's Knot, also known as the improved clinch knot, is one of the strongest of all knots and is a great symbol of the strength of a marriage.

Step 1: Start by holding the ends of both ropes. The ropes should be about 4 feet long—long enough to make the knot but short enough to manage easily.

Step 2: At the same time, create a loop with each rope. You will now have two loose knots at either end of the ropes.

Step 3: Pull firmly on the rope in your right hand to form a tight knot.

Step 4: To secure the knot, pull the ropes in opposite directions.

For a more complex Fisherman's Knot, such as one used for fishing, follow these steps:

Step 1: Run the tag end of the line through the eye of your hook, pulling through about 8-10 inches of the line. The tag end is the end of the line used for knot-tying, and the eye is the small hole at the top of the hook.

Step 2: Wrap the tag end around the standing line 5 times. The standing line is the remainder of the line that runs up towards the reel.

Step 3: Pass the tag end through the loop next to the hook eye. This will create another loop that includes your wraps.

Step 4: Pass the tag end through the new loop.

Step 5: Wet the loops with some saliva to lubricate the knot.

Step 6: Holding the tag end and standing end in one hand and the bend of the hook in the other, pull on the line with steady pressure.

Step 7: Tighten your knot slowly and clip any remaining tag line, leaving only 1/8 inch.

Nautical-themed wedding invitations

Nautical-themed weddings are a creative and engaging way to celebrate your special day, especially if you're getting married by the coast. Tying a knot during the ceremony is a fun ritual that your guests can get involved in and is a perfect fit for a nautical theme.

To tie in the nautical theme with your wedding invitations, consider a boarding pass design, with a cruise or destination wedding theme. You could also incorporate anchor motifs or rope details, perhaps with a vintage lace and rope design. Invitations with a map can also be a fun way to bring in the nautical theme, especially if you include an 'X' marks the spot detail.

For a more subtle nod to the nautical theme, opt for a colour palette of deep blues and greens, or a crisp white and navy combination. You could also include gold embossing, reminiscent of a compass, or a wax seal to add a touch of elegance. If you want to include a playful detail, consider a cocktail napkin with a 'She's Tying the Knot' or 'He's Tying the Knot' motif.

Finally, don't forget that you can also include a small length of rope with your invitations, perhaps with a tag that says 'We're tying the knot!' or 'Watch us tie the knot!' This will give your guests a fun keepsake and a literal reminder of your wedding theme.

Invitation wording and templates

When it comes to the wording and templates for your wedding invitations, there are many options to choose from, depending on the style and tone you wish to convey. Here are some suggestions for how to word and format your invitations:

Formal Wedding Invitation Wording:

The traditional formal invitation includes the full names of the hosts and the individuals getting married. The date and time are usually written out in full, and you should include the middle names of the couple. Here's an example:

> Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their son Jack Alexander to Mason Jacob Kim on Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

Fun Wedding Invitation Wording:

If you're looking to inject some fun into your invitations, you might want to use more casual language and a playful tone. For example:

> Come party with us! Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim are tying the knot on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Dinner and dancing to follow!

Casual Wedding Invitation Wording:

For a small or informal wedding, you might prefer a more relaxed tone in your invitations. You can use numbers to convey the date and time and include a simple request to share in your joy:

> Jack Alexander Smith & Mason Jacob Kim invite you to share in their joy at their wedding on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

Creative Wedding Invitation Wording:

Feel free to get creative with your invitations, especially if your wedding has a strong theme. You can add a quirky request to attend, such as:

> Good food, good drinks, good friends! Jack Smith & Mason Kim request you to celebrate with them as they get hitched on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Party to follow!

Modern Wedding Invitation Wording:

Modern invitations often feature the couple's names front and centre, with sleek and straightforward language. You can even add a playful line, such as:

> Jack Smith & Mason Kim would love to eat wedding cake with you on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow!

Simple Wedding Invitation Wording:

Sometimes, less is more. A simple, direct approach conveys the essential information clearly and concisely:

> Jack Smith & Mason Kim are getting married on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Join us!

Invitation Templates:

Now, onto the templates! There are many websites that offer customizable and printable wedding invitation templates. Here are some recommended sites and specific templates to consider:

• Canva: A user-friendly site that allows you to tailor designs with photos, fonts, and colour schemes. Some graphics may require a small fee.
• Etsy: A treasure trove of creative wedding invitation templates to suit various budgets and styles, including rustic florals and modern geometric patterns.
• Download & Print: A simple site where you enter your details, customise colours, and print. It also provides a handy dotted line to guide your cutting for envelopes.
• Lia Griffith: Offers more than just invitation templates, with place cards, table numbers, and thank-you cards available.
• Jukebox: Features watercolour florals, vintage sketches, and bold prints, as well as blank templates for designing from scratch.
• Cards & Pockets: Provides free, elegant, colourful, and fresh wedding invitation templates, along with affordable embellishments like belly bands and wax seals.
• Greetings Island: Offers a wide range of classic, simple, and bright invitation templates. Access is free with a subscription plan.

Example Templates:

• Canva Greyscale Photo Wedding Invitation Template: A modern and classic design that includes a photo, such as an engagement photo.
• Cards & Pockets Banner Wedding Invitation Template: A traditional invitation with a touch of vintage botanical whimsy. The blue-grey accents and delicate pink leaves are customisable.
• Lia Griffith Citrus Squeeze Wedding Invitation Template: Adorned with summer citrus fruits, this template features original watercolours and a blend of script and modern typefaces.
• Download & Print Victorian Wedding Invitation Template: Illustrated birds, an opulent border, and a mint green accent colour make this template elegant and unique.
• Greetings Island Red Poppy Wedding Invitation Template: Watercolour poppies give this template a unique, minimalist, yet bold floral design.

Where to buy tie-the-knot invitations

Tying the knot is a creative and engaging wedding ceremony tradition, rich in symbolism. The pressure applied to the knot strengthens it, just like a marriage. There are many ways to incorporate this ritual into your wedding ceremony and invitations.

The Knot

The Knot offers a wide range of wedding invitation designs, including free samples that can be personalised with your details. They have various formats, such as magnetic save-the-date cards, and exclusive collections, like the Bridgerton x The Knot Collection. You can also create a free wedding website to match your chosen invitation design.

A Sweet Start

A Sweet Start is a blog that provides wedding ceremony inspiration and advice. While they don't appear to sell invitations, they do offer valuable insights into unique ceremony ideas, such as the literal tying of a knot during the wedding ritual.

Vera Wang x The Knot

Vera Wang has an exclusive collection with The Knot, featuring her iconic aesthetic in 14 one-of-a-kind suites. The collection includes invitations, RSVP cards, and envelopes, all designed to be easily foldable and budget-friendly.

In addition to these sources, you can also explore other online marketplaces and stationery boutiques for 'tie-the-knot' themed wedding invitations. It's a good idea to browse through different options to find the perfect invitations that match your wedding theme and style.

Frequently asked questions