Handfasting Wedding Invites: What To Include

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic custom that dates back to pre-Reformation Celtic communities. The ritual involves the joining of hands, with a ribbon or cord, symbolising the spiritual union of a marrying couple. The phrase tying the knot is derived from this tradition.

Handfasting is a beautiful and powerful ritual that can be incorporated into a wedding ceremony in a number of ways. It can be included in a secular, Christian, Pagan or Wiccan ceremony and can be performed before, during or after the exchanging of vows.

If you are planning to include a handfasting ritual in your wedding ceremony, you may wish to include details of the ritual on your wedding invitations. This could include a brief explanation of the history and meaning of the ritual, as well as a description of how it will be performed during the ceremony.

Handfasting is a Celtic tradition that dates back over 2,000 years

The typical modern handfasting ceremony is derived from the Celtic tradition predating Christianity. Couples in Celtic England could not simply buy a gold ring, so they used handfasting as their marriage ceremony. Gold bands were also the preserve of the aristocracy, so the relatively simple but highly symbolic ritual of handfasting was much more affordable.

The ritual begins with the couple facing each other and joining hands, either crossing them or side by side. A braided chord or ribbon is then wrapped and tied around their hands, symbolising the couple's union. The handfasting ceremony can be performed by a celebrant, a friend or family member, or the wedding officiant or minister.

The handfasting ceremony can be included in a full Pagan or Wiccan ceremony, or it can be brought into a non-religious or Christian wedding ceremony. The beauty of this tradition is its adaptability and flexibility, allowing couples to incorporate their beliefs, values, and cultural backgrounds.

The handfasting ceremony can be performed at any time during the wedding. It can be done before or after the couple exchange their vows, or immediately before the pronouncement of marriage and the couple's first kiss. The ceremony can be as quick as five to ten minutes long, and it can be performed in a variety of locations, from sacred sites such as stone circles to intimate ceremonies by a crackling fire.

The handfasting ritual is often accompanied by other rituals and symbols, such as toasting with a loving cup, eating celebratory cake, a Sword and Chalice ritual, or a Jumping a besom broom ceremony. These rituals add depth and meaning to the handfasting ceremony, creating a memorable and unique wedding experience for the couple and their guests.

It can be included in secular, spiritual, Christian, or pagan ceremonies

Handfasting is a symbolic unity ritual in which a couple stands face-to-face as their hands are tied together, hence the phrase "tying the knot". The ritual can be included in secular, spiritual, Christian, or pagan ceremonies.

Secular or Spiritual Ceremonies

Handfasting is a wonderful way to personalize a secular or spiritual wedding ceremony. The ritual physically represents the spiritual union of a marrying couple. Couples can use a rope, ribbon, cord, or other binding materials to tie their hands together, symbolizing unity and two individuals moving into the future together "as one".

Christian Ceremonies

Handfasting can also be included in Christian wedding ceremonies. In the past, handfasting was a non-religious ceremony popular among the Celts and Pagans. However, it later began to appear in Christian traditions as it made its way to England.

Pagan Ceremonies

Handfasting is commonly used in Pagan and Wiccan ceremonies. The ritual originated as an ancient Pagan custom dating back to the time of the ancient Celts. It served as a trial marriage, where couples would be bound together for a year to test their compatibility before officially getting married.

What to Say in the Invitations

When including handfasting in your wedding invitations, it is important to introduce the ritual, explain its meaning, and why you have chosen it. You can also mention the significance of the colours or materials used in the handfasting cords.

The couple's hands are bound with a ribbon, cord, or rope

The phrase "tying the knot" comes from the handfasting ritual, where a couple's hands are bound together with a ribbon, cord, or rope. This ritual is an ancient Celtic tradition, dating back over 2,000 years, and is a symbolic unity ritual. The couple stands face-to-face as their hands are tied together, symbolising their connection and devotion to one another.

The ribbon, cord, or rope is draped over the couple's clasped hands, with the ends hanging down. The officiant then loops each end of the ribbon over their hands and ties a knot underneath. The couple's hands are now bound together, symbolising how their lives are joined in a union of love and trust.

The ribbon, cord, or rope used in the handfasting ritual can be simple or elaborate, and can be made from a variety of materials such as lace, ribbon, or fabric with significance to the couple. Some couples choose to use multiple ribbons or cords to create intricate designs or display an array of colours. The number of cords used can vary, with one, three, or six being the most common choices.

The handfasting ritual is usually accompanied by words or vows that express the couple's commitment to one another. The officiant or the couple may recite these words, which can be personalised to make the ceremony more meaningful. The ritual may also be introduced and explained by the officiant or in the ceremony booklet, to provide context for those in attendance.

The ritual can take place before, during, or after the vows

If the handfasting takes place before the vows, the couple can then say their vows with their hands bound together. Alternatively, the couple can first say their vows and then have their hands tied as a symbol of their commitment to one another.

The handfasting ritual can also take place after the vows and before the pronouncement and kiss. This is a good option if the couple would like to exchange rings as part of the ceremony, as they can then untie their hands at the signing table, away from the watchful eyes of their guests.

There are many ways to perform the handfasting ritual. The couple can choose to bind one or both hands. For one hand, the couple stands side-by-side, holding out their arms together. For two hands, the couple stands face-to-face and clasps each other's hands or wrists. The wrists provide a more secure grasp and, when the arms are crossed, the hands form an infinity knot when viewed from above. The couple can ask their officiant or chosen family members or friends to tie the knot.

The handfasting cord can be a ribbon or a long piece of fabric. Some couples use one or two cords, while others use several. The cord can be a simple length of lace or ribbon, or it can be a fabric that is significant to the couple. For example, it could be fabric from a family heirloom or a family tartan. The cord should be long enough to loop around the couple's wrists and hands—approximately one to two metres long.

The officiant or celebrant can introduce the handfasting ritual at the ceremony, explaining its meaning and why the couple chose to include it.

The handfasting cord is kept as a memento

The handfasting cord is usually a ribbon or long piece of fabric, and couples can use one, two, or several cords. The cord(s) can be simple lengths of lace or ribbon, or they can be made from fabric that is significant to the couple. For example, some couples use fabric from a family heirloom, or cord in colours or patterns that have a special meaning.

The handfasting cord(s) should be long enough to loop around the couple's wrists and hands—approximately one to two metres in length. The couple can stand side-by-side and hold out their arms together, or stand face-to-face and clasp each other's hands or wrists for a more secure grasp.

The handfasting ritual is usually performed by the wedding officiant, but some couples ask a friend or family member to do the honours. The officiant or chosen guest will drape the cord(s) over the couple's hands and tie a knot, symbolically uniting the couple. The couple can then recite their vows.

After the ceremony, the couple will keep the handfasting cord(s) as a memento and a reminder of their vows.

Frequently asked questions