Ceremony Elements: The Art of Handfasting
What is Handfasting?
Handfasting is an old Celtic tradition that has become more and more popular in modern wedding ceremonies. It is often used in weddings where one or both of the couple are Scottish or Irish, but has seen a widespread useage in other areas of the UK and abroad.
As an Englishman living in Scotland, I remember seeing my first handfasting and absolutely adoring what it represents.
The ceremony is so visual and exciting, and it is the perfect way to keep your guests immersed while creating a visual representation of the core tenets that make your love what it is.
In the handfasting tradition, the couple will join hands as cords or ribbons of different colours are laid over their arms. Each colour holds different meaning, and is a perfect way to symbolise the core principles that the couple wish to uphold during their marriage.
Each cord or ribbon comes with a promise that the couple must make to each other before the binding is made. The cords or ribbons are then tied together to bring all the promises made by the couple together, and serves as a reminder of those promises going forward.
A handfasting can be performed by myself, or alternatively I can lead some of your family and friends in performing the ceremony to make a more personal experience (which is a perfect way to include beloved guests who might not be at the top table!)
Colour Guide
Below, I have made a list of some of the most popular colours used in handfasting, as well as their meanings. If you have colours in mind that are not shown, I can let you know what meaning they hold. Some couples also choose to use fabric that means something personal to them alongside the ribbons, such as family tartans or, if the couple has children, I have even seen baby blankets used in the ceremony. It is the perfect way to show those you love what is most important in your lives going forward.
Black: pure love, success, strength
Blue: fidelity, longevity, safety
Brown: Nurturing, home and hearth, healing
Gold: wisdom, prosperity, longevity
Gray: balance, neutrality
Green: fertility and growth, luck, nurturing
Orange: kindness, encouragement, attraction
Pink: happiness, unity, romance, truth
Purple: spiritual strength, power, health
Red: passion, love, courage
Silver: protection, inspiration, creativity
White: purity, peace, devotion
Yellow: harmony, joy. confidence
Handfasting is becoming increasingly popular among couples at their weddings, and it is one of my favourite elements to perform. If you would like more information on handfasting, or any other elements to incorporate into your ceremony, please do not hesitate to get in touch.