Why I love handfastings

In this blog I share with you why I love handfastings so much. I still remember my celebrant suggesting hand fasting to me and I having no idea what it was. However, minutes later, my love story with hand fasting began. Furthermore, I truly believe that my own handfasting ceremony is what led me to become celebrant. So here’s why…

It’s different 

Firstly, it sure is different! I was looking for something alternative because I didn’t want a traditional wedding. Because of my handfasting, my ceremony was unique and special. In addition, my guests were fascinated by it, because they had only ever attended traditional ceremonies. Above all, the colours, readings and binding of our hands made my wedding ceremony a very memorable one!

History

Secondly, I like the history handfasting has. It’s an ancient marital practice with lots of Celtic connections and variations. Moreover, its long history adds to its romantic feel

For instance,

Do you remember William Wallace’s wedding scene in the film Braveheart? He uses a strip of his quilt to marry Murron, and surrounded by trees, he declares his love to her, “I will love you my whole life; you and no other forever.” Moreover, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge had a hand fasting in their wedding ceremony too!! 

It’s beautiful

Thirdly, I love handfastings because they are also beautiful for guests to witness and subsequently make stunning imagery for wedding photos or footage. I often look back at my wedding pics!

Meaningful ceremonies

My ceremony was so meaningful because of our handfasting. We used coloured ribbons to bind our hands together and each one had a special meaning. Furthermore, you can use almost anything, for example strips of sentimental cord, or rope, or for instance ribbons with special colours.

You can involve your children or guests

Finally, it’s a fantastic option for blended familes because you can have family members or friends participate. For example, I have two step daughters and we wanted them to feel involved in the wedding and be part of the ceremony,

so this is how we did it;

Elena placed the ribbons over our hands whilst Natalia read out what each colour represented in our marriage. It was such a special moment for our family and therefore, very emotional for us and our loved ones watching. 

Symbolic rituals

If you  want more ideas for an alternative ceremony, then pop over to my symbolic rituals page here or check out my blog on sand ceremonies.

Featured image: Amber Varghese Photography