Weddings and Handfastings

Weddings and handfastings

The flowers, the music, the guest list, planning your wedding can be a lot of fun (and sometimes not!)… It’s one of the few chances we get in life to express our individuality through an event. Certainly the wedding industry never tires of telling us how many different aspects of our big day can be commodified.  But your ceremony is the central aspect of the day around which all else pivots.

When we strip it back, a wedding celebrates two people saying their vows in front of their loved ones. That’s your vows. Saying the things that you want to say in front of the people you have chosen to be there.  

Usually a ceremony will comprise of an introduction and welcome, some background, the exchange of vows and the exchange of rings. But of course it can be whatever you want it to be. You may have specific people you want to be involved and you will likely have an idea of the tone you want to set.  

With this ring I thee wed 

The custom of giving a ring to the bride dates back before common era, while the exchange of rings between bride and groom is only a few decades old. A ring is said to represent the eternal nature of love, since it has no beginning and no end.

The visual aspect of the ceremony is often very magical and the exchange of rings is a symbolic gesture which solidifies and confirms those special words or promises. It is truly a powerful moment of manifestation. 

You may also choose to incorporate other gestures or visual expressions and I would be happy to share ideas with you. 

Tying the knot 

The historical origin of the word ‘handfasting’ is obscure, but the term has been used for at least five centuries in Western Europe to describe the promise of commitment that is made in marriage.  

Today handfasting is used as an alternative or additional symbolic gesture during a wedding ceremony. The couple’s hands are joined and temporarily fastened together and the vows or other accompanying words are said to be metaphysically woven into the expression. As your wrists or hands are bound in this way it gives physical form to the intention of unity and connection that you are setting.

Saying ‘I Do’

The famous ‘I Do’ is a response to the question ‘Do you take [insert partner’s name] to be your lawful wedded husband/wife.’ It is one of only two sentences in a marriage ceremony which are required to make the union recognised by law. The other statement is ‘I know not of any lawful impediment why I should not be joined in matrimony to [your partner’s name]. 

But although these sentences are the only one’s you’ll need in the registry office (and a few signatures), there is so much more to say about you and your partner! 

It would be my honour to guide you through the process of creating your ceremony and hold the space for you to declare your vows. Please get in touch for a no-obligation chat.