The handfasting ceremony is where the expressions ‘Tying the knot’ and ‘Giving one’s hand in marriage’ come from.

Handfasting originates from an old pagan ritual. The bride and groom give each other their hands, and a ribbon or rope is used to bind their hands together. One end of the ribbon is given to their unbound hand and when they are asked to pull it the ribbons form a knot.

Handfasting Ceremony Today

At Fuze Ceremonies our wedding celebrants regularly use this symbolic gesture to reinforce a couples vows that, on their wedding day, they are making to each other.

For the handfasting gesture Fuze Ceremonies wedding celebrants provide ribbons to match the wedding theme or provide tartan ribbons to match the groomsmen’s kilts. The tartan handfasting ribbons make a wonderful memento.

The celebrant wraps the ribbons or cords around their hands as they say their wedding oaths. When the bride and groom are asked to step apart a knot is formed in the middle of the cords, binding their two lives together as one.

This is a great way to demonstrate your love and commitment to each other, giving you and your guests something visual and tactile to focus on. It is also a great keepsake to remind you of the best day of your life! The ribbons can be added into the brides’ bouquet or used to tie the wedding register in a scroll so it can be kept as a memento.

There are many different methods of hand fasting, and each celebrant adds their individual twist. Now I may be biased, but I would have to say that here at Fuze our celebrants are the very best of hand fasters, with their expert technique and heart-warming words; there won’t be a dry eye at your marriage ceremony!

You can purchase hand fasting cloths in your tartan or colour scheme (subject to availability) and these start at £20 (plus p&p), just get in touch and let us know what material you want and we will get a quote back to you.