Jamie & Tracy ‘tie the knot’ at the wonderful Fruin Farm, caught perfectly by Natalie Holt Photography
Bringing Handfasting to Life
by Joanne Caird, Fuze Celebrant
Since starting my career as a celebrant with Fuze Ceremonies I have found one of the most exciting parts of my role listening to and sharing ideas with couples for ways to incorporate symbolic gestures into their ceremonies. A symbolic gesture during a wedding is often an act which metaphorically shows two individuals coming together as one with the use of certain props.
The best thing about symbolic gestures is how completely personal they can become to the couple, and how tailored they can be to show that each couple is one of a kind, no two couples are the same, and I love having the opportunity to meet as many people in love as possible and getting to know them and their stories.
Growing up in Fife I have been showcased the best Scotland has to offer, Fife boasts over 100 miles of beautiful coastal paths and towns, it has beautiful countryside and hills to walk, and it is not too far away from the capital city of Edinburgh. It isnโt hard to see why I am so proud to be a Scottish lass. On this note it isnโt hard to see why the symbolic gesture I love to bring to life the most is; Handfasting.
Me and my husband Greg performing our handfasting gesture at our wedding 08.04.22 at Fernie Castle Hotel – photo credit Numberย 94 Photography
History of Handfasting:
Handfasting, also known as tying the knot, is a tradition with Celtic roots which incorporates the use of a piece of material, or more than one piece of material, to symbolise two individual people coming together and forming a strong bond as one. At its core, handfasting represents the binding of two souls in love and partnership. As the cords are wrapped around the couple’s joined hands, they can affirm their vows and intentions, weaving together their destinies in a symbolic bond.
I was married in April of 2022 and myself and my husband Greg tied the knot during our ceremony. It was a really memorable part of our big day and we still have our knot in itโs pride of place in the living area of our home. Every time I see handfasting during a wedding my heart fills with joy and fond memories are brought to the surface.
Our handfasting tartans are displayed proudly in our home for us to see every day.
Handfasting –ย How’s It’s Done
While rooted in tradition, handfasting has evolved to accommodate modern wedding ceremonies. Couples often incorporate personal touches such as selecting cords in colors that hold special meaning to them or incorporating family heirlooms into the ceremony. Some even choose to braid the cords together during the ritual, symbolising the intertwining of their lives.
The way I like to include this gesture in ceremonies that I am conducting is to suggest to couples to โtie the knotโ once they have read their personal vows to one another. I consult with couples on the lead up to the big day to show them the ropes (no pun intended!) and help them figure out which materials will work best for them. Quite often couples choose their family tartan which is also a meaningful way to involve both families into the ceremony.
During their ceremony, I like to drape the fabrics over the couples joined left hands, these are the hands closest to the heart, and also the hands that will traditionally wear wedding rings. I create a loose knot underneath and ask them to read their personal vows to one another. Now, this would be a lovely moment no matter the circumstances, but I personally think there is something so magical about personal vows being read while these hands are joined and they are facing one another, truly connected.
Once the vows have been read (and 9 times out of ten once the tears of happiness have been dabbed) I ask them to commemorate this moment and seal their bond by stepping back from one another and pulling the loose fabric with their right hand to create a tight knot. This knot makes for a truly meaningful keepsake and something that the couple can admire and cherish for years to come.
Who Can Get Involved
I always look forward to hearing new ideas for symbolic gestures and I love to think outside the box, but I also just as much love Scottish traditions and I feel handfasting is such a romantic gesture, and a caring nod to our Scottish roots, and in case you didnโt know; If you are tying the knot during your ceremony and it rains, this is perceived as good luck, as the water only makes the knot stronger.
Handfasting is also a marvellous way to include family and friends in the ceremony. One of couples, Matthew and Courtney, chose their dad’s to bring forward their family tartans then read personal vows to one another during the gesture itself. Marriage is a big milestone, and one that is cherished, so the more special people involved the better.
Above: Matthew’s dad brings forward the family tartan – Below: Courtney reads her personal vows to Matthew (Photo credit: The Kensington Photographer at Doubletree Hilton, Queensferry
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In a world where wedding traditions are constantly evolving, handfasting stands the test of time as a symbol of enduring love and commitment. Whether embracing its ancient roots or adding modern twists, couples can infuse their ceremony with meaning and symbolism through the ritual of handfasting.
In humanist ceremonies, handfasting holds particular significance as it aligns with the values of equality, love, and personal choice. It offers couples the opportunity to create a bespoke ceremony that reflects their beliefs and celebrates their unique relationship.
Our humanist celebrant team from Fuze Ceremonies will work closely with you to craft a handfasting ritual that resonates your unique journey together.
Me with Julien and Sophie at Bachilton Barn. Photo credit Dream Captures Scotland
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Add our smiles to yours
No two couples are the same so no two ceremonies should be the same. At Fuze we work alongside our couples to make their humanist wedding ceremony script is unique, personal and bespoke. It’s your day your way with us, so let us add our smiles to yours. To check Joanne’s and all of our amazing celebrant’s live availability for your special date click here!
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