Modern Day Handfasting
Those with few formal religious beliefs, who are still looking to incorporate a formal traditional aspect to offset what typically can become a very dry civil ceremony, can look to a modern day handfasting.
While traditionally the handfasting ceremony was performed using a rope, giving rise to the expression "tying the knot", today's handfasting rituals use a ribbon to bind the newly married couple's hands together. Ribbons that in today's modern era, often come encrypted with thoughts and wishes for the bride and groom on their wedding day.
For some this ribbon is pre-made with their message of hope printed directly on, then braided together with other pre-printed messaged ribbon, or other colors, to form a smooth yet silken rope.
For others the messages that are written on the ribbons come from friends and family, similar to a ring warming ceremony, where they have a chance to impart their thoughts and wishes to the bridal couple.
If looking to your friends and family to add to your ceremony, a good time to do this is during the rehearsal dinner the night before. Not only does it ensure that your nearest and dearest friends take part in this process, it also gives you the peace of mind of knowing that the ribbon is completed, braided and ready for the next days ceremony.
Not all officiants are comfortable with performing a handfasting ceremony, so be sure to talk it over with them before choosing one, or be prepared to have more than one; one officiant who can conduct your wedding ceremony and another who can conduct your handfasting.
Typically this type of ritual is conducted either at the beginning of the ceremony or at the very end, but being as it is your wedding, you can place it anywhere within the ceremony you like.
The Celtic practice of handfasting is as old as marriage itself, but there are always new ways to incorporate new practices and the modern day handfasting exemplifies this. By putting your own twist on an old ritual you can make it fit your wedding day in a way that best suits your needs.
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