What is a Handfasting Cord or Handfasting Ribbon

The handfasting cord is a woven or stiched cord or ribbon used for the ritual binding of your hands during your handfasting ceremony. You will be joining hands and your celebrant or high priest(ess) will wrap a handfasting cord or handfasting ribbon around them. Hence the expression tying the knot. 

The Meaning of the Handfasting Cord

The handfasting cord symbolises the bond you have and that your union is unbreakable.

After your hands have been tied, you will probably undertake certain rituals like a drinking ceremony or jumping the broom before untying. All of those rituals are there to symbolise the strength of you union, so pick them carefully.

How to Get or Make Your Handfasting Ribbon

Whether you buy your handfasting cord, or you make it depends in no small part on your ability in crafting one.
If French plait defeats you, you will be better off having someone else make it for you.

The strongest argument to make your own cord is that you will think about your wishes for your future together while making it, which in turn infuses the cord with this energy.

You can include friends and family in the making of the cord so they can feel involved and add their own energy for you.

If neither you nor your loved ones feel up to the job of creating your own handfasting cord, then buying one is a valid option. There are plenty of makers on the usual small enterprise websites, and you are bound to find a cord that meets your expectations.

Choosing the Colours for Your Handfasting Cord

This is a choice that is very personal to you, and it is an important one.
You can pick colours and materials that you simply like. Or you can look up the meaning of certain colours, or pick colours that remind you of happy places and happy events in the past.
Before you start making your ribbon however, make sure that your colours will also look nice together.
There is nothing more disappointing than receiving your handfasting ribbon only to realise that though your favourite colours, they just look horrible when put together.

Photographing Your Handfasting Cord

Your handfasting cord will be a central item of your ceremony, just like wedding rings. While photographing the handfasting ribbon after it has been wrapped around your joint hands is a beautiful photo, many details can get lost.

That’s why I make sure to capture them before your ceremony.

I might just get the photos of your handfasting ribbon on the altar. Or, depending on where you get ready, I might want to take your handfasting cords or ribbons outside to a worthy setting.

But don’t worry, I will not just wander off with it, we will discuss beforehand what you are comfortable with.

If you would like to find out how I can help you at your handfasting in the UK or your elopement handfasting in the EU, you can find out more here. Or you can drop me a message and find out if I am available on your day via my contact form.

I look forward to hearing all about your handfasting!

Bright blessings,

 Alternative Wedding And Handfasting Photographer UK and EU