The beautiful tradition of handfasting
Sharon Allam • 8 February 2025
Introducing handfasting into your wedding ceremony
When it comes to weddings, I firmly believe that every couple should have a ceremony as unique and special as their love story. One beautiful tradition that can add a meaningful touch to your big day is handfasting—an ancient ritual symbolizing love, unity, and commitment. With so many ways to personalize it, from the materials you use to the words you speak, handfasting can be a truly magical part of your wedding ceremony.
So, What Exactly is Handfasting?
Handfasting is a symbolic act where a couple’s hands are gently bound together with cords or ribbons, representing their union and the joining of their lives. Ever heard the phrase “tying the knot”? Well, this is where it comes from!
With deep roots in Celtic traditions and other ancient cultures, handfasting was traditionally performed outdoors, celebrating the couple’s connection to nature. It was seen as a sacred bond, intertwining two destinies and marking the beginning of a new journey together.
Why Choose Handfasting?
Handfasting is more than just a beautiful ritual—it’s a powerful metaphor for love and commitment. As the cords are tied, they symbolize the couple’s lives, dreams, and futures becoming one. The knots serve as a reminder of the strength of their bond, promising support through life’s adventures.
But what makes this tradition truly special is its flexibility! Handfasting allows couples to showcase their personalities through the choice of cords, colours, and styles. For example:
❤️ Red symbolizes love, passion, and energy
💙 Blue represents patience, trust, and devotion
💚 Green embodies growth, renewal, and harmony
Incorporating Handfasting into Your Ceremony
If you’re thinking of adding handfasting to your wedding, here are a few ideas to make it uniquely yours:
🌟 Choose Meaningful Cords – Select colours that resonate with you or incorporate fabric from a cherished family heirloom.
💬 Personalize Your Vows – Work with your celebrant to weave in heartfelt promises or readings that reflect your journey together.
👨👩👧👦 Invite Loved Ones to Participate – Having family or friends wrap the cords around your hands can symbolize the support of those closest to you.
🎀 Create a Keepsake – After the ceremony, save your handfasting cords as a lasting memento—perhaps framing the knot or keeping it in a memory box.
As your Sunflower wedding celebrant, I’d love to help you craft a handfasting ceremony that feels authentic, meaningful, and seamless within your special day. If you’d like to explore this tradition further or discuss how to incorporate it into your wedding, just reach out—I’d be delighted to help!
Looking forward to hearing from you! 🌻💛
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Recently, I had the joy of visiting a stunning London venue to officiated a wedding ceremony for a cosmopolitan couple. Let me tell you, it was an experience to remember! With high ceilings, rough plastered walls, and bare floorboards, the space was sooooo chic. It was just THE perfect location for this couple to hold their wedding. Not only did the venue compliment the couple’s love story but it was centrally located. Some for bride's family had traveled from across the Atlantic to celebrate their wedding day, leaving behind sunny skies for a stylish, albeit rainy, London wedding. The wedding guests were such a lovely group and their happiness flooded the room. This energy made the celebration even more memorable. They certainly raised the roof when the couple were introduced as Mr and Mrs! As a wedding celebrant, covering Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and London, I know how important it is to find the right setting for your wedding day. While I captured my own snapshots of this beautiful wedding (featured here), it was the talented duo Elle and Ben (Insta: @winningtoncoe and @ben.winnington) whose photography and videography truly brought the day to life. They captured the vibe of the day perfectly. Another special highlight was the stunning floral arrangements by florist Rebel Rebel, which (I'm reliably informed) featuring exquisite Icelandic poppies and aromatic jasmine. Being part of this wonderful wedding celebration at Old Sessions House was an absolute delight. If you’re dreaming of a city wedding or looking for a wedding celebrant, I would love to help you create your dream wedding day. Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after!
As you may already know, I’m Sharon, a wedding celebrant operating in Bedfordshire and the rest of the UK. Setting up a business raises the tricky task of choosing a name I should operate under. Oh my goodness, that took a while! After tossing back and forth a number of ideas I settled on Sunflower Ceremonies – in tribute to my favourite flower. Here’s a few reasons why I decided the sunflower perfectly reflected me and my role as a wedding celebrant. The Meaning Behind the Sunflower Sunflowers, known scientifically as *Helianthus annuus* (oooh get me and my latin!) hold a special place in many cultures. Their name is derived from the Greek words "helios," meaning sun, and "anthos," meaning flower." This connection to the sun is not merely historic; sunflowers are renowned for their ability to turn their heads toward the sun. This characteristic symbolizes loyalty, adoration, and unwavering faith - qualities that are integral to many life ceremonies, particularly weddings. Brightness and Joy The vibrant yellow of sunflowers is often associated with happiness and positivity. This cheerful colour can uplift spirits and brighten even the cloudiest of days. As a Bedfordshire Celebrant, I love to incorporate sunflowers into ceremonies, as they evoke feelings of joy and celebration, making them the perfect floral choice for weddings, naming ceremonies, and other significant life events. Resilience and Strength Sunflowers are also a symbol of resilience. They thrive in various conditions and stand tall even in the unpredictable British weather. This quality resonates with many of us as we navigate life's challenges. A sunflower’s journey from seed to full bloom reflects the human experience of growth, transformation, and the beauty that comes from overcoming obstacles. In the context of sunflower ceremonies, this symbolism can be particularly poignant, reminding us of the strength found in love and commitment. Symbol of Friendship and Loyalty Beyond their beauty, sunflowers are often seen as symbols of loyalty and friendship. Their ability to follow the sun is a powerful metaphor for the support we offer to one another through life's ups and downs. This makes them a meaningful addition to any celebration of love, friendship, or family, highlighting the bonds that hold us together. Whether you're planning a renewal of vows, a naming ceremony, or wedding in Bedfordshire or the rest of the UK, I’d love to hear about your plans and, just maybe, Sunflower Ceremonies, can be the add energy and sunshine to your wedding day. I am an experienced Bedfordshire based wedding celebrant with a warm, supportive and friendly style. I’m happy to travel UK wide and I’m always delighted to chat weddings. Go to ‘ Contact me’ to get in touch.
SO, ARE YOU CURIOUS? Well….. 🌻 Let’s start with the most important part ~ I get to know you! Together, we’ll build a relationship and co-create your ceremony. I want to learn all about your likes and dislikes, how you envision your special day, and in turn, I’ll figure out how to add that extra sparkle to it. 🌻 I’m your officiant & storyteller ~This day is all about YOU. My ceremony will revolve around your love story, your passions, and your future together. 🌻 Adding those personal touches ~ We can incorporate elements that truly reflect YOU. Whether it’s including your furry friends, involving your children, adding readings or singalongs, or even playing games and raising a glass of bubbly—let’s decide what fits your style (and it doesn’t have to be any of these!). Want a llama as your ring bearer? Let’s do it! 🌻 Vow Writing Assistance ~ I’m here to help you craft your personal vows. We can aim for heartfelt, sprinkle in some humor, and even elicit a tear or two from even the most stoic relatives. The tone is entirely up to you. 🌻 Ceremony Coordination ~ While I might not don a hi-vis vest, I can manage your crowd with ease. I’ll be there to direct guests to their seats and line them up for those memorable confetti shots. 🌻 I come prepared! ~ I always come ready with tissues—no one wants a snotty wedding! 🌻 The calming influence ~ Wedding day nerves are completely natural; it’s a big occasion! I’ll be your friendly face at the end of the aisle, ensuring you know you’ve got this! What’s essential to remember? No two weddings are the same, and my goal is to help create the day you envision, supporting you in every way I can!
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