handfasting ceremony before wedding??

Handfasting or "Tying the Knot"

Handfasting is a general term for the symbolic binding of hands in matrimony. It is a marriage ritual popular in numerous cultures outside of the United States. Historically, it was popular with the Celts and various Pagan communities. Hands are tied together loosely with a decorative sash or cord to signify the marital union, and then removed. Prayer beads are sometimes used instead of a sash

http://www.officiantguy.com/handfastingceremony.html

a few ceremony wording on here.

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/handfasting/14d17459776f3830.html

Congrats, welcome to WW

http://www.wikiweddings.org/Wiccan_wedding_traditions

this is more of what we want as i am partial to the wiccan part we are both irish we are both very large into commitment stuff such as before getting engaged its required that i receive a promise ring - which i have but we are leery about it as we have found someone who will do this but still having doubts(not about getting married though) and we will do the 13 symbolic colored ribbons

this is something we want to do prior to our marriage but then also in our marriage the one we are questioning is the prior

here is another website

http://www.handfastings.org/ceremonysuggestions.htm

and thanks

Sounds similar to what my Fiance' and I are doing however we are doing it the day before the wedding and then 1 day and 1 year later on our 1 year anniversary do a vow renewal with another handfasting. I think it is a wonderful tradition that is being revived.

We are going to add in a lot to our ceremony including the handfasting but we are going to do a much shorter version of it in our wedding we liked the idea of a trial run to show we can do it i feel like a promise ring is like a trial run before the engagement ring but we intend to do a vow renewal 1 year, then 5 years, then 10 years and every time do a love letter ceremony

Sounds wonderful Shannon. I think a shortened version is a great idea.

oops double posted.

Here is what we are using and we doing it during the ceremony. Not sure yet if we follow up on our 1 year anniversary or not yet.

As this knot is tied, so are your lives now bound. Woven into this cord, into its very fibers, are all the hopes of your friends and family and of yourselves for your new life together. With the entwining of this knot do I tie all the desires, dreams, love, and happiness wished here in this place to your lives for as long as love shall last.

In the joining of hands and the fashion of a knot, so are your lives now bound, one to another. By this cord you are thus bound to your vow. May this knot remain tied for as long as love shall last.

May this cord draw your hands together in love, never to be used in anger. May the vows you have spoken never grow bitter in your mouths.

Two entwined in love, bound by commitment and fear, sadness and joy, by hardship and victory, anger and reconciliation, all of which brings strength to this union. Hold tight(cont

To one another through both good times and bad, and watch as your strength grows. Remember that it is not this physical cord, but what it represents, that keeps you together.

Sounds neat. Do it. Don't second guess it.

I have many, many couples incorporate a handfasting into their ceremonies. I use six cords and have family members or bridal party members drape them.

Were doing somthing like that its a classic scottish thing(well they use it alot)

were having sash that has FH's family tartan colors on it tied round our hands were touching knuckle to knuckle and saying our vows!

Dang it double post! sorry!

Oh Thank the Goddess and the God that I stumbled upon your post! I am pagan and currently planning my year and day Handfasting Vow Renewal Ceremony for this coming Feb 2020. I think its wonderful that you want to tap into this tradition, because it allows you to further explore your relationship and partner in a more committed, deeper level before you get to publically declare your intent to remain handfasted confront of all your loved ones and celebrate. I have found so much hate regarding this tradition, and even the most proud pagans shy away from it, due to the harsh criticism we encounter. Some people totally misunderstand the idea, thinking that the initial handfasting ceremony is an elopement, and as such, we don't deserve to celebrate a year and a day later like all the other couples. In my humble opinion, it makes a lot more sense to wait until you both know that you really can live together or have a stronger bond before you get wedded, that way you can have a reception to celebrate your young marriage and all that you were able to withstand during your trial period. After all, they say the first year of marriage is the most difficult one. I tend to agree die to experience, my husband and I underwent so much in this time, from job loss to repossession, to being ghosted by family, and alot of hardship. All the things that would seemly destroy our relationship seemed more bearable knowing we had made vows of commitment and knew that we had each other no matter what, and our bond and love grew deeper and sweeter. I don't see the point in getting married with a huge celebration, only to get divorced soon after. This path to the altar allows you to have more patience and work out your problems without the daunting "till death do us part", which can alleviate some of the stress your undergoing, thus creating a space where you have the option to have a amiable handparting ceremony if things dont work out. Ironically, this notion, gives you the determination to resolve the obstacles and push forward, cementing the positive qualities that your mate bring to your life. Believe me, after a year of struggle and hard work, you will know in your heart for certain if you love this person or you want to love them from afar.

I recommend that you don't get married with a civil wedding at your initial hamdfasting, because of the criticism you might encounter when you to celebrate a year later as a wedding. If you do this people might get their panties in a bunch and sent you tons of unnecessary negativity. They might want to demote your special day to just a vow renewal ceremony, which etiquette seems, should be timed down quite a bit. But it really is upto you. I threw caution to the wind and wedded by civil court at my initial handfasting, and having my handfasting renewal after my wedding celebration the same day, with white gown and all. I guess one of the perks of being pagan is that we really dont care what other people think or not, if it make us happy and doesn't hurt anyone, we do it. Besides, you are probably going to spend quite some money and energy on these events, it's you and your partners special day, ultimately it should be and include anything you want. Sure you want the guest to have fun, but those who truly love you guys and deserve to be there, wont mind at all

Wish you the best day of your life at your event, hope it's a beautiful and emotive expression of your love for one another. Blessed Be!

I love this! Did the officiant say this while also tying the ribbons? Did you have other people come and tie the ribbons? We are trying to figure out the best way.