Don't miss our holiday offer - 20% OFF!
Handfasting Ceremony Decorations: Ideas for Symbolic Marriage Rituals
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual that symbolizes the unity and commitment of two people. It involves tying the couple's hands together with cords or ribbons as they exchange vows. Handfasting can be a beautiful and meaningful way to personalize your wedding ceremony, whether you follow a Pagan or Wiccan tradition or simply want to honor your Celtic heritage. But how do you decorate for a handfasting ceremony? Here are some ideas for handfasting symbolic marriage ceremony decorations that will add charm and elegance to your special day.
Cords or Ribbons
The most essential element of a handfasting ceremony is the cord or ribbon that binds your hands together. You can choose any color, material, or length that suits your style and theme. Some couples use one long cord or ribbon, while others use multiple shorter ones. You can also choose cords or ribbons that have a symbolic meaning, such as your wedding colors, birthstones, or elements of nature. You can make your own cords or ribbons, buy them online, or hire a professional to create them for you.
- The average cost of a cord or ribbon for a handfasting ceremony is $10-$20¹. If you want to save money on a cord or ribbon, you can look for materials at your local craft store or online. You can also use items that have sentimental value, such as a scarf, a necklace, or a piece of fabric.
- The average cost of a custom-made cord or ribbon for a handfasting ceremony is $50-$100¹. If you want to splurge on a cord or ribbon, you can look for artisans who specialize in handfasting cords or ribbons on websites like Etsy or Ravenox. You can also request personalized details, such as embroidery, beads, charms, or crystals.
Altar
The altar is the focal point of your handfasting ceremony, where you and your partner will stand and exchange vows. You can decorate your altar with items that reflect your personality and theme. Some common items are candles, flowers, crystals, herbs, statues, or symbols. You can also use items that represent the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. You can create your own altar, rent one from a venue, or hire a professional to set it up for you.
- The average cost of an altar for a handfasting ceremony is $100-$200². If you want to save money on an altar, you can look for items at your home, garden, or thrift store. You can also borrow items from friends or family who share your beliefs or culture.
- The average cost of a custom-made altar for a handfasting ceremony is $300-$500². If you want to splurge on an altar, you can look for professionals who specialize in handfasting altars on websites like The Celebrant Directory or WeddingWire. You can also request personalized details, such as colors, themes, or styles.
Bouquet
The bouquet is a traditional accessory for the bride (or both partners) to hold during the handfasting ceremony. You can choose any flowers that suit your style and theme. Some popular flowers are roses, lilies, orchids, sunflowers , or lavender. You can also choose flowers that have a symbolic meaning, such as roses for love, orchids for beauty, sunflowers for happiness, or lavender for cleansing. You can make your own bouquet, buy one online, or hire a professional florist to create one for you.
- The average cost of a bouquet for a handfasting ceremony is $50-$100³. If you want to save money on a bouquet, you can look for seasonal or local flowers at your farmer's market or online. You can also use artificial flowers or dried flowers that last longer.
- The average cost of a custom-made bouquet for a handfasting ceremony is $150-$200³. If you want to splurge on a bouquet, you can look for exotic or rare flowers at your florist or online. You can also request personalized details, such as ribbons, charms, or crystals.
Attire
The attire is a personal choice for the couple and their guests to wear during the handfasting ceremony. You can choose any style, color, or material that suits your theme and personality. Some couples opt for traditional wedding attire, such as white dresses and suits, while others opt for more casual or alternative attire, such as colorful dresses and kilts. You can also choose attire that reflects your cultural or spiritual background, such as Celtic dresses and tartans. You can create your own attire, rent one from a store, or hire a professional designer to make one for you.
- The average cost of attire for a handfasting ceremony is $200-$500⁴. If you want to save money on attire, you can look for second-hand or vintage options at your thrift store or online. You can also borrow attire from friends or family who have similar tastes or sizes.
- The average cost of custom-made attire for a handfasting ceremony is $500-$1000⁴. If you want to splurge on attire, you can look for new or designer options at your bridal store or online. You can also request personalized details, such as embroidery, lace, or beads.
Handfasting is a symbolic marriage ceremony that celebrates the bond and commitment of two people. It involves tying the couple's hands together with cords or ribbons as they exchange vows. Handfasting can be decorated with items that reflect the couple's style and theme. Some of the main items are cords or ribbons, altar, bouquet, and attire. Handfasting can be a beautiful and meaningful way to personalize your wedding ceremony and honor your Celtic heritage.