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Tartan Wedding Inspiration - Handfasting
Handfasting ceremonies are the latest trend in weddings and this ancient Pagan tradition is experiencing a comeback with couples across the world. "Tying the knot" is brought to life as the bride and groom bind their hands during the ceremony to demonstrate their connection and lifelong intent to be together forever.
The tradition dates back to the Celts and was not a simple act during the wedding ceremony. In the past the handfasting took place over an entire year and if the couple could remain together for 365 days this meant they were well suited. I am not sure my husband and I would have survived that!
These days it is acceptable to bind your hands before, during or after the reciting of the vows and you do not have to be of any particular religious following to adopt this style of wedding ceremony. You can choose to face each other and bind both pairs of hands, only bind your right hands or to bind a right hand to a left.
In ancient times a cord was used to bind your hands but these days a length of ribbon is more common and being a Celtic tradition tartan is of course the obvious choice. You will need 1 to 1.5 metres of ribbon or fabric. We can make your handfasting ribbon in your own tartan and if you want to incorporate two family tartans you can have either a double sided handfast with one tartan each side or use two separate ribbons in each tartan to bind your hands.
What kind of ceremony are you planning for your wedding? Share your plans and favourite trends on our Pinterest pages.
