Handfasting is a beautiful Celtic tradition that has stood the test of time, and with good reason. It’s what I had for my own wedding back in 2014. It was wonderful to have this ancient ceremony as an alternative to a more traditional ceremony. We coupled it with a legal marriage at the registry office.
It’s where the expression ‘tying the knot’ comes from, and it symbolises two lives being gently joined together.
During a handfasting, a cord or ribbon is gently wrapped around the couple’s hands, a symbol of their love and commitment.
Sometimes the ribbon or chord is tied by me, sometimes by friends or family, to represent love, unity, and the weaving together of two journeys.
Some people choose colours that have meaning for them: perhaps gold for laughter, blue for loyalty, green for growth, or simply something that looks lovely in the photos!
Each thread can carry meaning, friendship, loyalty, joy, or hope, woven together in a simple act that has connected couples for centuries.
It’s both an ending and a beginning, a promise spoken and seen.
It’s a simple gesture, but a very powerful one. The cords are tied as promises are spoken, and when they’re loosened, it’s said that the vows remain, gently binding two hearts instead.
I love including a handfasting because it adds something both timeless and personal. It’s a visual reminder that love is not just a feeling, it’s a beautiful, living connection that you choose to honour every day.
Jumping the broom
Jumping the broom is a beautiful ceremony where a couple leaps, or for many of us, gently jumps, over a broom. The ceremony is deep and historical symbolism. Its roots are found in African-American, Welsh, Scottish and Roma cultures.
It is symbolically sweeping away the past, problems and lives are Singleton’s to embark on a future together as a couple. It’s about taking a leap into the future together facing whatever challenge life may bring. Traditionally, black couples often would denied the legal right to marry during the time of slavery. This ritual was a public commitment to each other. Jumping the broom also cause for community to assemble such as family and friends.
Couples can bring their own wedding jump brooms which can be bought online from retailers, or I can source one for them and personalise it for them.
The broom jump usually takes place at the end of the wedding ceremony.
The broom is often decorative and handcrafted from natural materials. It can be a dawned with anything the couple chooses. It makes a lovely keepsake and family heirloom.
The broom is placed on the floor and the couple are invited to jump over it after a guest at the wedding family or otherwise all myself gives a brief explanation of what’s happening to the guest.
The wedding party may give a countdown after which the couple jump. There is a much salutation and applause for the new couple.