Using a scarf for the handfasting
Adding a wedding ritual to your Wedding Ceremony can give it a special touch. As an experienced Marriage Celebrant in Perth I believe your wedding should be a special occasion and enjoying an inclusion of a Handfasting ceremony is a way you can make your Wedding Ceremony “special”. A Handfasting Ceremony is an old custom you can include which will give a romantic touch to your Wedding day.
Here is a Handfasting ceremony that I performed recently at a wedding for Margherita and Joseph at the Villa Pourzand in Cottesloe, recently:
In the past in many countries in Europe, few unions were sanctified in a church. Rather, they were celebrated and performed by a simple hand fasting ceremony in which the bride and groom joined hands in their village, or in the accompanying fields or in the groves of trees. Today, we are building upon this tradition. As you can see, Margherita and Joseph have linked hands, to form a circle symbolizing the entirety of the universe as represented in their relationship and for the infinity love they have for each other.
(Brad Marriage Celebrant Perth asks Joseph and Margherita places his hand atop their linked hands and then begins saying)
Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed strong ties between each other. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you will strive to make real, the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony and to the sanctity of marriage.
With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent before your family and friends, but you speak that intent also to each other. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and growth of your souls.
(The Wedding Celebrant ties the scarf around their linked hands and then continues with a hand blessing)
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief racks your mind.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will give you support and encourage you to chase your dreams. Together, everything you wish for, can be realized.
(The Scarf is then untied by the Marriage Celebrant and then the Bride and Groom are declared Husband and Wife. And as you will expect the marriage is then sealed with a beautiful kiss).
Brad Whitelock, Perth Wedding Celebrant. Ph: 0431 974 608
Brad is a Perth Wedding Celebrant performing meaningful Wedding Ceremonies in Perth and regional areas of WA such as Mandurah, Margaret River and Broome. He is also a Marriage Educator traveling all over WA for Australian Celebrations Training.
