Hand Fasting

(Item needed: Hand Fasting Cord. The cord(s) used may be vines, upholstery cord, ribbon, rope or anything you choose. Length should be at least 3 to 4 feet.)

NAME and NAME have chosen a traditional hand fasting ceremony to symbolize their entering into the bonds of marriage. In the history of some European traditions, weddings were celebrated by a simple ceremony in which two partners would join hands and their wrists would be tied with a cord, symbolizing the binding together of their individual lives. It is from this practice that we get the expression “tying the knot”.

(Couple joins hands.)

NAME and NAME, this cord is a symbol of the connection between your two lives. As your hands are bound together by this cord, so too, will your lives be bound together in marriage.

(The Couple’s wrists are wrapped and tied loosely with ribbon or cord. This can be done by the officiant or by the couple’s best man/maid of honor, parents, or other chosen person.)

These are the hands that will love you.
These are the hands that will hold and comfort you through the years.
These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement.
These are the hands you will each work with, create with, and use to build a life together.
The knots of this binding are not formed by these cords but instead by your vows,
the promises you make in your hearts and uphold each day through your actions.
Remember, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union.

(Vows may be said while hands are still tied.)

Rings

Just as your hands are now bound together, so too, are your lives.
Because you cannot always be physically joined together, you will each give to the other a wedding ring to symbolize that connection. It will be worn on your hand as a constant reminder of the bond shared between you as a married couple.

(The Hand Fasting cord is removed, without untying it, and Rings exchanged.)

Alternate Blessing of the Hands

NAME & NAME, please join your hands.

Today you are holding the hands of your best friend,
young and strong and full of love for you,
as you promise to love each other forever on your wedding day.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love and cherish you through the years
and will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will wipe tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you hold your family together as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And these are the hands that – even when wrinkled and aged – will still be reaching for yours
and expressing the same tenderness they do today with just a touch.