Engagement or Betrothal ceremonies are traditional for some cultures, and are becoming more popular with a lot of couples as a lovely and unique way to declare their love for each other and their relationship

Engagement ceremonies are simply introductory ceremonies which enables the bringing together of two families and two sets of friends through the ‘Betrothal’ of two people. They can work really well for couples with children from a previous relationship as a way of welcoming both sets of children, and you can even include them within your personalised ceremony.

Your Engagement or Betrothal Ceremony can be held in any location, on any day and at any time. You can include poems, readings or any family customs meaningful to you can also be included into your ceremony, making it a unique, personalised and memorable start to future relationship together.

Why not have personalised intention vows between the couple, and acceptance and welcoming vows between each family.  Add more symbolism with a Handfasting  or a unity candle, wine ceremony, or unity sand ceremony ?

So, what is handfasting?

Hand fasting is an ancient Celtic betrothal ritual and it involves tying a piece of tartan (or cord or ribbon if you prefer) around your joined hands, as a symbolic way of representing your union as a couple.

It may well be where the expression ‘tying the knot’ came from! The original idea was that it was a kind of engagement – the couple would be betrothed for a year and a day before they then married.

If you decide to have a hand fasting, I always make a point of saying that although that was the tradition, your hand fast will be for life! There are a few different ways for a hand fasting to be done and I can advise and give couples ideas.