How to Plan a Handfasting

Planning a handfasting is a very exciting time. However, one thing to keep in mind is that most pagan clergy will not marry a couple unless the couple has been together for a year and a day. Most couples will go through the initial commitment ceremony, then a year and a day from that date the couple will go through a permanent handfasting ceremony. Once you have made the decision to have a formal ceremony, have your date set and a budget established the exciting planning begins. For the purpose of this article, we will cover a basic outline for planning a handfasting ceremony.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• pen
• paper
• reliable internet connection
• planner/organizer

1. Determine where you want to have the ceremony. Will it be ndoors or outdoors? If you are planning a theme wedding, depending on the theme, this may influence your decision. If you wish to have the ceremony outdoors at a public site, be sure to contact the facility, or park, to get proper permissions and to establish if there are any fees to rent the area.

2. Also consider the date you have set, and in which season it falls. Some couples set the date of their handfasting in relation to sabbats, moon phases or lucky days.

3. You may need access to a reliable internet connection. You will want to start this aspect of the planning as soon as possible. If you have not already found someone to guide the ceremony, find a local pagan cleric. In some areas this may be accomplished more easily than in others. Once you have found a cleric, set up a time to meet. At the initial meeting, if you feel comfortable with the individual, ask if the cleric would guide your ceremony. if you do not feel comfortable, continue your search. Finding the right cleric is as important as any other aspect and you want everything to be perfect. Keep in contact with the cleric throughout the whole process.

4. As you plan the ceremony, determine which tradition you want use. Do not mix traditions. Determine which God and Goddess you want to ask to bless the ceremony. Write your vows. Decide how the service will proceed. Write down the order of things and let everyone who is participating in the ceremony know the plan. This includes the guests. While determining the order of things, include whether or not you want to include the jumping of the broom.

5. Considering the date, and season, of the handfasting, in conjunction with personal preference, determine what flowers and/or herbs you want to use in the ceremony. As you consider the flowers and/or herbs, keep in mind your color scheme and theme. Make the cords that will be used to bind the hands.

6. Establish how you will decorate the altar. If you make the decorations, start the projects early allowing plenty of time for completion. If you order anything, make sure that the orders are made with plenty of time for delivery and allow time for returning items and re-ordering if needed.

7. Determine how you will decorate the circle. Some use flowers, latticework and trellises. Others use nature to frame the circle, such as a clearing centrally located with trees on all sides. A natural pathway leading to the clearing is a great earthy touch. Some couples, when having their handfasting outdoors, will arrange the seating in a circle (within the larger circle that is cast) in order to have the guests included directly into the ceremony.

8. Design the invitations and include the date, time, place and anything you would like the guests to bring. If the ceremony is to be themed, let the guests know so that they will dress appropriately.

[DenimDragonfly]

on 8/18/2008 Wow! Great article! 5 *'s!