PLEASE BE AWARE THAT NOT ALL PRODUCTS LISTED ON THIS SITE ARE NECESSARILY IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE, AS I STOCK PRODUCTS ON MULTIPLE SITES - PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFO :-)

I married the other half in a fantastic tiny ceremony on a remote beach in Scotland a couple of years ago. We didn't want a church wedding, and didn't like the rules that were dictated to us if we got married in a certified location like a stately home, so we had a Humanist ceremony, which meant we could pretty much write the rules ourselves. We had a fantastic time picking a location and planning the whole thing, and we included handfasting as part of the day (I fell in love with the idea after seeing the gorgeous moonlit ceremony in Braveheart years ago!). Trouble was, I really struggled to find any cords that were exactly what I wanted - handfasting has been something that's been viewed as predominantly pagan until the last few decades, so most cords were a little too un-sparkly for my liking. So I decided to make my own, and a little while after that, Binding Ties was born!

So if you like the idea of something a little bit different on your special day, if you want something other than photos and a ring to hold in your hands for years after it all, take a look at my site and see if you like the look of anything. If there's something that you're after but you don't see it - let me know, and I'll see what I can put together :-)

To give you a little background, handfasting cords are part of an ancient Celtic tradition, and the origin of the phrase 'tying the knot'.

I create high quality, luxury handfasting cords, as individual and as unique as you and your special day. Cords will often be created from satin, silk, velvet, ribbon, lace, or elaborate braiding, or can be made using more 'natural', earthy elements such as leather, suede and cotton. I only use the finest elements, no cheap plastic beads or unravelling cords, and the ends of all strands are either treated to prevent fraying, or fixed into decorative caps which allow for further embellishment. You may only use your cords for one day, but I make them so they last a lifetime.

Each cord comprises a number of individual strands, and at both ends of every strand is usually a decorative element. These embellishments are handmade and each of these are unique, often incorporating such features as wire wrapped beads, gemstones and swarovski crystals. They can also be made from wood or antler or terracotta, glass or metal or fabric.

Cords can be created for weddings as well as anniversaries, engagements, vow renewal ceremonies, or committment ceremonies. Colours and charms can be selected to match the scheme of your day, or can combine elements that are personal to you and your partner.

All cords are delivered to you in bespoke, purpose made keepsake boxes, handfinished with ribbon and decorated with handmade flourishes.

Handmade custom keepsake boxes are also available, each decorated to complement and enhance the handfasting cord.

In addition, jewellery can be made from the same elements as the handfasting cords, either for the bride to wear on the day, or perhaps as gifts to bridesmaids, or as tokens to give to friends attending the hen night or stag do, etc.