Pagans: (no christians please) any ideas what i can do for a handfasting?

me and mah guy have ideas what we'd like to do, but since i'm board i was wondering if anyone else had any ideas?

we're doing it on october 31st, and we've picked out the theme of Poe's: masque of the red death as our theme (because of the clothing style and the symoblism that Poe had in his writting) any one have any other ideas about handfastings/weddings? (not the tech handfasting of a year and a day, because we're waiting longer then that to get married/stay together) what types of flowers: types, dried or fresh, ect) and why? anything that we need to do for the cerimony? and anyone know where we could get a basic outline of a handfasting? do we have to say personal vowels? anything or any good web sites would be nice. Thankzzzz



note: we're not getting married this year, we want to save up money to do it.

Pagans: (no christians please) any ideas what i can do for a handfasting?
Handfastings are really customizable. In my opinion, it's more fun if it's a big circle ritual with the wedding party in the middle and at the corners. But that only works well if everyone attending is Pagan or open to Pagan rituals.



Here are a bunch of different handfasting rituals and information.



http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/handfastin...



Also find some Pagan/Wiccan forums and ask them. They'll be glad to give you their personal experiences.
Reply:I don't have the info anymore, I gave it to the couple, but I preformed a ceremony last year. I can give you the link to the lady who helped me. I'm not going to post it here and send the world to her.



Edit: The post below mine has a link, the ceremony I used is very much like the one listed to be done in the presence of non pagans.
Reply:There is a handfasting ritual in A Witches Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar.



Do you plan on having legal Pagan clergy marry you? If so you should probably find someone and start from there... they can probably help you plan it.
Reply:http://www.revalistairbate.com/weddings/...
Reply:No ideas really, just wanted to say my inlaws got hitched on Oct 31. Just wanted to wish you all the best. Blessed be.
Reply:Here is a link to a ceremony that I've used for a pagan couple in a handfasting. It's simple and moving and might fit well into a Poe centered ceremony with REALLY dark roses, or black fake roses if you'd like.



http://www.usabride.com/wedplan/a_rose_c...



As others have suggested, hit the pagan forums and ask around. I like the handfasting ceremony in Pagan Rituals, ed. Ed Fitch. You might find that on Amazon.com as a used book or email me and I'll type it up for you.



Kinda goes like this: Clergy: "Above you are the stars, may your love remain bright like them. Below you is the earth, may your love remain constant and strong...." something like that. Let me know - I type fast :)



Congrats
Reply:Fortunately, there are are lot of good books on Handfasting Ceremonies now in publication. You can research and you and "your guy" can decide what you want for your ceremony.



All handfastings are tailored to suit the couple's needs and desires in your ceremonies. Like any other Pagan ceremony or tradition, it is individualized.



I would suggest you contact a Pagan clergy/minister to help you create the perfect handfasting you are dreaming of.



Who are you planning to officiate your ceremony? They usually can help.



Go to Witches Voice to find a possible Pagan minister in your area to help you design and officiate your marriage.



If you need help, feel free to contact me. I have officiated and designed several handfastings, including my own. I have even helped people who live long-distance from me to design their own ceremony.



But please try and find someone in your local area. It is the most helpful, where you can sit down together and work out the details.



Congratulations and good luck! Blessed be!
Reply:well i picked up recenty that you have to book it for or have it arranged for over a year in advance



its kinda like a promise now to marry then



and you have the handfasting then, in a years time



so you should make sure of that and maybe have the arrangement made, cos you dont wanna find out on the day youve chosen that you have to wait for another year



also your vows can be anything you want them to be

most poeple say something, but i think its choice, whether you have any or not , and what you say in it as with most weddings nowadays



everything in any nature based pagan celebrations like weddings are all about your own choices

and what you feel you want and is right for you, i dont think there are any or many real set things



one set thing is you jump over the rope together while binded/joined together by a handfastening

to symbolise the journey you will now take together

but again it think you can chose from either that or soemthing else