Handfasting is a symbolic wedding ritual in which a couple's hands are bound together with a cord as they exchange vows or commitments. The binding represents the joining of two lives and is a meaningful way to incorporate a traditional ritual into a modern wedding ceremony.

Not at all. While handfasting is strongly associated with Celtic and Irish traditions, couples from all backgrounds can incorporate the ritual into their wedding ceremony.

Absolutely. Every Éirloom cord is made to order, so you can choose colours that complement your wedding or have a deeper personal meaning.

Yes. Bespoke commissions are one of the things we're particularly passionate about. You can provide us with your wedding colours, inspiration, family history, Celtic symbols or other ideas and we'll work with you to create something unique.

Yes. Depending on the design, we can incorporate details such as initials, dates, colours, symbols, charms and other meaningful elements.

Orders are normally posted within two weeks. More intricate bespoke commissions may require additional time, which we'll discuss with you before your order is confirmed.

Yes. Éirloom cords can be shipped worldwide, including to the USA and Australia.

That's one of the things we love most about handfasting cords. Rather than being something that disappears after the ceremony, your cord can become a lasting wedding keepsake.

Many couples choose to carefully store their cord and bring it out on anniversaries or pass it down as a family heirloom.

Yes. Every Éirloom cord is handmade in Belfast by textile artist Shauna McAteer.

Our handfasting cords are designed with the ceremony itself in mind, providing plenty of length for your celebrant to comfortably bind your hands while allowing the detail of the cord to be seen.

As every piece is handmade, dimensions can vary slightly between designs. The approximate length of each cord is 180cm.

If your celebrant has specific requirements, simply let us know when ordering and we'll be happy to help.

Each Éirloom cord is individually made by hand, so no two pieces will ever be completely identical.

The overall design, colours and character of your chosen cord will remain consistent with the photographs, but you may notice subtle variations in the weave and finishing. We believe these small differences are part of what makes a handmade piece special — your cord has been created individually for you rather than produced on a factory line.

Every Éirloom cord is beautifully presented and carefully packaged before leaving our Belfast studio, making it suitable both for couples purchasing their own cord and for those giving an Éirloom piece as a wedding gift.

Our packaging has been designed with the same idea as the cords themselves: that this is something worth keeping.

After your ceremony, it can provide a special place to store and protect your cord as it becomes part of your family's story.