Sample script
Welcome
Welcome. In a moment I will tie a cord around Alex and Maria’s hands. If you have seen this in a film, forget the film. They chose the cord because they wanted something you can see while the promise is being said.
Why the cord
Hold the cord up so the back row can see it. Do not claim a single ancient origin.
People have bound hands in more than one tradition. We are not recreating all of them. Alex wanted blue, for the coast where he grew up. Maria wanted red, for no reason she is willing to defend. The cord is those two strands.
When I tie it, I am not trapping them. The knot comes off after the kiss. The promise does not.
Their story
They practiced this in the kitchen with a dish towel, which I am told looked ridiculous and helped. Maria’s hands shake when she is happy. Alex knows that, and he will not comment on it today.
Vows
Ask for the vows before you tie, so they can still hold notes if they need them.
Alex, do you take Maria as your spouse, including the days the plan changes and the days you would rather be alone?
Wait for: I do.
Maria, do you take Alex as your spouse, including the days he goes quiet and the days he talks too much?
Wait for: I do.
The binding
Ask them to join hands. Wrap loosely. You should be able to slide a finger under the cord.
Alex, Maria, join hands. This blue is the coast. This red is Maria being Maria. I wrap them once for the home you are making, once for the families watching, and once for the work you have not done yet.
The cord is firm enough to feel and loose enough to leave. That is the instruction for the marriage, too.
Pronouncement
With your hands bound and your words already said, you are married. Kiss. Then I will loosen this, and you can have your hands back for the rest of your life.
Close
The cord stays with them. If you ask what it meant, let them answer. They picked the colors.