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The besom, more commonly known as a broom, holds a longstanding place in wedding custom. While it is frequently associated today with Pagan and Wiccan handfastings, its story is neither singular nor confined to one tradition. The use of a broom in marriage rites has appeared in several cultural contexts, each with its own history and significance. When working with traditions that do not originate within our own cultural heritage, it is important to approach them with care, understanding and proper acknowledgement. What follows is an overview of the besom within British and contemporary Pagan practice, alongside guidance on where to find authoritative information on traditions rooted elsewhere. Handfasting in the British Isles The term handfasting  is most often linked to Scotland and parts of northern England. In medieval Scotland, couples could enter into a recognised union by declaring their intent before witnesses, often joining hands as a sign of agreement. In some regions, such unions were understood as betrothals; in others, they were binding marriages. Records and scholarship relating to Scottish marriage law and custom can be explored through the National Records of Scotland, which holds extensive archival material on historical forms of marriage. Although broom jumping was not universal across Britain, threshold symbolism was common in rural custom. In parts of Wales and England during the 18th and 19th centuries, accounts describe couples stepping or leaping over a broom placed across a doorway as a gesture of entering shared domestic life. The broom, as an essential household tool, naturally symbolised the creation of a new home. Readers interested in British folk practices may wish to consult the Folklore Society, whose publications document regional traditions, or explore rural domestic history through the Museum of English Rural Life. The British Library also holds manuscripts and folklore collections that provide valuable historical context. The Besom in Contemporary Pagan Practice Within modern Paganism and Wicca, the besom has evolved into a recognised ritual tool. Traditionally associated with purification and protection, it may be used to symbolically sweep a ritual space before ceremony begins. In a handfasting context, the besom is often laid before the couple after vows have been spoken and hands have been bound. The couple then steps or gently jumps over it together. This action symbolises: Crossing a threshold into shared life Leaving behind former burdens Establishing a joint household The joining of complementary energies For those wishing to explore the development of contemporary Pagan ritual in Britain, foundational reading includes Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner, which played a formative role in the emergence of modern Wicca. Academic studies of Pagan movements in the UK are also available through publishers such as Oxford University Press. African American Broom Jumping Traditions The custom of jumping the broom also holds deep and specific significance within African American history. During the period of enslavement in the United States, when legal marriage was denied to enslaved people, some couples marked their unions by jumping a broom in the presence of their community. After emancipation, the tradition continued in some families as an affirmation of resilience, heritage and ancestral continuity. As this tradition belongs to a distinct cultural and historical experience, it is important that it be understood within its proper context. Those wishing to learn more from authoritative sources may consult the British Library’s resources on transatlantic slavery and African diasporic history via the British Library, or explore collections and scholarship made accessible internationally by the Smithsonian Institution. Academic texts on the history of slavery and African American cultural practice are also available through major UK universities and research libraries. When incorporating broom jumping into a ceremony outside its originating tradition, many couples choose to do so with informed respect, acknowledging its history and ensuring it is not presented without context. The Symbolism of the Threshold Across cultures, the threshold is a powerful symbol. A doorway marks transition from one state of being to another, from independence to partnership, from past to future. Anthropological studies of ritual frequently describe such moments as liminal , meaning that they occupy a space of transformation. The act of stepping over a besom makes this transition physical and visible. It is not simply declared; it is enacted. The couple moves forward together, intentionally and publicly. This physical crossing is what gives the gesture its enduring resonance. It is simple, yet deeply symbolic. The Besom as a Lasting Keepsake After the ceremony, the besom often becomes part of the home it symbolised. Some couples hang it above the doorway as a blessing of protection and welcome. Others place it near the hearth or within a sacred space as a reminder of vows spoken. Decorations may include ribbons, seasonal flowers, or colours chosen for personal significance. Whether modest or ornate, the besom becomes more than a prop; it becomes a marker of a shared beginning. A Living and Evolving Tradition The presence of the besom in wedding rites illustrates how traditions travel, adapt and endure. In Britain, it reflects rural custom and household symbolism. In contemporary Pagan practice, it carries ritual meaning. In African American history, it represents resilience and community under oppression. Understanding these layers allows couples to approach the custom thoughtfully, with both appreciation and awareness. Our Besoms Our besoms are crafted with respect for this heritage. Designed for ceremonial use yet sturdy enough to last for years to come, each piece honours the symbolism of threshold, home and partnership. If you are planning a handfasting and wish to include the timeless gesture of stepping the besom, we invite you to explore our current collection while stock remains available. Should you have questions regarding historical context or ceremonial use, we are always pleased to assist.

Weddings are full of tiny details that mean the world; a borrowed hairpin from a grandmother, a favourite flower tucked into a bouquet, or a song that instantly brings back the moment two people first met. One of my favourite ways to add something personal and a little bit magical to a wedding is through charms. Charms have been used for centuries as tokens of luck, love, protection, and new beginnings. They might be small, but they carry so much meaning. When you choose them thoughtfully, they become little reminders of your story as a couple, the moments that shaped you and the things that make your relationship unique. A Charm for Every Kind of Love Story We have a classic range of charms that will always have their place in weddings. Hearts, horseshoes, eternity symbols, and other timeless favourites. These are perfect if you want something meaningful, beautiful, and instantly recognisable. Some couples like to go beyond the classics, asking for something entirely unique to their story. Recently, I’ve helped source charms such as padlocks, bats, dogs, horses, and even skulls, each chosen for its special symbolism: Padlocks  – Commitment and unbreakable bonds Bats  – Intuition, transformation, and embracing change Dogs  – Loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love Horses  – Freedom, adventure, and shared journeys Skulls  – Protection, individuality, and celebrating life These charms aren’t part of the standard shop range, but can be sourced or created for couples who want something personal and meaningful. If you have an idea, big, small, or a little unusual, just ask. I love helping couples bring their vision to life.s of romance and good luck that will always have their place. How Charms Can Tell Your Story What I love most about charms is how personal they can be. No two couples are the same, and your wedding details shouldn’t be either. Charms let you weave little parts of your life into the day in a subtle, meaningful way. You might choose: ✨ A symbol that reminds you of where you first met ✨ Something that reflects a shared passion or hobby ✨ A way to honour loved ones who can’t be there ✨ A charm that has brought you luck over the years ✨ Or something that simply feels  like the two of you Together, they become a miniature version of your love story — a handful of tiny symbols that say more than words ever could. A Keepsake to Carry Forward Charms attached to handfasting cords aren’t just for the ceremony. They become keepsakes to treasure long after the wedding, a reminder of the vows you shared and the story you’re writing together. Many couples even continue to add charms for anniversaries or milestones, letting their collection grow alongside their story.

When it comes to planning a wedding — especially one with a unique, spiritual, or alternative feel — there are so many elements to consider. Outfits, location, vows, rituals, guest list, food… the list can be overwhelming. But one choice, in particular, can set the tone for everything else: your celebrant . While I’m not a celebrant myself, I create handmade, alternative, and witchy handfasting cords  for couples who want their union to be rich in symbolism and deeply meaningful. Through this work, I’ve had the joy of connecting with many incredible celebrants — people who lead ceremonies with care, presence, and magic. And that’s why I’ve decided to create a new space on my website: a Celebrants I Recommend  page. This page will be a curated directory of celebrants I’ve had positive connections with — people I believe are worth knowing about if you’re searching for someone to lead your ceremony with heart and integrity. Why Your Celebrant Matters So Much The celebrant is the voice and energy of your ceremony. They’re the person who welcomes your guests, grounds the space, and guides you through one of the most powerful and emotional transitions in life. They aren’t just a speaker — they’re a space-holder, a storyteller, a witness, and sometimes even a spiritual guide. A good celebrant can transform a ceremony from a formal process into a personal, unforgettable experience. They can help you feel safe, calm your nerves, celebrate your uniqueness as a couple, and make everyone in the space feel included. That’s a rare gift — and one that deserves real attention when you’re choosing who to work with. Especially in the world of alternative weddings, where handfastings, pagan rituals, spiritual elements, or nature-based practices might be involved, it’s so important to find someone who understands your vision and honours your path. Not every celebrant has experience with these types of ceremonies — and that’s okay — but it’s why finding the right  person is so key. Why I’m Creating This Page There are plenty of celebrant directories out there, but they often feel impersonal or overwhelming. What I’m creating is something a little different: a personal, community-based collection of celebrants who I’ve encountered in meaningful ways — whether through collaborative work, shared values, or mutual admiration. This isn’t a paid listing service, and it’s not about ranking or reviewing anyone. It’s simply a space to share names of celebrants who I believe are doing beautiful, intentional work — people I’d feel confident suggesting to couples looking for something special. And while every couple must do their own research and trust their instincts, I hope this page will offer a supportive and inspiring place to begin your search. What You’ll Find on the Page The Celebrants I Recommend  page will include: A short bio for each celebrant A photo Their preferred contact details A link to their website or social media The regions or areas they cover This information is provided with permission and will be kept up to date as best I can. I’ll check in with each celebrant once a year to make sure everything is still accurate, but as always, it’s best to confirm details directly with the celebrant before making any decisions. Important Note: You Know What’s Best for You Even though these celebrants are people I admire, I always encourage couples to do their own research . Your celebrant should feel like the right fit for you  — your personality, your beliefs, your ceremony style, and your values. Make sure to ask questions, look through their work, read testimonials, and most importantly, trust your gut. A ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. It deserves to be held by someone who truly sees you and honours your journey. Rituals, Handfasting, and Shared Meaning As a maker of handfasting cords and other ritual items, I pour deep intention into everything I create. I view each cord not just as a decorative item, but as a symbol — of union, of balance, of choice, and of sacred connection. So much of my work is about the ritual moment  itself — the act of tying the knot — and that moment is often held in the hands of the celebrant. That’s why I care deeply about who’s leading your ceremony. A celebrant who understands ritual, symbolism, and energy can elevate a handfasting from a lovely idea into a soul-deep commitment. It’s a joy and an honour to know that some of the celebrants I’ll be recommending are already working with my cords — and I’d be absolutely thrilled if more of them did in the future. For me, this isn’t about promotion — it’s about shared purpose. A ceremony is a co-creation between you, your celebrant, and the elements you choose to bring in. And when that connection flows, it’s truly magical. A Living, Growing Resource This recommendations page is just the beginning. I hope it grows over time to include even more brilliant celebrants from all paths and traditions. If you’re a celebrant reading this and you feel aligned with my work, please feel free to reach out — I’m always open to expanding the circle in a meaningful way. And if you’re a couple, throuple or collective looking for guidance, I hope this page brings some ease to your planning and helps you find someone who will honour your love with the presence and intention it deserves. Coming Soon… I’ll be launching the Celebrants I Recommend  page very soon — so keep an eye out for it on my website and Instagram. I truly believe this will be a valuable and heart-led resource for couples who want their ceremony to be more than just a formality. In the meantime, thank you for supporting my work, and for choosing meaningful ceremony, however that looks for you. Blessed be, Penny Solar Crone Creations ✨