A Wedding Cord Ceremony: What’s & How’s of the “Cord of Three Strands”
MarriageNotary.com
Each religion or culture has a sacred wedding or “unity” ceremonies. If you’re planning a religious wedding, Unity ceremonies are the final step in the wedding ceremony after the couple says, “I do.” These ceremonies unite the newly married couple in religious promises and wishes to one another.
Many couples partake in unity ceremonies during their wedding vow exchanges. Like Wedding Cords, Unity Candles, Lassos, Handfasting, Sand Pouring, Stefana Crown, and Hand-Washing are all types of unity ceremonies practiced by different cultures and chosen based on the couple’s beliefs.
A Wedding Cord, officially known as the “Cord of Three Strands” and also titled “God’s Knot,” is a unity ceremony growing in popularity. But what does it represent? And how do I do it?
What is the Religious Purpose of the Cord of Three Strands?
For this religious tradition, the Cord of Three Strands represents the union of two individuals and God in a marital bond. This symbolism reflects the belief that a marriage comprises three essential components: the two partners and God. This belief stems from the thought that love, the foundation of marriage, is a gift taught to us by God himself.
By placing God at the heart of your union, a couple bound together by His love creates a unified partnership throughout their marriage. Furthermore, In the Bible, Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” This directly translates to the idea that if you keep God at the center of your marriage, you will always be strong together.
What Do the Three Cord Colors Symbolize for a Wedding Cord Ceremony?
Although you can purchase a God’s Knot/Wedding Cord in different variations of colors, they are typically created with three distinct colors: one piece is White, one is Gold, and one is Purple.
White - Represents the Bride or Second Partner
White represents the Bride or second partner with the idea that having been cleansed by salvation in Christ, the purity of the Bride is represented in White. As the wife traditionally honors her husband, the Lord, in turn, will strengthen and care for the marriage.
Purple - Represents the Groom or First Partner
The Groom is represented in Purple. As the husband or first partner loves their wife and submits to the Lord, the Lord will demonstrate His encompassing love in the marriage.
Gold - Represents God
The divinity of our God is represented in Gold. This relationship was built under His authority, initiated by Him, and is positioned to glorify Him in all ways.
How Do I Perform a Wedding Three Cord Ceremony?
While the ceremony has significant meaning, it’s not complicated to perform or partake in. It only requires you to purchase your Three Cords strand, follow two simple steps, and get one final step from your wedding officiant.
Purchase Your Cords - Purchase the strand you want for your ceremony. “God’s Knots” can be located at any religious storm nearby, purchased online, or acquired from your church. They typically range between $20-$40 and come with everything you need. When you buy this ceremonial piece, they usually come pre-assembled with all the strands already secured to the ring, so there is no need to worry.
Select the Partner to Hold the Cord Ring - At your designated point during your wedding ceremony, your officiant will begin the Wedding Cord unity ceremony. This starts with one partner holding the metal ring the cords are attached to. You can decide beforehand or during the ceremony who should hold the ring.
Braiding Your Strands - Once you or your partner is holding the ring, the other partner will braid all three strands together. The braiding process symbolizes you and your partner becoming one as a married couple with God at the center of it.
Your Officiant’s Speech or Explanation - This step will be underway while the designated partner is braiding the strands together. Your officiant can explain the ceremony to guests, or they can read a verse from the Bible. Once this is completed, you have successfully partaken in your Wedding Cord ceremony.
Officiant Speech or Explanation Ideas
“Today, (name) and (name) have chosen to perform the Cord of Three Strands ceremony. They shall braid three strands together into a single cord. In braiding these three strands together, [name] and [name] have demonstrated that their marriage is more than a joining of two lives together. It is a unity with God. They have chosen to allow God to be at the center of their marriage. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 states, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Today, (name) and (name) have been tied together by God as one. It was God who taught us to love. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one forever.
(name) and (name) selected the Cord of Three Strands ceremony to unite their love with the love of God. Each color has a significant meaning: Gold represents God, White represents the Bride (or name), and Purple represents the Groom (or name). Braiding these three strands together will unite them as one, with God at the center of their marriage.
