Handfasting Charms and Their Symbolism

Charms are the finishing touch on a handfasting cord. They add a little sparkle in photographs, a satisfying weight as the cord is wrapped, and – most importantly – another layer of meaning. A single charm can say something about your relationship, your heritage or your hopes for the future without a word being spoken.

Here is a guide to some of the most popular handfasting charms and what they are commonly taken to symbolise, along with tips for choosing and placing them.

Do you need charms on a handfasting cord?

Not at all. Plenty of couples prefer a clean, simple cord that lets the colours speak for themselves, especially if they plan to frame it afterwards. Others love the extra symbolism. Every Intertwined cord can be made with or without charms, and the charm shown on any design can be swapped for another from our selection – so you can choose the cord you love and then decide on the details.

Popular handfasting charms and their meanings

Tree of life

The tree of life is one of the most popular handfasting charms. Its roots and branches suggest family, growth, strength and connection between generations – a lovely symbol for two families coming together. It appears on our Forest and Lavender cords.

Heart

Simple and universal, a heart stands for love and affection. Two hearts can represent the couple, and interlocking hearts suggest two lives joined as one.

Infinity symbol

The infinity symbol represents everlasting love and a bond without end. It pairs perfectly with the infinity knot, one of the most popular ways to tie a handfasting cord.

Thistle

The thistle is Scotland's national flower and is often associated with devotion, resilience and strength – qualities that serve any marriage well. It is a meaningful choice for couples marrying in Scotland or honouring Scottish heritage, as on our Thistle cord. Read more in Handfasting in Scotland.

Shamrock

The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland and is widely associated with luck. A shamrock charm can express the idea that you feel lucky to have found each other, which is the inspiration behind our Lucky Charm cord.

Anchor

An anchor symbolises stability, security and hope – the partner who keeps you grounded through stormy weather. It is a natural fit for coastal weddings and couples who love the sea, as on The Anchor and Seafoam.

Moon and star

Moon and star charms suggest wonder, dreams, guidance and the idea that your love is written in the stars. They are popular with night owls, stargazers and couples marrying at dusk – see our Celestial cord.

Bee

Bees are associated with community, hard work and sweetness – and, of course, with the “honey” in your life. A bee charm adds a playful, nature-inspired touch, as on our Honey cord.

Rose

The rose has symbolised love and romance for centuries. A rose charm is a classic, romantic choice, especially paired with pinks and reds like our Rose cord.

Leaf

Leaves suggest growth, renewal and a connection with nature. A golden leaf charm complements green and sage colour schemes beautifully, as on our Eucalyptus cord.

Seashell

Seashells evoke the seaside, travel and treasured memories. They are a sweet choice for beach weddings or couples who met by the sea – see Pink Sands.

Celtic knot

With no beginning and no end, Celtic knotwork suggests eternity, unity and interconnection. It is a good choice for couples drawn to the Celtic associations of handfasting.

Horseshoe

A traditional good-luck symbol at British weddings, the horseshoe is a nostalgic, cheerful charm. It is traditionally shown with the open end upwards so the luck does not “run out”.

How to choose the right charm

• Start with your story. Where did you meet? What do you love doing together? A shell for the beach where you got engaged or a moon for late-night conversations can mean more than any traditional symbol.
• Think about heritage. National and cultural symbols – thistles, shamrocks, roses, Celtic knots – are a lovely way to honour family roots.
• Match the metal to your colours. Silver suits cool tones such as navy, purple and grey; gold warms up greens, creams, oranges and pinks.
• Consider your other jewellery. Matching the charm metal to your rings or accessories gives a coordinated look in close-up photos.
• Keep it balanced. One style of charm per cord usually looks cleaner than several different ones.

Where should charms sit on the cord?

Charms are usually attached at the ends of the cord, so they hang neatly below the knot once it is tied and do not dig into your hands while the cord is wrapped. If you are using more than one cord, you might choose a different charm for each – for example, a shamrock on one cord and a thistle on the other to represent two family backgrounds – or matching charms to show unity.

Charms and colours together

Charms work best when they complement the colours of the cord. A thistle looks at home with purples and greens, an anchor with navy and ivory, a bee with golds and ambers. For ideas on colour symbolism, see our guide to handfasting cord colours and their meanings. If you have a particular charm in mind that is not in our selection, just ask – we will always try to source it for you.

Caring for your charms

Most handfasting charms are made from alloy metals such as Tibetan silver or zinc alloy, which keep their look best when they are kept dry and away from perfume, hairspray and lotions. On the day, try to avoid spraying fragrance near the cord. Afterwards, store the cord in its bag or a dry box, and if a charm loses its shine over time, a gentle wipe with a soft, dry cloth is usually all it needs. Avoid harsh polishes, which can strip the finish and mark the ribbon around the charm.

Charms after the wedding

Charms also make your cord a more striking keepsake. A cord with charms looks wonderful displayed in a shadow box or wrapped around a framed photograph from the day. Some couples even add a new charm on each anniversary. For more ideas, read what to do with your handfasting cord after the wedding.

Ready to choose? Browse our handfasting cord collection, or create a custom cord with the colours and charms that tell your story.