Cord of Three Strands

cwilt

So, my fiance and I are looking at doing a cord of three strands ceremony (based on Ecclesiastes 4:12 "a threefold cord is not quickly broken.") Basically symbolizing that we want to keep Christ at the center of our marriage. The ceremony involves braiding 3 ropes/cords together so they become one. My problem is I can't seem to find cord that will be big enough for the audience to see, but a nice color.
Do any of you have suggestions on places to buy cord or rope? Have any of you seen this ceremony before?

On_Cloud_Nine

http://www.godsknot.com/CordOfThreeStrands.aspx

That webpage has information on the three cord ceremony. It discusses the colors and the significance of them, and it also gives suggestions for the reading to be done while the cords are being braided.

You can also buy the cord from there.

If you're looking to make it yourself, I'd say check out some craft stores for thick cords. HTH!

hollieheidi

We're doing a handfasting which is slightly different but the cords sound the same and we used 1 -1/2" ribbon and I braided it myself.  Just be sure when you braid it that you buy 2x the amount you need for the length.  We used black, white, and royal blue and I don't think anyone will have trouble seeing the ribbons.

Michael's has a variety of ribbon and cording too.

handfast4me

Yes, this ceremony stems from the Pagan (pre Christian) ceremony.  In Pagan tradition, the cord is made of natural fibers.  Rat tail, which is a silk cording, can be bought at a lot of craft stores.  Each color symbolizes something, and 3 is a very important number in Pagan tradition, which is why we used 9 different strands.  We braided together 3 groups of three, and added stones, shells, etc. that all had meaning, too.  Then we braided those three together. 

You'll need to have at least 3 feet remaining at the end. We started with 9 feet of each cord, and ended up with just over 3 feet of the braided cord when we were finished. 

If you're of Scottish descent, a lot of people use their tartan in the form of a ribbon, too.  Look for that at electricscotland.com

Sue-n-Kevin

Not sure where in the Detroit area you are, but there is a great discount floral & decorating store on 10 Mile Rd, 1 block east of Van Dyke in Warren. They have TONS of thick cording and other items for weddings. They don't have a website.

If that is too far, try Michael's or Joann's sewing areas. They should have something that matches what you want.

Good luck.

cwilt

Thank you all! These are great suggestions. I'll see if I can get over to Warren and check there.