ladies and gentlemen for lovely bride after the exchanges of vows and rings I invite the couple to take their places and to begin tying the knot as they do so a commentary is read by me that emphasizes that the knot used which is a fisherman's knot is one that becomes stronger under pressure the symbolism means that marriage is represented by the knot isn't restricting the couple but rather is strengthening them here is Jeremy and Melanie tying the knot during their ceremony at Loyola University Jeremy and Melanie have just sealed their relationship with the giving and receiving of rings today the relationship is further symbolized by the tying of a fisherman's knot a true lovers knot for its the strongest there is its bond will not break becoming ever stronger under pressure these two chords represent each of you as individuals as the unique and special gifts you bring to your marriage as you fasten your pieces together these actions represent the joining of your two lives into one common purpose the completed knot represents your future secure in the knowledge your relationship will continue to be strong despite the inevitable changes life brings although the fisherman's knot is one of the simplest to tie it's also one of the sturdiest as stress is applied the knot becomes ever stronger it's the goal of marriage to achieve a blending of hearts and lives but like the spaces between these chords formed by the knot but there also be spaces in your new life together so each may encourage and nurture the individual growth of the other I ask that you now pull on this rope to see it strengthen under pressure while still allowing us to see the individual cords just as your support of one another as beautiful and blessed individuals strengthens your union as you hold one another in mutual concern and shared respect may you continue holding each other tightly in your hearts and forming a strong bond now and forever let this not indicate the strength of your love and be a symbol of your unity from this day forward in using this option use chords not rope the chords need to be of different colors because they represent the bride in the groom you can get these chords at fabric stores like jo-ann fabrics the colors can be those worn by your bridal party or those of your weddings theme the chords should be about 1/2 an inch or more in thickness so that your guests can see them learn how to make a fisherman's knot by doing a search for it on youtube the commentary you heard me read is on my website day of dreams calm under the topic tying the knot Day of Dreams calm is the website of wedding officiant Thomas withum who performs wedding ceremonies throughout Chicagoland and nationwide at over 500 photographs and 40,000 words of commentary day of Dreams calm is easily the largest and most informative website on the design and performance of wedding ceremonies on the Internet you