Wedding readings: a celebration of love
Are you ready to dive into the enchanting world of wedding readings? Let’s explore why these heartfelt words matter!
Wedding readings have graced ceremonies for centuries, starting as poetic expressions of love. Over time, they’ve evolved to include scriptures, song lyrics, movie quotes, and even personalised messages crafted just for the couple. These readings add a personal touch, deepen the ceremony’s theme and involve more voices beyond the celebrant.
Do all cultures have wedding readings?
While not universal, wedding readings are common across many cultures. In religious ceremonies, sacred texts might take center stage, read by the officiant or chosen loved ones.
However, today, in both religious and non-religious ceremonies, couples enjoy greater flexibility. Readings can be chosen from poems, song lyrics, or passages from beloved children’s books—anything that resonates with their unique love story.
What should a wedding reading be?
Your wedding reading should resonate with you. It’s like choosing your wedding music - personal and meaningful. Most readings are read by family members and/or friends, and most celebrants give time for one, maybe two, readings.
Considerations for Choosing Readings
Timing Is Key
Check your ceremony schedule. Avoid picking a lengthy reading for a short slot. No one wants awkward conversations about time constraints at their wedding!
Think Beyond Tradition
When it comes to choosing your wedding reading, think beyond tradition. Imagine a favorite song serenading your love story or a clever play on words tailored just for you.
Comfort Matters
Don’t ask someone uncomfortable with public speaking to do a reading. It's normal for whoever you ask to feel a bit nervous, it’s all part of the excitement, but remember to stay aware of your loved ones who simply won’t handle the attention or pressure.
Ask your readers
Now this can be a bold move, but we have known couples to ask their readers to choose something for them! This gives everyone time to gather their thoughts and create a collective group of ideas. Later, you can all decide which is the best reading for you.
Celebrating love through wedding readings
As you embark on this beautiful journey of marriage, remember that wedding readings are not about perfection or grandeur. They’re about love - the raw, genuine kind that fills your heart and overflows into the room.
And finally, a few hints and tips:
Captivation vs. connection
It’s not about finding the most captivating reading. Instead, focus on what resonates with you both. Whether it’s a whimsical poem or a heartfelt passage, let it speak to your souls.
Perfect pauses and imperfect moments
The person reading doesn’t need to be flawless. Imperfections add authenticity. Those pauses, stumbles, and nervous smiles - they’re part of the magic. So embrace them!
Your love, your words
Feel free to tweak existing poems or passages. Make them uniquely yours. Shorten, lengthen, or rearrange - they’re like love letters to each other.
Tailored just for you
Readings can take place at your wedding reception too, so if you’re seeking a break from the norm of speeches or can’t choose just one reading, you can have all your cake and eat it.
Remember, it’s your day - a celebration of your love story.
So go ahead, dabble with words, and create something beautiful. Cheers to your happily ever after! 🥂💕
Ideas and examples of popular wedding readings
Popular non-religious wedding reading ideas:
A favorite song
A touching poem
A monologue from a beloved film
Something heard at another wedding
A children’s book passage
A clever play on words tailored to you
An inspiring quote
Examples from weddings we have been to – and from our own!
From songs:
"God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
“Better Together” by Jack Johnson
"Strange and Beautiful” by Aqualung
“Fool For You” by John Butler Trio
“In My Life” by John Lennon
“You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
“Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica
“All of Me” by John Legend
From books:
“The Lovely Dinosaur” by Edward Monkton
“The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams
“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss
“Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” by Louis de Bernières
“Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney
From TV and film culture:
Carrie’s poem from “Sex and the City”
The heartwarming tale of “Marley and Me”
“The Wedding Planner” - so much in there!
Monica Geller-Bing's words in “Friends”
From funny poems:
“Yes, I’ll marry you my dear” by Pam Ayres
“I Like You” by Sandol Stoddard Warburg
“I want to be yours” by John Cooper Clarke