Wedding readings can be a very personal preference, and this isn’t a decision to leave until the last minute. Give readers a few months to learn the readings thoroughly, and remember to run your choices past whomever is officiating at your wedding. There may be restrictions on what can be used at both civil and religious ceremonies, and your official may also point out any subtext or issues you hadn’t considered.
Read It And Weep
Whatever readings you choose, agree on ones that say something about you, your partner and the life you plan to build together. This can actually be quite a fun task. Of course, you can often find good ideas online, but consider checking the library, too. Pick out an array of poetry books. There are plenty of good anthologies available, or opt for collections by poets you enjoy. Ask friends for suggestions and once you have a few favourites, dust off your English literature skills and consider any unintended meanings.
Look in unexpected places; philosophers, scientists and even Dr Seuss have things to say about the mysteries of love and monogamy. You can choose words from areas that reflect your life as it is lived now, rather than the wise words of dead poets—and don’t underestimate the power of laughter at a wedding!
That doesn’t mean you should dismiss the traditional readings just because they are so familiar. “I Carry Your Heart” by ee cummings and Sonnet 116 by Shakespeare are wedding clichés because they so artfully contain, in clear and compelling language, the feelings many couples share.
From The Heart
Songs can be powerful and evocative statements of love and, for many, are more familiar territory than religious texts or poetry. You can choose song lyrics, even those of your first dance, as a reading. If you have musical friends, ask someone to perform your favourite song at the ceremony.
Love letters are rapidly becoming a thing of the past, but you might have romantic emails with snippets you could share, or there may be love letters passed down the generations that reflect your feelings about love and marriage.
Public Displays Of Affection
Add a personal touch to your reception venue by creating blackboards with the words handwritten for display. A tin of blackboard paint and a sheet of MDF or wooden board are all you need to create these unique wedding accessories and you could also keep them for display in your home later.
One of our best-selling wholesale wedding supplies is quirky table centrepieces like these easels. Perfect for displaying menus or seating information, they could also beautifully display copies of your readings, perhaps next to a guest book or favour basket.
Incorporate a favourite line or phrase from your readings into your wedding scheme, featuring it on your stationery or signage. Look at the WWS craft selection for more ideas for clever ways to personalise your wedding.
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