What should I read for my best friend’s wedding?

When you’re wondering what to read at your best friend’s wedding there’s going to be a whole load of emotions whizzing round your brain. You’ll be thrilled (of course) mildly terrified (public speaking – waah!) but mostly you’re likely to feel a bit confused. This is one of the biggest events of their life, and you need to find a reading that will capture the wonder of the adventure they’re embarking on, and maybe a bit of the brilliance of your friendship too. More than anything, you want to bring joy – and plenty of it – to their day. Here’s a few ideas of where to start when you’re looking for what to say at your best friend’s wedding.

Make your wedding reading personal

An easy way to make things really personal is to write your own reading. This means you can speak from your heart about your friendship with the bride or groom as well as the joy you feel about their new life with their partner. It’s a chance to share cherished memories and tell your friend how much they mean to you. Writing your own wedding reading can add a unique and intimate touch to the ceremony and show the bond you share with the couple.

Choose a poem about love and friendship

If you’re puzzling over what to say at your best friend’s wedding, poetry can be a great source of inspiration. The combination of rhythm and well-chosen words speaks to the human spirit in a way that is unique and powerful. You can choose to write your own poem, seek help from a professional poet, or look through some of your favourite books for inspiration. If you’re not sure where to begin your hunt for the perfect poem take a look at The Poetry Foundation or delve into an anthology of love poems to find one that fits the bill. To help make your decision, read the poem aloud - it’s important that you feel confident with where to take a breath and how the rhythm of the poem will work, so you get the best from it on the day.

Gorgeous poems on love in all its forms between the pages of this anthology.

Choose an excerpt from a book or lines from a song

Another fab idea for your best friend’s wedding reading is to draw inspiration from one of their favourite books or their favourite songs. When you’re looking, keep an eye (and ear) out for passages that celebrate love, commitment, and friendship. This excerpt from The Velveteen Rabbit is a beautiful example.

“Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.’ ‘Does it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit. ‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. ‘When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.’ ‘Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,’ he asked, ‘or bit by bit?’ ‘It doesn’t happen all at once,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.” ― Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit

To make it feel really personal you could sneak a peek at their bookshelves or vinyl collection to find inspiration. The most important thing is to do some close research to make sure you’ve chosen a passage or lyric that really says what you need it to.

Consider their faith and culture

If the couple follows a particular faith or cultural tradition, consider incorporating readings from relevant religious or cultural texts into the ceremony. These readings can add depth and significance to the proceedings, reflecting the couple's spiritual beliefs and values. Whether it's a Bible verse, or a traditional wedding blessing, you can be sure your choice will hold special meaning for the couple.

Choose a wedding reading that celebrates shared memories

I recently completed a commission for the best woman to read at her best friend’s wedding. Part of the poem included specific memories and anecdotes, and these really made the poem sing. Whether you choose a personal story, cherished memory, or a funny tale, you can highlight the special bond you share with your friends. Your reading can become a heartfelt message about what their relationship means to you and speaking from personal experience will create a memorable and meaningful moment during the ceremony.

You can read the story behind this poem here

Would you like me to write a reading for your best friend’s wedding?

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose something that feels like a celebration of friendship and of your relationship with the couple. So, take your time, reflect on your friendship, and choose something that speaks to the beauty and joy of the occasion. A bespoke wedding poem means reading for your best friend’s wedding will be a unique snapshot of your friendship, as well as all the things that make the couple so fantastic.

If you’d like me to write for you, just get in touch using the contact form, or email kathrynannawrites@gmail.com.

Until next time

Kathryn

xx

How do you know what to write for a personalisd wedding poem?

This is something I’m asked a lot, and it’s a question that’s both straightforward and almost impossible to answer because each poem I write is unique and built around your love story. If you’re thinking of putting pen to paper yourself here are some ideas of where to start. In this post I’ve put together some ideas of where to start with tackling writing your own poem, as well as some key things to avoid.

What type of poem works for wedding readings?

The type of personalised wedding poem I’m asked for most often is one that details the journey a couple has taken to reach the magic moment of their wedding day. This type of poem is often quite simple in it’s structure and I make full use of rhyme to give the poem a cheerful feel and a sense of movement. I make use of all the details given to me and weave these through the poem in a way that makes sense and sounds beautiful. When you’re writing, try to create a poem that chimes with the who the recipients are as people, as well including relevant facts and unique details.

How could I write a wedding reading that’s more personal?

It may be that the people you’re writing for will want something a little different than a simple round up of the events that led them to commit to marriage. For example, I’ve written work that echoes traditional fairy tales, or that details the countries a couple hope to visit as part of their lives together. I’ve even written poems from the point of view of beloved pets.

Writing a poem that moves away from the traditional list type poem gives you the opportunity to delve a little deeper into your poet’s tool kit to create something that is deeply personal, without necessarily following the timeline of the couple’s relationship.

This poem was built around the couple’s love of travel, being outdoors and their stong belief that happiness cannot be found through posessions, rather it comes from the kindness we show each other.

Is there a template for personalised wedding poems?

I believe each poem needs to be unique and because of this wedding poem templates are something I avoid. The danger of using a template is that the poem will feel less personal, and less special - it may be a quick and easy option, but it wouldn’t make for a good poem. Getting to know the people I write for means I can write a poem that is truly unique and a meaningful representation of their relationship.

Writing your own poem for a wedding reading

Once you know which type of poem you want to write it’s time to get down to form and structure. There are dozens of ways a poem can be written, with different forms going back to ancient Greece. If you are interested in exploring these, the The Ode Less Travelled by Stephen Fry is an excellent starting point.

I tend to write most of my poems for wedding readings in free verse. This is poetry that doesn’t use a strict meter or rhyme scheme in the way a sonnet or villanelle does. Using rhythm and rhyme is still useful though, especially if the poem will be read aloud. I often use half rhymes or place rhymes in the middle of a line to create this sense of rhythm but maintain the modern feel of the poem and avoid the nursery feel that using rhymes at the end of each line can create.

poetry is a bridge between two people - Ocean Vuong

This quote by the poet Ocean Vuong illustrates what drives my work. I offer the same level of skill, authenticity, and care to each couple I work for. Whilst this is my business, the work I create is created from love and connection with the people I write for. I am constantly delighted to be asked to be part of such a significant occasion and believe each occasion deserves to be given individual attention.

When putting together ideas for your own poem for a wedding reading it’s worth keeping this thought at the forefront of your mind. It’s easy to get caught up in the mechanics of rhyme and meter and lose sight of who you’re writing for.

Editing your poem

When you’ve finished your poem it’s time to edit it. The best place to start is to read it aloud - are there any words that trip you up as you speak, or just don’t sound right? Try recording the poem too, to understand how it will sound to the people you’re reading for. Poetry uses so few words to express such big emotions that every one of them counts - even things like the placement of a comma can impact the effectiveness of your poem.

Get in touch

I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog and gained some ideas of how to tackle writing your own bespoke poem. If you do find you’d prefer me to write for you, then just get in touch by completing the contact form or email kathrynannawrites@gmail.com.

Happy writing!

Until next time

Kathryn

xx

The best paper for poetry prints is…

When I started writing poems for weddings and birthdays, I knew I wanted to make them into a gift people could keep. I experimented with a few different ideas, such as hand-writing the poems, using handmade paper and using ink stamps. Each of these were nice, but didn’t elevate the poems to being something that would become a real treasure for people.Many experiments and a lot of research later I discovered the variety of styles and prints I could create using digital illustration. Now all I needed to do was find the best way to print them…

Finding the perfect paper for your bespoke poetry prints

I quickly realised the choice of paper is a critical factor that can significantly impact the final result. Among the host of options I tried during my research (heaven for a stationery geek like me), G.F. Smith Munken Fine Paper stood out.

Renowned for craftsmanship and care, and established way back in 1885, there isn’t anything this company doesn’t know about paper. I tried many samples and before I settled on the Munken Fine Paper. It’s smooth enough, to hold the ink well and show colour to its very best, but it has a slightly tactile surface which gives an artisan quality to the final product and looks fantastic in the frame. It also works really well for hand drawn illustrations so it’s the perfect choice for both of my poetry print services.

Flexibility and choice

As a rule I choose to print your personalised poem on cream coloured paper. I find it gives a softer finish than white, and works with most frame colours and decor styles. Having said that, G.F.Smith offer a sizeable range of colours. and I’m happy to order a different colour to print your poem on. There would be a small extra charge of £5.00, just to cover the costs.

Sustainability

When it comes to sustainability a giving a bespoke poem as a wedding gift is a great option. There are very few single use resources and the main component of the product is paper. Munken papers are FSC-certified which means that the raw materials used are sourced ethically and sustainably. I’m still trying to find envelopes that align with this - the ones that are available would mean a substantial cost increase but I’m hopeful that I’ll find a solution soon.

Commissioning bespoke poems.

When you choose to buy a bespoke poem as a gift, you’re choosing a gift that says how much you care in a lasting and unique way. Part of my commitment to excellence in all a do is to offer prints that are as beautiful as the words they carry. I’m proud to be a small business, and proud to be able to deliver poetry that people love and that is genuinely bespoke. Choosing quality materials makes a big difference to the final print and i’m always thrilled when I see the words and pictures I’ve created come to life.

I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering a little more about how your personalised poems come to life and look forward to making something beautiful for you. You can find out more about how to order your bespoke poem here, or just get in touch using the contact form or by emailing kathrynannawrites@gmail.com

Until next time

Kathryn

xx

How do you know what to say for non-religious wedding readings?

When you’re looking for readings for a non-religious ceremony the choice can seem overwhelming. When thinking about the readings you’d like for your wedding, the first step is to take a moment to consider how you want your reading to make you and your guests feel. In this post I’ll take you through a few ideas of the types of readings to choose, as well as things to keep in mind when you’re searching for the perfect words to capture your relationship.

What is a wedding reading for?

Essentially, wedding readings are an opportunity to create a moment of reflection and focus. Amongst the legal trappings, vows, gasps of awe at your outfits, and smiles at the charm of the day, your wedding reading brings you and your guests back to the reason for this fantastic event. Your wedding reading is a celebration of what makes two of you so very special, and what makes your marriage unique.

What type of wedding reading should I have?

A quick search offers dozens of poems and passages from books to read at your wedding. There are traditional love poems, pieces by some of the most celebrated modern authors as well as snippets from TV shows and films. For my own wedding I read The Good Morrow by John Donne. It’s a poem I love and felt fitting for our day. The key is to have a reading that celebrates your love and reflects the things that matter to you as a couple.

Should wedding readings fit my wedding theme?

Some wedding websites do suggest choosing a wedding reading to fit the theme. If.for example, you’re having a beach side wedding, you’d perhaps go for a poem inspired by the sea, or a wedding in a castle might lend itself to reading an extract from a fairy tale. Whilst this can be a good idea in many ways, it’s important not to let your wedding reading become just another layer to your overall day. This is the moment to celebrate the essence of your relationship, the things that will be as special on a wet Wednesday in February as they are on this fabulous occasion.

How many readings can I have at my ceremony?

Most weddings have two wedding readings, but this can vary depending on the type of ceremony you’re having. Ceremonies carried out by a celebrant can often be more flexible, since the celebrant is with you for the whole day, whereas more traditional ceremonies have considerations around other weddings that may be happening in the same venue or with the same registrar.

The great thing about being able to have two or more wedding readings is the flexibility it gives. There may be a reading that is traditional to your family, or you may wish to choose one serious and one humorous reading. One of the best combinations is to have a bespoke wedding poem for a truly personal touch, alongside a more universal reading that celebrates the gravity of love. If you’re really struggling to narrow your choices down, why not bring one of your readings into the speeches afterwards?

How can I make my wedding readings personal?

Go with your gut feeling. If a reading makes you both a little teary, or both giggle “that’s us” then it’s the right reading for you. Try not to have a reading because it sounds especially grand or solely because someone else likes it. This is your moment to cherish and shine.

One of the best ways to make your wedding reading personal is to have something written for you. Choosing a writer for your wedding can be tricky – there’s a lot of trust involved and a lot relies on the rapport you and your poet build for the short time you’re working together. For me, each wedding I write for is unique and I’m intensely aware of what a privilege it is to be asked to be the vehicle to tell your love story.  Here’s some recent feedback – I loved writing for this fab couple!

Can you write something for my wedding reading?

As a poet I write many different types of poetry across many different subjects. One of my favourite things is writing to celebrate love, and being asked to write for people’s wedding readings is something I treasure. If you’d like me to write for you, just get in touch using the contact form and we can begin to create a poem for your wedding day that brings joy and tenderness and, most importantly, celebrates the unique relationship you have as a couple.

Until next time

Kathryn

xx