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