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