How to choose really authentic wedding readings, without falling into the Pinterest trap!
Some of us don’t have a favourite poem, and that’s perfectly fine. Wedding planning forums and websites often talk about wedding readings, and a little digging will easily unearth favourite and trending wedding poems. I remember when English Wedding was born, right back in 2009, the choice of poems read at weddings suddenly went from Shakespeare to an extract from The Velveteen Rabbit – and it felt like a little revelation! Now we live in a world of celebrants and highly personalised ceremonies, and lots of couples have wedding readings that absolutely reflect who they are. Here’s how to find yours – without settling for the best love poems you can find from an internet shortlist!
- Think about your readers – what would they choose?
So you can ask your favourite people to do a reading at your wedding, and let them choose something that’s really personal to them. That can be lovely – the reading they choose could be a complete surprise on the day, or you could ask them to tell you, or choose between you.
I love this idea, because it allows someone you’re really close to to share words which are really meaningful in their lives.
If you’re reading this blog because you’ve been chosen to read a poem at a wedding, may I show you the calligraphy poems I write as a calligrapher?
TIP: If you’re having more than one poem read out as part of your ceremony, make sure the readers don’t choose the same one! - If you’d rather choose your own wedding readings or poems, you can find words which mean a lot to you both. But where to start?
- It’s easy if you both genuinely love poetry. Choose something modern or timeless, and check with your celebrant / registrar / officiant that it can be read at your ceremony. For a civil ceremony, the government advises, “Civil ceremonies can include readings, songs or music, but must not include anything that’s religious (for example hymns or readings from the Bible or the Torah).“
- If you like the idea of a wedding poem but you’re not really familiar with any, you can choose something nice from the internet. Wedding blogs often have lots of ideas shared by other couples. If you find a reading which feels personal to you both, it makes things nice and simple! There are more personal ways to choose a reading though, and I’d advise thinking a little more creatively if you have the time.
- What about the music you love? Whether you’re big fans of Billie Eilish, Frank Turner or Metallica, it’s worth listening through their lyrics and seeing if you can spot some beautiful song lyrics that might work as a wedding reading.
TIP: you don’t have to sing, and you don’t have to read out an entire song! - If you love reading, how about finding something in your favourite book? It doesn’t have to be a romance story: couples have found lovely quotes in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials books, for example. Go with the books that mean a lot to you: whatever they may be! If you look hard enough for some meaningful words about a shared future, or finding happiness, they’ll be there!
- The same applies to movies and TV series that have made a big impact on your lives – you might just find the words you’re looking for if you watch that favourite season over again! (Although honestly, I searched online and couldn’t find anything from Star Wars… but you’ll want to check out the last idea, so keep reading!)
- Perhaps you’re passionate about nature conservation, or politics, or avid football fans. Whatever sets your soul on fire, this is where to look for inspiration!
Read with a little gravitas, this makes a lovely wedding reading:
“When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Tho’ your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone”
Disclaimer: it’s been done a few times already – but if you love this song, it’s perfect! - To really personalise your ceremony, you could have a reading written especially for the two of you. Kathryn Anna Marshall is a bespoke wedding poet who will work with you to create something heartfelt and special to read during your wedding ceremony, if you’re looking to add a personal touch at a civil ceremony.
- My ‘and finally’ is a biggie. I haven’t really mentioned celebrants, but for the ultimate in authentic wedding ceremonies – from your readings to every other word spoken as you stand before your families and friends – consider hiring a wedding celebrant. They’re the most wonderful, creative and warmhearted people, and the right one will tailor every aspect of your ceremony so it’s just perfect for you both. When I searched online to see if Star Wars wedding readings were a thing, Google came up with quite the list of bespoke ceremonies with more than a hint of Yoda in their wise and beautiful words!
Header image: Love like a River, by Whitney Hanson, hand written By Moon & Tide Calligraphy
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