It’s your big day; you’ve said ‘I do’, perhaps exchanged rings and declared your commitment to the one you love in front of family and friends. For many it is now time for the wedding reading (or readings). But what sort of piece should you choose?
Choosing the Right Reading
A quick scan of books and websites on the subject reveals a plethora of grave, heart-felt and deeply solemn texts. There may be a particular passage or poem that has always been meaningful to you and fits the occasion perfectly.
It is worth taking a moment to consider if such a reading is really what you want at this time. Are you the sort of person who is likely to cry at your own wedding? Many people become unexpectedly overwhelmed during the ceremony - in the run up to your big day you will probably get so tied up in organisational details and forget what an intense experience the wedding ceremony can be. This is particularly true if certain people close to you are unable to be there, for whatever reason.
Lift the Mood
In such circumstances, a more lighthearted reading provides a much needed change of mood. Even if it just stops you from sobbing it will have done its job! The uplifting effect will be enhanced by the surprised laughter of your guests, who will be all set for the usual serious wedding readings.
Consult The Happy Couple
If you are a guest who has been asked to read a serious passage, preceding it with a more informal piece often relaxes you enough to tackle something more heavyweight. If you want to do this, don’t forget to consult the happy couple - the last thing you want is a pair of horrified newlyweds on your hands, who really just wanted a traditional Shakespearean sonnet.
Some Tried and Tested Readings
Here are some handpicked wedding poems that are sure to make you and your guests smile at your wedding:
I Wanna Be Yours– John Cooper Clark
A rather informal poem. A good one to read if you are a nervous public speaker -the strong rhythm means that it almost reads itself!
No Mistake – Martha Simms
Valentine – Wendy Cope
Two shorter poems. Valentine is the easier of the two to read. If you choose No Mistake, do practise it aloud as the pun in the last line needs to be read slowly.
You don’t need to read a whole poem – quotes from masters of wit such as Oscar Wilde, or this one from Ogden Nash are funny, memorable and to the point:
To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.
