Wedding Ceremony Readings: Adding A Touch Of Meaning And Romance To Your Special Day

Weddings are a celebration of love and commitment, and one way to add a personal touch to your special day is by incorporating wedding ceremony readings. These readings can come in various forms, such as poems, quotes, or excerpts from books and movies. They can help set the tone for your ceremony, evoke emotions, and convey your love story to your guests. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are five sample wedding ceremony readings to consider:

1. “Union” by Robert Fulghum

“You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks – all those sentences that began with ‘When we’re married’ and continued with ‘I will’ and ‘you will’ and ‘we will’ – those late-night talks that included ‘someday’ and ‘somehow’ and ‘maybe’ – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, ‘You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.'”

2. Excerpt from “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” by Louis de Bernières

“Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion, it is not the desire to mate every second minute of the day, it is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every cranny of your body. No, don’t blush, I am telling you some truths. That is just being ‘in love,’ which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.”

3. Excerpt from “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

“When he looked into her eyes, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke — the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love. Something older than humanity, more ancient than the desert. Something that exerted the same force whenever two pairs of eyes met, as had theirs here at the well. She smiled, and that was certainly an omen — the omen he had been awaiting, without even knowing he was, for all his life. The omen he had sought to find with his sheep and in his books, in the crystals and in the silence of the desert.”

4. Poem: “I Carry Your Heart with Me” by E.E. Cummings

“I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart) I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling). I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true) and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you”

5. Excerpt from “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams

“’What is REAL?’ asked the Rabbit one day… ‘Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?’ ‘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.'”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Wedding Ceremony Readings

1. Do we have to include wedding ceremony readings in our ceremony?

No, including readings is completely optional. It depends on your personal preferences and the overall theme or vibe you want to create for your ceremony.

2. Can we write our own wedding ceremony reading?

Absolutely! Writing your own wedding ceremony reading can add a unique and personal touch to your ceremony. Just make sure to practice reading it beforehand and keep it concise and meaningful.

3. How many readings should we include in our ceremony?

There is no set rule on the number of readings to include. It can be as few as one or as many as you want. However, it’s important to consider the overall length of your ceremony and the attention span of your guests.

4. Who can read the wedding ceremony readings?

The readings can be read by anyone you choose, such as a family member, friend, or even a professional reader. Make sure to select someone who can speak clearly and confidently.

5. How do we choose the right wedding ceremony readings?

Consider readings that resonate with you as a couple and reflect your values, beliefs, and love story. You can also seek inspiration from books, movies, poems, or quotes that hold special meaning to you.

6. Should the wedding ceremony readings be religious or secular?

It depends on your preferences and the type of ceremony you are having. If you are having a religious ceremony, you may want to include religious readings. For secular ceremonies, you can choose non-religious readings that still convey your love and commitment.

7. How long should the wedding ceremony readings be?

Readings should typically be around 1-3 minutes long, depending on the content and the reader’s delivery. It’s important to keep them concise so that they don’t overshadow other parts of the ceremony.

8. Can we have someone interpret the wedding ceremony readings in sign language?

Yes, if you have guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, it’s a thoughtful gesture to have someone interpret the readings in sign language. Make sure to arrange this in advance and provide the interpreter with the script.

9. Should we provide printed copies of the wedding ceremony readings to our guests?

Providing printed copies of the readings can be a nice touch, especially if they are longer or in a language not everyone understands. It allows your guests to follow along and fully appreciate the words being spoken.

10. Can we include wedding ceremony readings in non-traditional ceremonies?

Yes, wedding ceremony readings can be included in non-traditional ceremonies, such as elopements, destination weddings, or themed weddings. They can add depth and meaning to any type of ceremony, regardless of its format or location.

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