Weddings Readings

From LoveToKnow Weddings

Plenty of weddings readings can be done outside of the ceremony by friends and relatives who you would like to include in the festivities.

Readings may come from religious books.

Honoring Loved Ones

Honor those closest to you by asking them to do a reading at your wedding. This is a great option for those who are unable to be a member of the bridal party whom you would still like to include in the wedding activities. These people may include:

Cousins or distant relatives
High school friends
Friends of the family
Neighbors
Friends who would have difficulty being in the bridal party (due to expense or geography)

The weddings readings are usually chosen by the couple and range from religious readings to quotations from love songs and more. If the person you are asking is a talented writer, you could consider asking him/her to compose an original verse to read.

Times to Give Weddings Readings

The time to do a reading or two can be anywhere in the wedding festivities. Though most couples choose to have a ceremony reading, they can be done at other times throughout the celebration.

Ceremony Readings

Ceremony readings are usually done towards the beginning of the service. Most are taken from religious texts or books, often chosen with help from the couple’s spiritual leader. At secular ceremonies, readings can be passages from marriage poems or authors who wrote extensively about love, romance or marriage.

At small weddings, couples could choose to include the actual passage printed in the wedding program. This can allow guests to follow along silently.

Couples who want to remember those who have passed away may choose to do a reading in that person’s honor. Typically, grandparents, parents, siblings or children who have passed are honored with a special candle, floral arrangement or reading. If you are unable to do the reading yourself, ask someone else who was close to the deceased to do it for you.

Rehearsal Dinner Readings

Make your rehearsal dinner special by asking people to do a few readings at the rehearsal dinner. While waiting for food to be served, you can have several people stand up and read a few passages they have composed. This could also be a good time to get some further practice in for people doing ceremony or reception speeches who are nervous or shy.

Wedding Reception Readings

Special weddings readings can be done at different portions of the wedding reception. The maid of honor and best man speeches usually offer words of congratulations. However, some people are not talented at writing wedding speeches. Instead of the typical toast, they could do a reading instead.

Couples who want to have a dinner prayer at the wedding reception can use a reading to preface the prayer. This reading can be drawn from a religious book or text and relate back to thankfulness, meals, family or love.

Finally, a short reading could be done just before the DJ plays the last dance. The couple or reception host/hostess could stand up and do a short reading, thanking everyone for coming and sharing in the couple’s wedding day.

Creative Reading Tips

Sometimes, a love song, poem or religious verse will not express exactly what the couple wants to say. Perhaps you are unconventional in how you met or how your relationship evolved. Maybe you are both known for your comedic quips in daily life. Whatever the circumstance may be, you might want to get creative when it comes to the reading. If so, here are some tips:

Keep it universal: In other words, do not have a reading that plays upon a private joke between the two of you or just a few others.
Make it appropriate: Readings dealing with sexual innuendos, mature themes or containing profanity will not go over well at most weddings.
Stay on topic: Do not deviate from the general theme of weddings, love and romance.

If you have been asked to write a ceremony reading, keep in mind whether the couple plans to have funny wedding vows. Use the tone they set as a guideline for your reading. Ask the couple to approve it before you read it on the day of the wedding.

Weddings readings can play a small or large role in your wedding celebration. You may have several people chosen to do readings at various times throughout the day or just one reading at the ceremony. Regardless of your preference, make sure you pair the right reading with the right segment of the wedding.

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