The Wedding Party: Can They Do Readings?

Wedding readings are an excerpt of text often included in a wedding ceremony script. They are a way to personalise the ceremony and bring in additional voices, so it's not just the officiant talking the whole time. They are also used to further develop and deepen the theme of the ceremony or the wedding in general.

Wedding readings can be funny, serious, entertaining, romantic, or cheesy. They can be religious or non-religious, and they can be delivered by anyone from the wedding party to a

Who should do the readings?

Wedding readings are a great way to personalise your ceremony and share your feelings for each other in a unique way. They can also be used to include loved ones in the celebration, particularly those who are not in the wedding party.

When choosing who will deliver the readings, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to select someone who is comfortable with public speaking and confident about standing up in front of your guests. This could be a close friend or family member, or even a member of your wedding party. If you are having a religious ceremony, you may also want to consider asking your officiant to do the readings.

Another factor to keep in mind is the age of the person doing the reading. While an eight-year-old cousin may be adorable, they might not be the best choice for a wedding reader. It is important to choose someone who is mature enough to handle the responsibility and can deliver the reading with confidence.

It is also a good idea to have a backup plan in case your first choice of reader is unable to fulfil their duties. Asking someone from the wedding party to be your backup reader is a good option, as they are already involved in the ceremony.

Finally, it is important to choose a reading that is meaningful to you and your partner. It could be a passage from a religious text, a poem, a song lyric, or even a quote from a movie or TV show. The reading should reflect your personalities and relationship.

Remember, wedding readings are completely optional. If you are unable to find the right reading or reader, it is perfectly fine to forgo this part of the ceremony. Your guests will be thrilled to be present for your wedding, whether or not you include a reading.

What should the readings be about?

Wedding readings can be about anything, from funny to romantic, and they are a great way to personalise your ceremony. They can be religious or non-religious, and can be taken from books, songs, poems, films, or even your own love letters.

If you're stuck for ideas, here are some themes to consider:

Love

Love is a common theme for wedding readings, and can be interpreted in many ways. You could consider a reading that talks about the different types of love, such as the love between friends, family, or romantic partners. You could also reflect on the different stages of love, from the initial excitement of falling in love to the comfort and security of a long-term relationship.

Marriage

Many couples choose to include readings that reflect on the meaning of marriage. This could be a traditional reading that talks about the history and importance of the institution, or something more modern and lighthearted that celebrates the unique nature of your relationship.

Friendship

Friendship is often the foundation of a strong romantic relationship, so it makes sense to include a reading that celebrates the role of friendship in your journey as a couple. This could be a reading that talks about the importance of having a best friend, or one that reflects on the ways in which your partner is also your closest companion.

Growth

A wedding reading that reflects on personal growth and the ways in which your relationship has helped you to become a better person can be a meaningful addition to your ceremony. This could be a reading that talks about the ways in which love can heal and transform us, or one that celebrates the joy of sharing new experiences with your partner.

Commitment

A reading that reflects on the commitment you are making to your partner can be a powerful way to reinforce the seriousness of your wedding vows. This could be a reading that talks about the challenges and rewards of long-term commitment, or one that celebrates the idea of "growing old together".

Family

If you are both close with your families, you may want to include a reading that celebrates the role of family in your lives and your relationship. This could be a reading that talks about the importance of family traditions and values, or one that reflects on the ways in which your families have supported and shaped your relationship.

How many readings should there be?

When it comes to readings at a wedding, there are no rules set in stone. However, it is generally recommended that there are no more than one or two readings to avoid the ceremony dragging on and guests getting bored. If you have a lot of loved ones that you would like to include as readers, you can have multiple people perform a single reading, with each person reading a short portion.

If you are having a religious ceremony, the number and type of readings may be predetermined. For example, in a Catholic ceremony, there are usually three readings: one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and the responsorial psalm.

Ultimately, it is up to you and your partner to decide how many readings to include in your wedding ceremony. If you are unsure, it may be helpful to talk to your officiant, who can provide suggestions and advice on what will work best for your ceremony.

When should the readings take place?

The readings at a wedding ceremony can take place at different times, depending on the couple's preferences and the style of the ceremony. Here are some tips to help you decide when the readings should take place:

Typically, readings occur towards the beginning of the ceremony, after the officiant's introduction and before the wedding vows. This is a great way to set the tone for the celebration and involve special people in the wedding ceremony. However, the timing can vary based on the content of the readings and the couple's preferences.

For instance, if the couple chooses a reading that excites and welcomes the guests, it might be more suitable to place it at the beginning. On the other hand, if the reading is more focused on love and the couple's relationship, it might be better suited towards the middle or end of the ceremony, closer to the vows.

Another factor to consider is the number of readings. It is recommended to limit the readings to one or two to maintain the flow of the ceremony and keep the guests engaged. If there are multiple readings, they can be distributed throughout the ceremony to create a balanced mix of speaking and other activities.

Additionally, the couple should discuss with their officiant about the timing of the readings. The officiant can provide valuable input on when the readings would fit best and ensure a natural and seamless flow to the ceremony.

Finally, it is essential to consider the length of each reading. Each reading should ideally last no more than three minutes, and the entire readings portion should not exceed five minutes. This helps to maintain the attention of the guests and prevents the ceremony from dragging on.

In conclusion, the timing of the readings depends on various factors such as content, number of readings, and personal preferences. Communicating with the officiant and considering the overall flow of the ceremony will help determine when the readings should take place during the wedding ceremony.

How long should the readings be?

The readings portion of your ceremony should last no more than five minutes, and each individual reading should be one to three minutes long. Before selecting a wedding ceremony reading, time yourself reading it very slowly and clearly to see how long it will take to present at your ceremony. Any individual reading longer than three minutes should be edited down or you might want to consider a different passage.

If you're having a standard-length ceremony, it's important to provide a seat for each guest. A shorter vow exchange (10 minutes or less) is an option for a standing ceremony, but it's a good idea to have at least a few chairs for anyone elderly or otherwise unable to stand for that long.

Frequently asked questions