Lyla Dejesus
Wedding readings are passages or phrases that can be read by family, friends or the happy couple during the wedding ceremony. They can be religious or secular, and are a great way to add a dash of personality, sweetness, humour or emotion to the event. Readings can be chosen from a variety of sources, including literature, poetry, songs, films, religious works, and more. They are usually short, under five minutes, and are meant to be special and meaningful to the couple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who reads them? | Family, friends, or the happy couple |
| Who chooses them? | There are no rules, so it's up to the couple |
| Who can be asked for guidance? | The officiant |
| How long should they be? | Under 5 minutes, ideally under 3 minutes |
| What can they be about? | Love, marriage, and commitment |
| What can they be taken from? | Passages or phrases from literature, poetry, songs, films, religious works, or anything else that speaks to the couple |
| Are they mandatory? | No, they are not for everyone |
| Where else can they be incorporated? | Wedding decor or displayed around the reception venue |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding readings can be religious or secular
Wedding readings are a great way to add a bit of personality, sweetness, humour, or emotion to your wedding ceremony. They are usually passages or phrases read by family, friends, or the happy couple themselves at the wedding ceremony. Wedding readings can be religious or secular, depending on the type of wedding ceremony.
If you're having a religious wedding, you can choose from various religious texts to include in your ceremony. The Bible, Torah, and Quran are among the most popular religious texts used in wedding readings. You can also include prayers and musings from famous theologians and religious thinkers, such as Buddha, whose teachings on true love could be the perfect addition to your ceremony:
> The Buddha spoke about four elements that constitute true love: the capacity to be kind and offer happiness, maitri in Sanskrit, compassion, the capacity to relieve suffering, karuna; the capacity to bring joy every day, mudita; and finally, the capacity of nondiscrimination, upeksha.
If you're having a secular wedding, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can include passages from literature, poetry, songs, or films that hold a special meaning for you and your partner. For instance, you could include a whimsical Disney wedding reading, or a quote from your favourite TV show or movie, such as:
> I've always believed in numbers and the equations and logics that lead to reason. But after a lifetime of such pursuits, I ask: 'What truly is logic?' 'Who decides reason?' My quest has taken me through the physical, the metaphysical, the delusional—and back. And I have made the most important discovery of my career, the most important discovery of my life: It is only in the mysterious equations of love that any logic or reasons can be found.
Remember, there are no rules about who should give wedding readings, so you can choose whoever you like! Just make sure to keep the readings short and sweet, and consider printing the words in your ceremony program so your guests can follow along.
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Sources for wedding readings
Wedding readings are passages or phrases that are read by family, friends, or the happy couple at the wedding ceremony. They can be secular or religious and are a great way to add a dash of personality, sweetness, humour, or emotion to your wedding.
Religious Texts
The Bible, Torah, and Quran are among the most popular religious texts used for wedding readings. Couples can also refer to the works of famous theologians and religious thinkers, such as Buddha, for spiritual wedding readings.
Poetry
Poetry is an excellent source for wedding readings, with many poems by renowned poets like Pablo Neruda and e.e. cummings exploring the theme of love. Couples can also consider printing the poem in their ceremony program so guests can follow along.
Literature
Couples can choose meaningful passages from their favourite novels or classic literature that speak to their relationship and characterise their partnership.
Songs
Song lyrics can be a great way to express emotions and add a unique touch to the wedding ceremony. From romantic ballads to upbeat tunes, there are countless songs about love and marriage to choose from.
Movies and TV Shows
Hollywood is no stranger to love stories, and there are plenty of on-screen quotes and vows that can be used as wedding readings. Couples can draw inspiration from their favourite movies and TV shows to find quotes that resonate with their relationship.
Children's Books
A quote from a beloved children's book can be a whimsical and unique addition to a wedding ceremony, and guests will likely recognise and appreciate it.
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Who should give a wedding reading?
A wedding reading is a meaningful passage or poem that is recited during a wedding ceremony, often by a friend or family member of the couple. Now, who should give a wedding reading? Well, the answer depends on a few factors, including the size of your wedding party, your relationship with potential readers, and the tone you want to set for your ceremony. Here are some ideas on who you may want to tap for the job:
- Close Friends or Family Members: Asking a close friend or family member to do a reading at your wedding is a wonderful way to include them in your ceremony. Choose someone who is confident speaking in front of an audience and who you think will add a personal touch to the reading. Perhaps they can share a favorite poem or passage that reflects your relationship, or even write something themselves if they're creatively inclined.
- Your Wedding Party: If you have a small wedding party, you may want to ask each person to do a reading. This could be a way to involve your bridesmaids and groomsmen more directly in the ceremony, and it can add a sense of cohesion to the celebration. Consider choosing a theme or selecting readings that complement each other to create a cohesive flow.
- Significant Mentors or Elders: Another option is to invite significant mentors or elders in your life to do a reading. This could be a way to honor and include those who have guided and supported you in your relationship. They can offer a different perspective and often provide wise and heartfelt words that add depth and meaning to the ceremony.
- Each Other: You and your partner can also opt to read something to one another during the ceremony. This can be an incredibly intimate and emotional moment, and it's a beautiful way to express your love and commitment directly to each other. It also ensures that your own voices are literally heard during the ceremony.
- Religious or Spiritual Leaders: If you're having a religious or spiritually focused ceremony, you may want to include readings from your faith tradition. In this case, it can be appropriate to ask a religious leader or someone well-versed in your faith's texts to do a reading. They can guide you in selecting appropriate passages and may even offer additional wisdom or blessings during the ceremony.
- Consider Logistics: When choosing your readers, it's also important to consider logistics. Choose people who are comfortable speaking in front of an audience and who are likely to be available for rehearsals or any necessary preparations. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case someone becomes unexpectedly unavailable.
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules about who should give a wedding reading. The most important thing is to choose individuals who will add to the sentiment and significance of your wedding ceremony, making it a memorable and meaningful experience for all involved.
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How long should a wedding reading be?
When it comes to wedding readings, the length can vary depending on a few factors. Firstly, it's important to consider the number of readings you plan to include in your ceremony. If you have only one reading, it can be slightly longer, typically ranging from 3 to 5 minutes when read aloud. This translates to approximately 750 to 1250 words. However, if you plan to include multiple readings, it's best to keep them shorter, with a maximum duration of 2 to 3 minutes each, or about 500 to 750 words. This ensures that your ceremony maintains a good pace and that your guests remain engaged.
Another factor influencing the length of your wedding reading is the type of ceremony you are having. Religious ceremonies often include traditional readings from sacred texts, which can be longer. On the other hand, secular or non-religious ceremonies tend to have more flexibility in terms of reading length and content, so you can opt for something shorter and more contemporary if you prefer.
The reading's content and style are also important considerations. Some readings are naturally more detailed and descriptive, requiring a longer word count to convey their message effectively. Others are more concise and poetic, capturing the essence of love and commitment in a few well-chosen words. Think about the tone and atmosphere you want to create during your ceremony, and choose readings that align with that vision.
It's worth noting that the length of a wedding reading is not solely determined by the number of words but also by the pace at which it is delivered. A slower, more thoughtful delivery will take longer than a brisk reading, even with the same text. As such, it's a good idea to practice your reading aloud beforehand to get a sense of timing and ensure it fits within your desired length.
Finally, remember that your wedding readings should enhance your ceremony and make it more meaningful. Whether you opt for a longer, traditional reading or a shorter, contemporary piece, choose something that resonates with you and your partner and reflects the unique bond you share. With careful consideration and planning, your wedding readings will undoubtedly be a memorable part of your special day.
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Where to include wedding readings
Wedding readings are a great way to personalise your ceremony and show your guests a little bit about you as a couple. They can be included in your wedding in many ways, whether in the ceremony, decor, or displayed around your reception venue.
During the Ceremony
If you are including readings in your wedding ceremony, it is important to talk to your officiant about this. Some religious ceremonies may not be conducive to additional readings, so it is important to make sure that your officiant is on board with the idea. The officiant can also determine the most appropriate time to include readings so that they feel natural and seamless. Readings typically take place towards the beginning of the ceremony, after the officiant has made their introduction and before the wedding vows.
In Your Wedding Decor
If you are unable to fit readings into your wedding ceremony, you can incorporate them into your wedding decor or display them around your reception venue. For example, you could include them on your welcome table or framed on the wall.
Who Should Perform the Readings?
Traditionally, one or two readings are performed at a wedding, but couples can include as many as they want. Readings can be performed by a close friend or family member who is not in the wedding party, or by a talented orator. If the reading is giving advice, it could make sense to have a long-married couple read it together. If it's a silly reading about love, consider asking a friend with great comedic timing.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding readings are passages or phrases that are read by family, friends, or the happy couple at the wedding ceremony. They can be secular or religious and add a dash of sentimentality to the event.
Wedding readings can be taken from poems, literature, songs, films, religious works, and more. For example, you could include a passage from a novel or series that you both love, or something whimsical from a Disney film.
It's important to choose a wedding reading that speaks to you as a couple. Think about what will mean the most to you both and consider passages from literature, poetry, movies, or songs that have spoken to you over the years.
Wedding readings should be kept short and sweet. Under five minutes is the general rule, but if you can get them under three minutes, that's even better.
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