Wedding Readings: Romantic, Fun, and Non-Traditional Choices
Ah, wedding readings! Though not as common as they used to be, readings are a wonderful way to personalize your wedding ceremony. They help to set the tone, bring a tear or two to the eye, and remind everyone present why they’re there – to celebrate love, of course! Whether you go classic, religious, modern, or add a bit of humor, there’s a reading out there that will speak to you and your partner's hearts.
Classic Readings: Where Romance Meets Tradition
When we think of wedding readings, the first thing that likely comes to mind is something a little on the classic side – Shakespeare, poetry, love letters. And let's be honest, these never get old. Lines from Pride and Prejudice, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, or even an excerpt from the famous Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare have a timeless, beautiful quality to them. These readings are like the floral arrangements of your ceremony – they’ve been done countless times but always hold a certain charm.
Take, for example, the iconic passage from Pride and Prejudice: "You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you." How can you not swoon? Classic, sweet, and just the right amount of drama.
Religious Readings: Bringing Faith Into the Celebration
Biblical Reading:
Corinthians 13:4-7, which famously says: "Love is patient, love is kind...it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
For couples whose love and faith are intertwined, a religious reading can add an extra layer of sacredness to the ceremony. Whether it’s a verse from the Bible, a blessing from a sacred text, or something more spiritual, religious readings have a unique way of grounding the ceremony in something greater than just the two of you. Think Corinthians 13:4-7, which famously says: "Love is patient, love is kind...it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." This reading is like that cozy, warm blanket that reminds you of what love is truly about. It’s ideal for couples who want to celebrate their love in the context of their faith.
Modern Readings: For the Couple Who’s Not Afraid to be a Little Different
Not every couple wants to recite lines from a centuries-old novel or religious text (and that’s perfectly okay). If you’re more the "Netflix and chill" type than the "Shakespeare and scones" type, modern readings can add the perfect touch of relevance and personality to your ceremony. You might draw inspiration from pop culture, movies, or even song lyrics.
Consider a passage from The Velveteen Rabbit, for example: "Real isn't how you are made… It’s a thing that happens to you. When somebody loves you, it’s like the sun shining." Or how about this gem from The Notebook: "I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me, and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough." Not only are these modern reads emotionally resonant, but they’re also totally relatable for today’s couples.
Humorous Readings: Because Laughter is the Best Medicine (and the Best Wedding Icebreaker)
Let’s face it: Weddings can be a serious affair, and the ceremony can sometimes feel a little stiff. Enter: humor. Wedding readings that are light-hearted and funny can break the ice, put everyone at ease, and bring a little comic relief to the day. You want your guests to feel the love, yes, but you also want them to laugh and enjoy the ride.
Consider something cheeky like this excerpt from A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton: "The Dinosaur and the Bunny sat side by side and said nothing at all. And after a while, they became very fond of each other. And after a while, the Dinosaur said, 'I think we should get married.' And the Bunny said, 'Okay.'" Short, sweet, and seriously adorable! Or, how about using a passage from The Princess Bride: "This is my promise: I will always be your faithful friend. I will always fight for you. I will always love you, and I will always cherish you, even if you keep calling me 'a woman' instead of 'my princess.'" Who wouldn’t want a little giggle during their ceremony? It’s your day – don’t be afraid to make it reflect your unique sense of humor!
Where to Place Readings in the Ceremony: Timing is Everything
Now that you've decided on the perfect reading (or two, or three), where in the ceremony should they go? Timing is key! Readings typically happen after the vows but before the ring exchange, giving everyone a moment to reflect on the love and commitment you’re about to make. Of course, if you want to spice it up a little, you can opt to place a reading before the vows or during a special moment like the unity candle lighting or sand ceremony.
A well-timed reading can also set the mood – so if you’re looking to add a little bit of humor, maybe put it right after the more serious vows or the opening remarks, where it’ll stand out even more. Whatever you choose, make sure it feels natural and flows with the rest of the ceremony.
Final Thoughts
Wedding readings are more than just words – they are moments that reflect your personality, your love, and your journey together. Whether you go for classic, religious, modern, or humorous, the right reading can elevate your ceremony and give your guests something to talk about long after they’ve left the reception. So, take your time, choose what resonates with you, and most importantly, make sure it feels like your wedding. After all, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so why not make it unforgettable – with just a touch of romance and maybe a good laugh or two along the way?
