#1 Choose readings that are meaningful to you and your partner! We know this sounds obvious right now but trust us… when it comes down to crunch time you will be worried about seating arrangements, hair trials, and final counts for catering and the details of the ceremony will somehow slip away from you. The ceremony should be one of the most meaningful and important hours of your life, so take some time to sit down with your spouse-to-be and pick out some really meaningful passages that will add a personal and unforgettable touch to your wedding day. We will give you some of our tips for making your readings unique and memorable, but the best tip we can give you is to spend the time to pick your own personal passages and avoid the last-minute Google search hours before the programs are set to print, leaving you with an overused, “love is patient, love is kind…”
#2 Read song lyrics. We recently discussed our favorite song choices for your wedding ceremony, just as picking the readings is an important decision the music is too! Why? Because everyone connects to music in some way or another, whether it makes the hair on your arms stand up, brings a smile to your face, a tear drop fall from your eye, or simply leads to the uncontrollable singing in the car, music is an important and meaningful part of our lives and something that we all connect with. If music brings these feelings out of us so easily, why not incorporate song lyrics into your ceremony in the form of a reading. This is a great idea for those couples out there who have “a song” they share together! Some of our favorite song lyrics for readings include: “If I Should Fall Behind” by Bruce Springsteen, “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds, and “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin.
#3 Read passages of love letters. Hand-written love letters seem to be a lost art but if you and your partner happen to have any saved love letters or notes, consider choosing passages or portions of these letters to share with each other and your guests. How much more meaningful and personal can you get! This is a great idea for military couples that may have kept their relationship alive for a period of time through pen and paper. If you haven’t saved any of your notes (we don’t blame you) consider writing meaningful letters either as a pair or to each other that hold your aspirations for the future as well as a glimpse into what brought you together for this very important day. If you choose this route be careful that this passage is different from the vows you will recite to each other during the ceremony. Loving the idea of handwritten love letters but aren’t so keen on giving your guests a front row seat into your personal thoughts? Ask your parents or grandparents if they have any romantic love letters saved that would be applicable to your ceremony reading needs.
#4 Choose your speakers thoughtfully. Yes, we know this sounds like another no brainer. We are certain you’ll choose meaningful friends and family members to be a part of the big day but also consider choosing one of these people with your ceremony reading needs in mind. Choose someone you have looked up to in terms of his or her marriage and love and ask them if they would write a personal letter or poem in honor of your wedding day. If they aren’t comfortable writing an original piece, ask them to pick out a verse, poem or song lyrics to read. Having the words written or chosen specifically for you from a person you admire will speak volumes and be something to remember forever.
