I was asked a couple of weeks ago if I could write a post on wedding readings by one of my readers, they had been having trouble choosing something suitable for their wedding. So as promised here it is!

Some people choose readings for their weddings and some choose to leave this part out. Personally I think it’s always a nice touch to add a reading or two to a wedding ceremony especially if you are not in a church, as all too often the ceremony can fly by and be over before it’s has even began! A reading can really personalise a wedding ceremony and you can really add your own stamp to the proceedings. It is also a lovely way to involve your guests, anyone would be privileged to be asked to read at your wedding.

Now as a wedding planner I have been to a lot of weddings and I have to admit I do hear a lot of the same readings which can become a bit predictable, so today I wanted to share a few that have been suggested to me that are a little less traditional.
I’d then like to open up the discussion to you. I’d love to know what you have chosen, or if you are already married what you actually chose for your wedding day.

(photo credit Claire Penn)

So a few things to think about when choosing a reading

1. Is it appropriate? remember where you are! A Church reading may need to be different to an outdoor ceremony reading
2. Is it personal to you? there is no point choosing something if it doesnt mean anything to you, it has to have some sort of sentiment
3. Is the person giving the reading a confident public speaker? You may want your best friend to give the reading but if he or she is quite and shy this could be their worst nightmare!
4. Length, don’t choose something to long!………..or to short!
5. Presentation, always try to write the reading out on a nice piece of paper or card, a scrappy bit of notepaper doesn’t look good!

OK So to start the ball rolling I thought I would share with your first the readings I had at my wedding.

The First one is a poem I actually wrote for Nik when we first met. It was in our first 6 months of seeing each other and he was about to move from Sheffield to London, I never thought a long distance relationship would work but we did it and after that he moved in with me!

The second is a poem by Tracey Emin that Nik chose, I think it worked perfectly for us!

This Man – By me (For Nik)

There’s a man I’ve met recently,
That although younger in years,
Is as wise and true as our fathers.
He brings with him a genuine nature
And a respect for those around him.
He brings with him warmth and affection,
And humor that brings a twinkle to my eye.
He came without me knowing,
When I was least expecting it,
But when I close my eyes he’s still there,
In ever day dream and thought throughout the night,
And when I wake up next to him
I feel like I’m in heaven,
His touch is magical, His kiss like nectar.
The worlds a blur when I’m with him,
While no-one and nothing else matters,
With him there’s no pretenses, no games,
No heartache, no confusion,
Just a new breath of life, which has restored my faith.
There’s distance between us, many miles to travel,
But this man I’ve fund is always close to my heart,
And with every heartbeat a bond that grows stronger.
When he leaves me I grow sad,
But still happy in the knowledge,
That although the road is long,
The adventure in front of us is even longer.

(photo from my wedding  -  Photography: www.anniepeelphotography.com )

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