{"id":3409,"date":"2019-05-24T12:07:58","date_gmt":"2019-05-24T12:07:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wedding-venue-secret.com\/?p=3409"},"modified":"2019-05-24T10:02:49","modified_gmt":"2019-05-24T10:02:49","slug":"wedding-ceremony-readings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/wedding-ceremony-readings\/","title":{"rendered":"Wedding Ceremony Readings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Today we\u2019re going to take an in-depth look at the readings that often take place as part of both religious and civil marriage ceremonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

First of all, don’t confuse ceremony readings with the traditional wedding speeches. The later are much more informal monologues delivered at the reception immediately before, or just after, the wedding breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We\u2019ve written this principally for the attention of brides and grooms, who may want advice on who to ask to give a reading during the ceremony, and what their chosen readers should read. But we hope this article will be useful for those reading, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Readings at civil ceremonies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are marrying in a civil ceremony, your readings must be devoid of any specific religious references. The registrar will ask to see all of your readings (and vows) beforehand. There are various other rules about what you can and cannot do at a civil wedding ceremony<\/a>. As a result of breaking the rules, the registrar has the authority to void your marriage if you reference religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As civil ceremonies tend to be relatively short, the length of any readings should reflect this. They should be five minutes maximum, and you should feature no more than two readings in total. Be aware, especially if you are in a registry office, of the timeslot of your ceremony. However, try not to feel rushed as this is your special day. Plan accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Readings at religious ceremonies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are usually anything from one to three readings in a church or religious wedding ceremony. These are usually interspersed with sung hymns or, if there is a choir, an anthem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your readers are particularly devout, encourage them to talk to the clergyman so they can work together and create or select some appropriate texts. Let your devotion, to each other and to God, shine through in the readings you select.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who should read?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like when picking your best man and maid of honour, it can be hard not to offend. Try to pick someone who has considerable significance to the both of you. Choosing someone who is a confident speaker-cum-writer may also be wise. It won\u2019t do good for the reader to get cold feet before your vows!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you know that you have several guests who may be confident in reading, choose someone who isn\u2019t already giving a speech. Your close family, maid of honour and best man may all get their chance to speak at the reception. If you have children, this would be a wonderful way to get them involved. That is to say, if they are confident enough!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On the other hand, if your friends and family are all likely to get stage fright, you could ask your chosen celebrant <\/a>to read for you. This may not work in a registry office setting, but would be lovely if you’ve formed a connection with whoever is officiating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provide a reading for your speakers?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lot of the time, couples select their reader and let them choose a script. You could give guidance on the sort of thing you are looking for, for example more funny than serious. On the other hand, if you have a favourite reading you really want featuring, provide them with the text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you give them plenty of time to practise, especially if you are letting them choose their own reading. And, if you want the choice to remain a surprise, ask a friend to coordinate with the registrar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to read?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Excerpts from poetry (Shakespeare <\/a>is perennially popular) novels, spiritual prose or even song lyrics are popular readings. There are even options with a humorous or slightly unusual<\/a> touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your readers are more creative, or want to add a personal flair, they could write their own readings. Think of the personal significance of your wedding – for example, did your parents or grandparents tie the knot in the same venue or in a similar ceremony?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Anecdotes about drunken antics and how the couple met should be strictly reserved for the speeches during the reception!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of our favourite readings are below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every Day\u00a0– David Levithan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is what love does: It makes you want to rewrite the world. It makes you want to choose the characters, build the scenery, guide the plot. The person you love sits across from you, and you want to do everything in your power to make it possible, endlessly possible. And when it\u2019s just the two of you, alone in a room, you can pretend that this is how it is, this is how it will be.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Oh, the Places You’ll Go – Dr Seuss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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