Ideas for wedding ceremony readings

It's interesting:
"And for those of you who don't know, this special day in the lives of Dave and Sarah also happens to be Chinese New Year! Or, as they call it in China."

A reading during a ceremony allows the bride and groom to share a favorite poem or passage. More often, it is a way to remind everyone present of the importance of the day. A reading traditionally occurs at the beginning of the wedding, before the vows are given.

1. Books

   • A less obvious but still very sweet reading comes from the childrens book, "The Velveteen Rabbit" where the Rabbit asks the Skin Horse what it means to be real. The Skin Horse points out that real means sometimes getting hurt and that it takes a long time. And how "once you are real, you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand." This passage makes for a sweet commentary on commitment and love.

   Religious

   • There are many well known religious readings such as the verses on love from 1 Corinthians. Try lesser known readings such as Ecclesiates 4:9-12, which talks about how "two are better than one." For a Jewish wedding you might consider 'The Seven Blessings' reading. 'The Seven Blessings' begins with "We acknowledge the Unity of all within the sovereignty of God, expressing our appreciation for this wine, symbol and aid of our rejoicing." The end of the reading is as follows "Praised is love- blessed be this marriage. May the bride and bridegroom rejoice together."

   Poetry

   • When choosing a poetry reading be sure the message of love is clear. A good example would be Christina Rosetti's "Untitled" which emphasizes the presence of love from beginning to end with lines such as

     "What is the beginning? Love.

     What the course. Love still.

     What the goal. The goal is Love."

     Beautiful poetry options are plentiful with e.e. cummings, such as "somewhere I have never travelled" that marvels at the magic of marriage. For example:

     "(i do not know what it is about you that closes

     and opens- only something in me understands

     the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)."

   Miscellaneous

   • When in doubt, use a blessing to invoke a spirit of love and commitment. There are a number from which to choose such as a Cherokee prayer which focuses on honoring nature and asking nature to protect the marriage. Another option could be choosing a set of song lyrics from a favorite song of both the bride and groom.

Source: www.ehow.com

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