Because it’s not always easy to hit the mark!
I’ve decided to write this article because I’ve been asked to do a wedding reading for a dear friend’s nuptials later this year.
Selfishly, this serves as a guide for myself as I navigate the process, and I will be following these steps closely. Personally, I am opting to write a poem that reflects the couple!
I also hope this article will be helpful for anyone else who has been invited to give a wedding reading as I understand it can feel like a daunting task!
Firstly, wedding readings are an essential and touching part of many ceremonies. They add a personal touch that reflects the couple’s journey, values, and love story.
Watch a great example of one here.
Whether you’ve decided to read a poem, an excerpt from a book, religious text, or something you’ve written yourself, delivering a wedding reading is both an honour and a responsibility.
So, without further ado, here are some useful guidelines to help you prepare and perform a memorable wedding reading:
Pick the right material
Selecting the right material for your wedding reading is the first step to take. Some things to consider are:
Personal connection: Choose a reading that resonates with you and the couple. It could be a favourite poem, a passage from a book they love, or something that reflects their relationship.
Tone: Match the tone of the reading to the overall mood of the wedding. Some weddings are light-hearted and humorous, while others are more formal and solemn. If you’re unsure, then check-in with the bride or groom to clarify what their expectations are.
Length: Keep it concise. Aim for something that takes no more than 2–3 minutes to read aloud.
If you’re in need of some inspiration, this is a really useful article with lots of great examples to choose from.
Understand the context
Once you’ve chosen the wedding reading, make sure you understand its context and meaning.
Research the background if it’s a well-known piece or ask the couple why they chose it if it’s personally selected by them.
Knowing the significance will help you deliver it with the appropriate emotion and emphasis.
Practice (duh!)
As always, an integral part of preparation is practice. Make sure you rehearse the reading several times before the wedding day.
Read aloud — practise reading the text aloud to get comfortable with the words and flow
Pace yourself — pay attention to your pacing. Aim for a steady, moderate pace that’s easy to follow
Emphasise key points — identify important words or phrases and practise emphasising to convey the intended emotion
Record yourself — record your practise sessions to hear how you sound and adjust as needed
Read in front of an audience — practise in front of people to build confidence and receive constructive feedback
Manage your nerves
Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, especially at a wedding where emotions are high!
But there’s no need to let nerves interfere with your wedding reading. Here are some tips to manage them:
Deep breathing — practising deep breathing exercises before you start to calm your nerves will help you stay focused
Stay hydrated — drink water to keep your throat clear and avoid dryness
Visualise success — picture yourself delivering the reading confidently and receiving positive reactions from the audience. Meditation is also a useful tool here.
Focus on the couple — remember this moment is about celebrating the couple. By focusing on them you can help shift your attention away from your nerves.
Present confidently
When the moment arrives:
Stand tall — good posture will help you to project your voice and appear confident
Speak clearly — enunciate your words and take your time without rushing so everyone can understand you
Make eye contact — connect with the audience by making occasional eye contact. If that feels too intimidating, focus on the couple
Use a microphone if needed — always use a microphone if the venue is large or outdoors so everyone can hear what you’re saying.
Engage
Engaging with the audience can make your readings more impactful:
Smile — a warm smile can make you feel more approachable and help connect with the audience
Pause for effect — pausing at the right moments can enhance the delivery and allow the audience to absorb the message
Respond to the mood — pay attention to the mood in the room. If the audience laughs at a humorous line, give them a moment before continuing.
Handle mistakes
Mistakes happen sometimes, no matter how much you’ve practised (and that’s okay!)
Stay calm — if you stumble over a word or lose your place, take a deep breath and calmly continue
Ad-lib if needed — if you forge a line, it’s okay to paraphrase or ad-lib briefly to get back on track
Keep smiling — maintain a positive demeanour can help you recover quickly and keep the audience engaged: make a joke of it and move on!
End with grace
End your reading with a clear conclusion:
Pause — after finishing the reading, pause for a moment before returning to your seat.
Acknowledge the audience — a simple smile or nod can acknowledge the audience’s attention and bring a sense of closure to your reading.
Giving a wedding reading is a heartfelt way to contribute to a couple’s special day.
I hope this guide helps you to create and deliver a memorable and touching reading that will add charm and beauty to the ceremony.
No doubt your sincerity and effort will shine through!
For tips on creating and delivering an amazing bride’s speech, check this out.
If you’re looking for advice on delivering a standout best man speech, be sure to read this article.
Tilly x
