5 Tips for a Memorable Wedding Reading
Dears, today we're setting the pretty details aside (don't worry, they're not far away) and we're talking about something that most couples don't think of until right before the Big Day… the wedding readings! It truly is a part of the ceremony that is so special and meaningful. So we've teamed up with Reverend Barry Kolanowski of Chicago Weddings for some simple tips to make your readings memorable, powerful and a moment you'll cherish forever.
From Reverend Barry Kolanowski of Chicago Weddings… Readings have been an integral part of wedding ceremonies for decades and they are also an opportunity to do even more. Sometimes the reading is a passage from a religious text, but more often it is poetry which conveys the feelings of the couple in the moment. A well selected reading can bring depth, tenderness, and even humor to a wedding ceremony. Tap your creativity and find writings that will touch everyone especially your partner.
1. Express yourself. Take this moment to share something that reflects your feelings. The final days and hours before a wedding can be such a rush, by picking out a poem or quote that reflects how much your partner means to you will only increase the moment for both of you. A reading doesn’t have to be an old passage, today’s brides are selecting many fresh and fun quotes straight off Pinterest or the movies.
2. Honor someone. You can honor a guest or family member not in the wedding party. There will be some very special people joining you on your day and asking them to participate in the ceremony by reading a carefully selected piece will be a wonderful way to include them. They can make the selection or you can and provide it for them.
3. Proper Placement. Most often the content will help dictate the best place when a poem is read. Some poetry is more general about love, perfect before the vows. Whereas, poems that speak specifically about marriage or weddings, may fit more appropriately after the vows. Consider the flow of the ceremony so avoid putting selections back to back. Further a reading creates more interest by the guests simply because of a different voice.
4. Print and Font Size. Most readers are not professional so provide them with a copy of the poem in an easy to read font and larger size, 14-16pt. Being, nervous can really complicate the brain’s ability to focus. Even nicer would be to attach the printed version of the reading in a decorative folder. This will prevent a breeze or turn of the wrist to interrupt the plan.
5. Advance copies. Give the reader plenty of time to review the reading in advance. Insist they look it over before the big day and that they use your printed version and not their Ipad, phone, or Kindle. The biggest reason is it looks classier, but also if your ceremony is out of doors the sunlight on a shiny screen can make it very hard to read.
Many still picture readings like old school verses from the Bible or other religious source. Trends are showing that couples are full of creativity with the biggest goal to find stories and poems that match their feelings and lifestyle. From Dr. Seuss to Sex and the City and many other great writers, they bring a strong and meaningful message to a very special day.
Wedding Reading Tips: Reverend Barry Kolanowski of Chicago Weddings | Photography: Laura Murray Photography | Styling & Design: A Vintage Affair Events & Rentals | Model: Keri Tremblay
1. Express yourself. Take this moment to share something that reflects your feelings. The final days and hours before a wedding can be such a rush, by picking out a poem or quote that reflects how much your partner means to you will only increase the moment for both of you. A reading doesn’t have to be an old passage, today’s brides are selecting many fresh and fun quotes straight off Pinterest or the movies.
2. Honor someone. You can honor a guest or family member not in the wedding party. There will be some very special people joining you on your day and asking them to participate in the ceremony by reading a carefully selected piece will be a wonderful way to include them. They can make the selection or you can and provide it for them.
3. Proper Placement. Most often the content will help dictate the best place when a poem is read. Some poetry is more general about love, perfect before the vows. Whereas, poems that speak specifically about marriage or weddings, may fit more appropriately after the vows. Consider the flow of the ceremony so avoid putting selections back to back. Further a reading creates more interest by the guests simply because of a different voice.
4. Print and Font Size. Most readers are not professional so provide them with a copy of the poem in an easy to read font and larger size, 14-16pt. Being, nervous can really complicate the brain’s ability to focus. Even nicer would be to attach the printed version of the reading in a decorative folder. This will prevent a breeze or turn of the wrist to interrupt the plan.
5. Advance copies. Give the reader plenty of time to review the reading in advance. Insist they look it over before the big day and that they use your printed version and not their Ipad, phone, or Kindle. The biggest reason is it looks classier, but also if your ceremony is out of doors the sunlight on a shiny screen can make it very hard to read.
Many still picture readings like old school verses from the Bible or other religious source. Trends are showing that couples are full of creativity with the biggest goal to find stories and poems that match their feelings and lifestyle. From Dr. Seuss to Sex and the City and many other great writers, they bring a strong and meaningful message to a very special day.
Wedding Reading Tips: Reverend Barry Kolanowski of Chicago Weddings | Photography: Laura Murray Photography | Styling & Design: A Vintage Affair Events & Rentals | Model: Keri Tremblay