A Guide to Ceremony Speakers

In addition to the vows, toasts, bouquet toss and those wonderful final words from your minister, wedding readings are a popular ceremony tradition. You’re not required to include readings in your wedding, but they add a sweet, poetic touch from family and friends.

Readings often include selections from favorite poems, biblical versus, even lines from that favorite song of yours. More important, they signify what your wedding means to other people. As an added bonus, they give you a chance to include a family member or friend who couldn’t take part otherwise.

When deciding on readers, think of people who are special to you, and who might want to say something about your marriage. When you ask a friend or relative to do a reading, don’t be hurt if they decline the offer. Some people have terrible stage fright, and would be uncomfortable speaking in front of a group. Like everyone else involved in your wedding, a reading takes work and energy, and the person may not be able to invest the time.

Once you’ve found a reader or two (try not to get overloaded, as readings are time-consuming), tell them the type of reading you have in mind, if indeed you’re particular. If you want them to have free reign, the only thing you need to let them know ahead of time is how long it should be (not more than a few minutes), and what the formality of your wedding is going to be. Readers should wear clothes they are comfortable in, and that fit the style of your affair. Remember, if you’ve decided on a secular affair, you should point that out to the reader. Likewise, if your affair is formal and religious, make sure the reading won’t offend anyone in the crowd. Some ministers insist on knowing what readings are taking place; ask him ahead of time to avoid problems later on.

Readings take place after the processional and before the vows. The reader sits wherever they like in the house of worship, but should find a seat close up. When it’s his or her time to read, it’s appropriate to that they stand at the center of your party. Most readers will want to include a copy of what they’re reading, and that’s perfectly fine.

Make sure the reader knows to practice, practice, practice. No matter how comfortable he or she thinks they are in front of a crowd, weddings make people very nervous. Let her know who will be in the audience, so she doesn’t read a selection from a Jackie Collins novel with your grandmother in the second row.  Make sure to include the reader (and selection, if appropriate) in the program. It’s not necessary, but very thoughtful to give the reader a gift for their kind words.

-David Toussaint

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