Ceremony Readings
Writing your vows may be the toughest part of preparing for the ceremony, however, choosing the readings comes in at a close second. Like with wedding vows, your readings should be chosen very carefully so as to express your love for one another in the most genuine way possible. Inspiration can come from poems,  romantic literature, theater, opera music, love letters, or often, religious works if you are having a religious ceremony. You can even take the pen into your own hand to create personal and meaningful readings.
Decide whether you want the readings to be read by you and your partner, the officiant, or by another person. Sometimes you might be given a reading by a friend or family member, which they will read, or you may write readings to each other, which you will read in turn. If you write something together you should also read it together.
For the readings, remember to practice as much as possible. The words should feel like second nature to you and flow off the tongue as if they were spontaneous. When you practice, be sure to speak loudly and clearly. Understand what it is you are reading (if it is not your own) so that you can really feel the words.
Where to Get Inspiration -
Go to your local library to read up on your favorite author or poet. This often serves as a great starting place for finding readings that you can relate to. You might also look online for books by favorite writers to serve as inspiration. Popular poets that you might consider include:
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Go back to your favorite songs and movies. Usually, quotes or moments will strike you as the perfect portrayal of love and romance. You can use these or integrate them into a poem of your own.
- IMDB -- This popular movie database has searchable quotes; perfect if you know the movie you want to quote from, but you can't quite remember the words.
- LatestnGreatest.net-- A couple pages of lovey-dovey quotes from the big screen.
- Romance Class -- A few famous movie quotes about love.
- Take a trip down memory lane. Find old love letters from your partner and compile them into a reading that is all your own. A reading of this nature is an excellent gift to your spouse-to-be. If you don't have any love letters, borrow them from others. Try books devoted to love letters or online sources.
- Links to Love -- Famous love letters from famous people.
- Loving You -- Plenty of love letters, plus advice on how to write your own.
- 1001 Love Letters -- Love letters about love, seduction, friendship, and more.
External Links
Below you will find several links to Web sites that have lists of readings from which to choose.
- About.com -- An index to readings from Shakespeare, the Bible, fiction, and more.
- Forever Wed -- Christian readings, vows, and poems to read and choose for your ceremony.
- IndieBride -- While in forum style, there are still many lovely readings to choose from submitted by real people.
- TheKnot.com -- A selection of readings.
- Today's Weddings -- Poetry, religious readings, and more.
- Wedding Gazette -- A few classic, yet inspirational readings.
- Westchester Weddings -- Readings about love, adoration, and partnership.
- WeddingReads.com -- Over 55 wedding ceremony readings. Each wedding reading varies in terms of tone and style.
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