Choosing a reader for your wedding ceremony

Choosing a reader for your wedding ceremony

Being asked to read at someone’s wedding is such an honour, isn’t it? Whether it’s reading a poem, a special passage, or even something funny that perfectly sums up your relationship, a wedding reading adds a beautiful personal touch to your ceremony. However, while it’s lovely to involve someone you care about, the person you choose to do the reading may not always be the best fit for the job. So, who should you consider to take on the role of your reader?

As a wedding celebrant, I’ve seen a fair few ceremony readings, and I’ve also witnessed how the right person can really bring the words to life. Let’s chat about who might be the perfect person for the job (and how to help them succeed if they’re a little nervous)!

Teachers

Teachers make for fantastic readers. Why? Well, they’re literally trained to hold the space and capture the attention of a group. It’s second nature for them to speak slowly, clearly, and with purpose. Think about it—they spend their days speaking in front of a class, engaging people of all ages, and they know how to command the room.

If you’re lucky enough to have a teacher in your life, they’re likely to be a brilliant choice for your wedding reading. Not only are they used to being in front of a crowd, but they also know how to adapt to unexpected situations. So, if granny has a little moment, or a toddler decides it’s time to play at the front, your teacher friend will handle it like a pro. No fluster, no stress—just smooth, confident delivery.

Plus, teachers are great at reading with emotion. If you’ve chosen something heartfelt, they’ll know how to deliver it with just the right tone, creating the perfect moment.

Performers – For that extra bit of drama

If you have any performers in your circle, whether they’re actors, singers, or anyone with a background in performance, they’re another fantastic option for wedding readings. Anyone who has spent time in front of an audience, especially those with experience in the performing arts, will have the confidence and stage presence to deliver a memorable reading. They won’t bat an eyelid at being centre stage, and they’re also great at projecting their voice and making sure they’re heard (even if there’s a bit of background noise).

Like teachers, performers are accustomed to dealing with things going a little awry—whether it’s a rogue microphone, an unexpected sound, or, let’s face it, a ring-bearing dog charging towards them mid-read. They know how to keep it together, stay focused, and add that touch of flair that will make your reading unforgettable.

If you’re looking for someone to add a bit of drama and impact to your ceremony, a performer could be the perfect person to step up to the plate. They’ll give it that extra “wow” factor and leave your guests talking about it long after the day is over.

The Wedding Celebrant! (Ahem, that’s me!)

Now, I’m not saying this just because I’m a wedding celebrant (although, of course, I’d be honoured to do this for you), but let me tell you why having your celebrant read your selected reading might be a great idea. A celebrant is already skilled in public speaking, keeping the wedding ceremony flowing, and engaging with guests. By asking me (or your celebrant, if not me!) to read your chosen passage, you’re giving your wedding ceremony a smooth, professional edge.

Not only will your wedding celebrant be confident in front of your guests, but they’ll also know exactly how to weave your reading into the wedding ceremony in a way that feels natural and meaningful. If you’re worried about the timing or flow, your wedding celebrant can seamlessly fit your reading into the rest of the wedding ceremony without a hitch. Plus, having someone experienced in front of a crowd means they’ll handle any little hiccups with ease and grace.

You don’t have to worry about your reader getting nervous or stumbling over words—they’ve got this! And honestly, sometimes it’s a relief to let someone else take the reins for that moment. You’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the words you’ve chosen, knowing they’ll be delivered beautifully.

Family members or friends who can bring personal meaning to the reading

Of course, many couples will choose to have a family member or close friend read during their ceremony, and this can be such a meaningful choice. Maybe it’s a sibling, a cousin, or a best friend who has been with you through thick and thin. Having them read something personal adds an extra layer of sentiment to the wedding ceremony, making it all the more special.

But when it comes to choosing the right person, you want to think about how they will feel in front of your guests. Are they comfortable speaking in public? Do they have a natural rhythm and tone that will suit the reading you’ve chosen? If they’re a little shy, or perhaps nervous, it could take away from the overall experience, so it’s important to have a chat with them beforehand. You can even ask them to practise beforehand to ensure they feel confident.

And if you’re still unsure, why not consider asking them to deliver a smaller, less formal reading (like a poem or a funny quote) instead of something that requires a big performance? You want them to feel at ease and have fun with the moment!

Your wedding celebrant can help your reader deliver with confidence

Let’s say you’ve chosen someone who’s not a natural public speaker but they mean the world to you. If this is the case, don’t worry! Your wedding celebrant can work with your reader to help them feel more comfortable. At Made with Love Celebrations, I often offer guidance to couples and their readers, helping them practise and rehearse to ensure they’re confident on the big day.

If you want your guest to feel like they’ve got everything under control, your wedding celebrant can give them tips on pacing, tone, and projection. They can even help your reader feel more at ease by making sure they’re positioned comfortably and know what to do if something unexpected happens.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right person to do a reading at your wedding can really elevate the wedding ceremony and make it even more personal and touching. Whether you choose a teacher, a performer, a family member, or even your wedding celebrant, it’s important to think about who will be comfortable speaking in front of your guests and who will bring the right energy to your reading.

If you’re unsure or want a little extra help, don’t forget that your wedding celebrant should be happy to work with your readers and help them feel confident about their role. After all, weddings are meant to be joyful, not stressful, so let’s work together to create a beautiful ceremony that feels true to you both!

If you’re planning your ceremony and would love to talk about how I can help create a unique, personal ceremony for your special day, get in touch with me at Made with Love Celebrations. I can’t wait to help make your wedding day unforgettable!