It's so easy to find yourself caught up in the pretty images, details and practicalities of planning a wedding. We can quickly forget about the marriage part beyond the big day. The deep and meaningful stuff such as the love, companionship, compromises and lifelong promises we make to each other often takes a backseat in wedding planning.
So, I thought it'd be lovely to share some ceremony readings on Bridal Musings every now and again. Mainly, because I find it quite depressing searching for ceremony readings and poems about love and marriage. Once I click on a ceremony poem with potential I land on a really ugly or overly lovey-dovey website!
I hope the non-religious ceremony readings and poems I feature will be a welcome additional source of inspiration for you…
Today, I'm sharing a short and sweet classic wedding ceremony reading by an unknown author called ‘Blessing of the Hands'.
But first, here's an interesting excerpt I came across while researching (aka Googling) hand blessings here:
About Hand Blessings
“Many cultures have different ways of blessing the hands of the bride and groom.
In Thai ceremonies, for example, the couple kneels as the elder, married relatives pour blessed water from a conch shell onto their hands and offer words of blessing. In the ancient Celtic tradition of hand-fasting, the couple’s hands are literally tied together to symbolize spiritual and physical unity as prayers and blessings are recited.
In any tradition, a hand blessing is a ritual that draws you closer to one another.
Hands are considered to be a connection to the heart, and a hand blessing symbolically brings two hearts together,” by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
With that in mind, let's get onto the blessing. Many couples recite this poem prior to the exchanging of rings at wedding ceremonies…
Blessing of the Hands by Rev. Daniel L. Harris
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
How wonderful!
Is anyone planning on using this as a ceremony reading? I hope you'll find this feature useful, please do share your thoughts, I'd love to hear from you.
Other Ceremony Readings to Consider
Here are some popular ceremony readings that couples often choose for their weddings:
- “The Art of Marriage” by Wilferd Arlan Peterson: This poem is a classic choice for couples who want a meaningful and inspiring reflection on the nature of love and commitment in their ceremony.
- “I Carry Your Heart with Me” by E.E. Cummings: This poem is a beautiful expression of the deep love and connection between two individuals, and it is perfect for couples who want to share their love in a poetic and heartfelt way.
- “A Lovely Love Story” by Edward Monkton: This whimsical and charming tale of two dinosaurs falling in love is a fun and lighthearted choice for couples who want to add some humor and personality to their ceremony.
- “On Love” by Kahlil Gibran: This passage from Gibran's book “The Prophet” is a beautiful and insightful meditation on the nature of love and the importance of communication, respect, and mutual support in a loving relationship.
- “Union” by Robert Fulghum: This reading is a humorous and heartwarming reflection on the simple joys and challenges of married life, and it is perfect for couples who want to add some lightness and humor to their ceremony.
Remember, there are many different types of ceremony readings available, and the most important thing is to choose ones that are meaningful and personal to you as a couple. Don't be afraid to get creative and write your own vows or ceremony elements, or to seek out the advice of your wedding planner or officiant if you need some guidance. With a little thought and planning, your wedding ceremony can be a beautiful and memorable celebration of your love and commitment to one another.
Get inspired by other beautiful ceremony traditions you might have never heard of.
