What are the best wedding readings?

There is no single best reading, because the right one depends on your taste, your ceremony type and your relationship. For a civil ceremony, you need a non-religious reading, so think of poems about love, commitment or partnership. Popular choices include works by modern poets, extracts from novels about marriage, or lyrics from songs that are special to you. For a religious ceremony, you might choose a passage from scripture that your officiant suggests, or a poem that echoes your faith. The best readings are usually short, personal and easy to follow. Avoid anything too long or too abstract, because guests will listen more closely to something with a clear message. You can also write your own reading, or adapt a favourite text by cutting it down. If you are stuck, ask your registrar or officiant for a list of readings they have seen work well. They will know what is allowed and what tends to land. Read the piece aloud yourself before deciding, and imagine how it sounds in a quiet room. If it makes you feel something, it will probably work for your guests too.