Example ceremonies & readings

A typical wedding order of service

Every ceremony is different, but a wedding often flows something like this:

Processional and welcome — Words about the couple and the day — The story of how they met — Reflections on love and marriage — A reading (or two) — The vows — Exchange of rings — A handfasting (optional) — The declaration — Signing (where legal) — Closing words and the first kiss — Recessional.

We can lengthen, shorten, reorder or reinvent any of this. It's your day.

Example vows (a starting point)

"I promise to stand beside you through every season — to laugh with you, to listen, to be your calm in the storm and your partner in every adventure. I choose you today, and I'll go on choosing you, every ordinary and extraordinary day of our lives."

Some couples write their vows together; some keep them a secret until the day; some ask me to write them a first draft to shape. All of these are perfectly lovely.

Example handfasting words

"These cords bind nothing that is not already bound by your own hearts. As your hands are joined, so your lives are joined — two strong threads, stronger still when woven together. Hold fast to one another, in the good days and the hard ones, for all the years to come."

Choosing a reading

A reading adds a lovely change of voice and gives a special person a role. Popular choices range from classic poems and passages to song lyrics, film quotes, or a few lines written by a friend. Because some well-known poems are still in copyright, I'll help you choose something that fits — and make sure it's used properly.

Tell me the mood you're after — funny, romantic, reflective — and I'll suggest a shortlist.

Make it yours

Use this page as a spark, not a script. When we work together, every word is written around you — your story, your humour, your people. Print this to jot notes on, and bring your ideas to our first chat.