Cute wedding readings for children of all ages
In my recent blog post - five ways to involve children in your humanist wedding ceremony, one suggestion was to have them read something fun and meaningful. Readings by children don’t have to just be all cutesy and childlike, though that might be what you after, they can be fun, emotional, cheeky or just downright lovely!
I talked in the previous post about my fondness for ‘My Advice’ by Anon and ‘A Lovely Love Story’ by Edward Monkton. Both of these are fabulous! If they’re not quite what you’re after, here’s a few more.
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A great reading for slightly younger children. It also appeals to nature fans, travel fans and - of course - Pingu fans!
Excerpt from: Your Personal Penguin by Sandra Boynton
I like you a lot.
You're funny and kind.
So let me explain
What I have in mind.
I want to be your personal penguin.
I want to walk right by your side.
I want to be your personal penguin.
I want to travel with you far and wide.
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Another that’s especially good for slightly younger children or those who may be too shy (or too excited!!) to read something longer.
Some Things Go Together by Charlotte Zolotow
Pairs of things that go together.
Pigeons with park
Stars with dark
Sand with sea
and you with me.
… Hats with heads
Pillows with beds
Sky with blue
and me with you.
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This might work best for slightly older children as it’s got a bit more of an emotional tone, but the language is accessible enough to work at most ages.
May this… by Anon
May this be the start of a happy new life
That’s full of special moments to share
May this be the first of your dreams come true
And of hope that will always be there…
May this be the start of a lifetime of trust
And of caring that’s just now begun…
May today be a day that you’ll always remember
The day when your hearts become one…
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Who doesn’t love The Lego Movie? If you or your children are still singing everything is awesome and fearing the kragle then this short but sweet quote will work beautifully.
Special - from The Lego Movie
The only thing you need to be special is to believe that you can be
Because you are ‘the special’, and so am I and so is everyone!
Everything. Is. Awesome!
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A cute, short reading that feels age appropriate while still including a little cheeky humour.
No Mistake – by Martha Sims
I know that you were made for me
And I was made for you
A wise old owl up in a tree
Told me this was true
I asked him only yesterday
If I should marry you
He answered – -I can safely say
You’re not a twit to woo.’
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Another wedding reading that might work best for slightly older children. This reading from James Hemming is in the Little Book of Humanism.
Thoughts on life by James Hemming
The meaning of life is to live it,
As wholly as we can,
as abundantly as we can, as
bravely as we can, here and
now, sharing the experience
with others, caring for others
as we care for ourselves, and
accepting our responsibility for
leaving the world better than we found it
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If you’d like to include a wedding reading by a child or children as part of your ceremony, your wedding celebrant will definitely be able to help. I have a huge range of readings that I’ve used or heard at ceremonies and if none of those are right, I’m always happy to research more and find that perfect fit for your feel-good and fabulous personalised wedding ceremony!
What wedding readings have you heard by children? What’s your favourite wedding reading for younger guests? Let me know in the comments!