Kid-friendly readings
Including a reading by a child in your wedding can be really special and can be a lovely way to include someone who is important in your lives. You may want to pack the tissues though, as the sight of a little human being brave and cute may move you to tears!
When choosing a reading for a child to give at a wedding, you want to pick something short and sweet, with no complicated words that will confuse them. It’s best to give the child lots of time to practice the reading and also ensure that a familiar adult can join them up the front when it’s time to give the reading, for reassurance and to help them out if they lose their place or get overwhelmed.
It’s important to also consider if doing a reading is the right thing for the child. Some kids love attention and will thrive in this situation. However, for some kids, this is NOT appealing. if you know the child isn’t someone who likes to be centre of attention, consider if there is another role they could play in the ceremony – like scattering petals down the aisle, handing out order of service booklets, delivering the rings or being the one to pronounce you married.
Here is a selection of short readings that would be appropriate for a child to recite at a wedding.
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.
Oh the Places You’ll go – by Dr Seuss (short version)
“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the couple who’ll decide where to go.”
The Recipe for Happy Marriage- author unknown
Combine two caring hearts
Melt into one
Add a lot of love
Mix well with respect, and trust
Add gentleness, laughter, faith, hope, and joy
Pour in lots of understanding (Don’t forget patience)
Sprinkle with kisses, and a dash of hugs
Bake for a lifetime
Result: One Happy Couple
May this by Author Unknown
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…
My Advice – by Author Unknown
Mum and Dad Get married Today,
I’d like to help them on their way.
So here’s some special advice from me,
To help them with our family.
Keep our house filled with laughter
Let’s have fun forever after.
Keep the drawer filled up with sweets,
And give us children lots of treats.
Make sure you spend time together,
To keep your happiness forever.
Make sure you spend lots on us,
And then us kids won’t make a fuss.
But the most important thing for you,
Is to show your love in all you do.
A caring word, a kiss, a touch,
And those family cuddles that mean so much.
