If you have been asked to read a passage during your family or friend's wedding, here are some suggestions to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Practice beforehand — but no need to memorize
Make sure to read the passage several times before the wedding day, paying attention to your tone, pace, and pronunciation. You can even practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to get more comfortable with the words.
Prepare emotionally
Weddings can be emotional, so it's important to prepare yourself for the possibility of feeling overwhelmed. Take a few deep breaths and center yourself before getting up to read.
Speak clearly
Make sure to enunciate each word clearly and project your voice so that everyone can hear you. It's also important to speak at a comfortable pace – not too fast or slow.
Connect with the passage
Try to connect with the words you are reading and convey the emotions of the passage. If it's a joyful passage, infuse your reading with joy; if it's a solemn passage, speak in a more measured tone.
Make eye contact and use subtle gestures
As you read, make eye contact with the audience occasionally, especially the couple. This will help to engage them and make the reading more personal. You can use appropriate gestures to emphasize certain words or phrases in the passage. However, make sure that your gestures are natural and not overly dramatic or distracting.
Stay present
During the reading, stay present and focused. If you make a mistake, don't dwell on it – just continue reading as if nothing happened.
Be prepared for the unexpected
Weddings can be unpredictable, so be prepared for the unexpected. If something goes wrong, such as a microphone failure, stay calm and continue reading as loudly as you can.
Celebrate the couple
Above all, use the reading as an opportunity to celebrate the couple and their love. Make the reading a heartfelt tribute to their relationship and their commitment to each other.
Learn more about how Vow Muse can help with all the wedding words!
