Get inspired to plan your perfect ceremony with Young Hip & Married’s collection of wedding resources, lists and inspiration!
We’ve all seen a wedding ceremony that starts with the traditional line, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” We’ve seen it in movies, TV shows and probably most of the ceremonies we attended growing up.
But is that the only way to start a ceremony? Heck no! “We are gathered here today” is a classic, but it’s not the only opening line in your wedding officiant’s arsenal.
If you’re looking for a modern, unique or non-traditional way to start your wedding ceremony, keep reading for 10 alternatives to “we are gathered here today” – including some favourite openers from our officiant team.
Or, if you like how “we are gathered here today” sounds, go ahead and use it! You can even put a little spin on it with some of our suggestions below.
Let’s plan your wedding ceremony’s opening line!
The traditional way to start a wedding ceremony: “We are gathered here today…”
The traditional opening line of a wedding ceremony is, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.” But if you don’t like how that sounds, don’t identify with those gendered words, or don’t like the references to religion, you can absolutely change it!
Your ceremony is meant to be a reflection of you. The words spoken should ring true to you and represent who you are. If your eyes simply glaze over hearing the traditional opening line we’ve all heard dozens of times, you can bet those words will put your guests to sleep too.
Putting a spin on “we are gathered here today”
You can still use “we are gathered here today” to open your wedding ceremony if you want, but with a twist. Change the ending so it’s a little more modern and true to your relationship.
For example:
We are gathered here today to witness the union of Name1 and Name 2.
We are gathered here today to celebrate the love between these two amazing humans.
We are gathered here today to cheer our butts off for these lovebirds!
Or try out a brand new wedding ceremony opening line, such as the 10 we’ve collected blow.
If “we are gathered here today” isn’t how you want to start your wedding ceremony, check out these 10 other options. These are opening lines that your wedding officiant will say at the beginning of your ceremony, after your processional, when you and your partner are standing hand in hand.
1. Words of welcome
“Welcome friends, family and loved ones…”
Welcoming your guests is a beautiful way to start your wedding ceremony. It sets the tone that your wedding day is about more than just you two – it’s about the community around you.
2. Thank you
“On behalf of Name1 and Name2, I want to thank you all for being here…”
Starting your wedding ceremony with gratitude is another great way to begin. This immediately acknowledges the importance of all of your loved ones being present on your special day. This is especially powerful if many of your guests had to travel a long way or take off work to join you.
3. Today is…
“Today is a day to celebrate…”
We love this wedding ceremony opening line because it reinforces what your wedding day is all about. Feel free to change out the ending or have your officiant repeat a few “today is” lines such as, “Today is a day to celebrate. Today is a day of joy. Today is a day of promise.”
4. Beautiful day
“On this beautiful day, Name1 and Name2 have brought us all together to celebrate love…”
Want a beautiful opening to your wedding day? Then start it off with the word “beautiful!” Of course, this one works best if it’s not pouring rain or hailing down on your wedding day…
5. Start the ceremony with a joke
“Well, it sure took them long enough, didn’t it?”
If you’re looking to start your ceremony off with a laugh, why not ask your wedding officiant to make a little joke? A professional officiant will know how to insert a bit of humour into your ceremony without going too far.
“Congratulations, Name1 and Name2. You’ve made it. After all these years, you two are finally standing here…”
Instead of having your wedding officiant address your guests first, have them address you at the start of your ceremony. After all, you’re the stars of the show! Our officiants love to take a moment to speak directly to the couple, inviting them to centre themselves and really feel the gravity of the moment.
7. Love
“Love has brought Name1 and Name2 together…”
It all comes back to love! That’s why we love the idea of literally starting your wedding day with the most important word out there.
8. Cheering!
“Let’s show Name1 and Name2 how excited we are for their wedding. On the count of three, everyone let out a big cheer…”
Officiant Shawn says this is one of his favourite ways to start a wedding ceremony. Not only is it the perfect way to celebrate, but it immediately lets your guests know that they are in for a good time, not another boring ceremony!
9. Cultural welcome to open your ceremony
If your culture, religion or family has a practice they usually do to open ceremonies or important occasions, it can be really meaningful to incorporate that into your wedding day. It’s a wonderful way to pay respect to your personal beliefs and traditions, and truly put a unique stamp on your day.
If you and your partner come from different backgrounds, talk to your wedding officiant about how to best combine your favourite practices and rituals. Our officiants have lots of experience leading multi-cultural and multi-faith weddings, and would love to help you find the best solution for your day.
10. Song, prayer or reading
Another great option is to open your ceremony with a song, prayer or reading. These elements are often incorporated in the middle or end of ceremonies, but we love the idea of starting your wedding with these important words. It can really set the tone for your day and allow you to give an important role to a guest of honour.
Bonus: Wedding announcements at the start of the ceremony
While you may have chosen the opening line of your ceremony, that’s not actually the first thing your guests are going to hear. Before your officiant’s speech officially begins, you’ll likely have some other things happen, such as housekeeping announcements.
This is when your officiant reminds your guests about important things, such as the fact that you’re having an unplugged ceremony or where to meet you for photos afterwards. Once those announcements are made, the music starts and your processional begins.
Another announcement you might hear at the beginning of a ceremony is a land acknowledgment. This can be a very meaningful way to ground your ceremony and pay respect to the people and land you’re getting married on.
Happy Anniversary! If you’re struggling to think of what anniversary gifts to give your spouse this year, we’ve got you covered.
The most important aspect of an anniversary gift is that it’s specific to the person you’re giving it to. Not everyone wants a fancy souffle dish or monogrammed matching sweater. Your gift should show that you know your spouse well and you’re giving from the heart.
Your wedding anniversary is an occasion where you get to celebrate your love – so let’s prioritize that! Your gift should be full of love, thoughtful and speak to your relationship. We encourage you to think outside the box and celebrate your anniversary in a meaningful way, not with another scarf or box of chocolates.
Below we’re sharing 13 heartfelt anniversary gifts we know your spouse will love, plus six gifts you definitely want to stay away from!
A beautiful and budget-friendly anniversary gift you can give your spouse is the gift of wedding vows, both old and new. Since the whole point of this anniversary is to celebrate your marriage, why not go back to the promises you started this marriage with?
Look back at the vows your exchanged on your wedding day. You can rewatch your wedding video or read from your wedding vow books. You may even want to get your vows framed as part of your anniversary present to each other.
You can also exchange new vows! We love the idea of building on the promises you originally made to your partner each year and renewing your vows to one another.
Check out Officiant Shawn below sharing all about anniversary vows – and the ones he made to his wife after 19 years of marriage!
2) Put a spin on traditional wedding anniversary gifts
You may know that traditional anniversary gifts have a theme: year one is paper, year two is cotton, and so on. We say, throw out the old traditions and put a new spin on anniversary gifts!
Instead of giving your spouse a piece of cotton, splurge on fancy cotton bed sheets. For leather in year three, consider a leather watch strap and having the watch engraved with your wedding date. Or plan a trip to the leather tanneries of Morocco!
3) Recapture your love with an anniversary photo shoot
We love the idea of doing an annual photo shoot with your partner on your wedding anniversary. What a beautiful way to spend time together, capture your growing love and always have portraits of the two of you to look back on.
So many couples only take professional photos together on their wedding day and never again – or only to celebrate their kids’ milestones. But why not celebrate your own?
Check out how fun an anniversary photo shoot can be below with Erica Miller, Young Hip & Married co-founder and lead elopement photographer.
4) Share an experience together
Even if you love stuff, we can all admit that an experience is better than another thing you have to find a place for in your house. Experiences not only bring more joy than physical stuff, but they also allow you and your partner to make new memories together.
So instead of flowers and bath robes, gift each other something you can go out and do. You could take a cooking class, enjoy a spa day, take a trip to a nearby town or anything else you have on your bucket list.
5) Invest in your relationship
Your wedding anniversary is all about celebrating your relationship and your commitment to one another. What better way to do that than to invest in making your relationship a great one that lasts a lifetime?
One of our favourite ways to invest in a relationship is through couple’s coaching, which is great for nearly and newly married couples who want to build a strong foundation. You could also work with a couple’s counsellor, take classes or read books to improve your relationship skills, or fill out a couple’s journal together.
It might not sound as sexy as a diamond necklace or new cologne, but investing in your relationship is the best way to ensure you have as many future anniversaries to celebrate as possible.
While your wedding anniversary is a celebration of another year of marriage, it’s also a celebration of your years ahead. It’s a great time to look forward and start planning for that big, beautiful future you want.
If you’re travellers, flip through the pages of a Lonely Planet and plan out your dream trip while eating take-out from your favourite country. If you can’t wait to move into your dream home, spend time looking at listings, designing your perfect kitchen or taking a walk through a showroom together.
The best part about planning for your future is there are no limits! Dreaming together brings you closer together and makes your ideal future that much more possible. Plus, it’s a great budget gift option since planning doesn’t have to cost a lot.
7) Take a walk down relationship memory lane
We looked at the future, so now it’s time to look back at the past. This anniversary gift idea can get pretty sentimental, so pack the tissues!
Take a walk down memory lane by reliving the highlights of your relationship. Go for coffee at the cafe where you first met. Plan a picnic at the beach where you got engaged. Pop the cork on the wine bottle you’ve been saving since your wedding day and slow dance to your first dance song.
You could also look back on your favourite memories by scrolling through old photos or rereading past love letters. Many couples like to watch their wedding video or look through their wedding album on their anniversary.
8) Surprise your partner
A great way to renew the spark in your relationship is by planning a surprise for your partner on your anniversary. Show them that you’re still spontaneous and can sweep them off their feet! This is especially impactful if you’re not usually the planner in your relationship.
Surprises don’t have to be expensive or grand if that’s not in your budget. Think surprise scavenger hunt around the house rather than first class tickets to Paris. As long as you put in some effort and plan something specifically for your partner, they will appreciate it.
9) Involve your friends and family
For so many couples, their community is a big part of who they are and how they nurture their relationship. If you couldn’t imagine life without your loved ones, why not invite them to celebrate your anniversary with you?
You could plan a huge party for a vow renewal, go out to dinner with your closest people, or host a casual BBQ – whatever works best for you, your group and your budget. Make the event even more meaningful by asking your loved ones to write you words of encouragement for your marriage.
While we all have different love languages, we encourage you to lean into the love language of quality time on your wedding anniversary. Your anniversary is a special time to connect as a couple, recommit to one another and celebrate another year of marriage. Because this day is so much about you two and your love, it only makes sense that you spend it together.
Carve out time to be with each other on your anniversary and be very intentional about that time. That means phones away! Enjoy a few uninterrupted hours with your partner and remember what made you fall for them in the first place.
11) Give sentimental anniversary gifts that pull at the heartstrings
If you want to follow up that quality time with a physical gift, we suggest something sentimental that only you could create and that your partner will love. While there are lots of anniversary gift options on Etsy, the best anniversary gifts come from the heart.
Put together a photo album of all of your best memories from the last year. Your partner will love that you took the time to remember those moments and that you designed the book yourself.
If you’re crafty or handy, consider building your partner something. It doesn’t have to be perfect, as long as you put time into it and had your partner in mind while creating it.
You could also gift your partner with a gratitude journal that you spent the whole year creating (start now for next year!). Every day, write one thing you love about your partner or one thing you’re grateful to them for. At the end of the year, wrap it up and watch your partner’s heart melt.
12) Make your anniversary last longer than just one day
While it’s all good to have a romantic anniversary where you talk about your relationship and spend time together, it doesn’t mean much if that only happens once a year. So instead, keep your anniversary celebrations going!
You could do this by planning a series of date nights. Rather than just saying, “Yeah, let’s do a weekly date night,” actually make it happen. Plan out where you’ll go and what you’ll do, make reservations or even purchase gift cards so you commit to going.
Another idea is to sign up for a subscription box with an activity or item you’d both enjoy. For example, a box that delivers new coffee every month could be a fun gift for coffee lovers. You can rank the coffees you receive and spend time catching up over a fresh brew.
You could also sign up for classes to pursue a new or favourite hobby together. This is a great way to make memories together and get out of a rut if you find yourselves spending too many nights watching TV with takeout.
13) Start your own anniversary traditions
We love the idea of starting your own wedding anniversary traditions that you can look forward to every year. Something special just for you two!
This could be as simple as exchanging handwritten cards or eating breakfast in bed. You could go to the same fancy restaurant every year, treat yourselves to a night at the theatre or buy a brand new board game. Whatever the tradition, it should be something meaningful to you two.
by Erica Miller Photography
Bonus: 6 anniversary gifts NOT to give
Now that we’ve shared 13 anniversary gift ideas that your partner will love, we have to warn you against six anniversary gifts they definitely don’t want to receive!
1) Gifts that are more for you than for them
You know what’s not a good gift? A fancy grilling set for your BBQ if you’re the grill master of the house. Sure, your spouse might enjoy eating the food you make, but we all know this gift is more for you than for them.
2) Practical items you’re passing off as a gift
You may need new toothpaste or winter tires, but a 3-pack of Colgate and a gift card to Jiffy Lube do not an anniversary gift make. Don’t try to pass off practical items for your household as a gift. Even if your spouse is practical, everyone appreciates a bit of romance.
3) Gifts without a card
As wedding officiants, you know we love words. We firmly believe every gift – and certainly every anniversary gift – should be accompanied by a heartfelt card with a handwritten sentiment. Even if you’re not a great writer, your spouse will appreciate you writing a sentence or two about how you feel.
4) Gifts you’re buying because you think you’re supposed to
If you’re only buying a night sky print because every website has one on their list of top anniversary gifts, we encourage you to click “remove from cart” and back away from your device.
Just because something is supposed to be a great anniversary present doesn’t mean it will be for your spouse. Do they even care about astronomy? Do they want another piece of wall art? Really ask yourself if this gift is right for your partner, and not just a generic anniversary gift for someone.
5) Gifts you can’t afford
It’s one thing to be generous and surprise your partner with something luxurious. It’s another thing to go so over budget on your anniversary gift that you can’t afford groceries. Be realistic about what you can afford to spend and talk it over with your partner so everyone’s expectations are managed.
Now that you’re married, it’s important that you make financial decisions together that support your future. Even if you have separate bank accounts, you still have shared goals and a household you both contribute to, so one partner’s financial decisions affects the other.
6) Late gifts
We hope this goes without saying but: Don’t forget your anniversary! No matter how nice your gift is, it won’t mean as much if you give it three days late. All of our anniversary gifts above have one thing in common – they are all thoughtful gifts that prioritize your spouse and your relationship. The easiest way to show someone they’re not a priority is to forget about something important to them.
Write it down on a piece of paper, put it in your calendar and set a reminder so you don’t forget your anniversary! We suggest getting to work on your gift ideas a few weeks in advance so you’re not scrambling to write your card the morning of.
What will you be gifting your spouse with for your next anniversary? Or what was the best anniversary gift you’ve ever received?
Looking for love poems for your wedding? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re hoping to add a love poem to your ceremony, incorporate one into your reception speech or add a little wedding poetry to your wedding website, you’ll find lots of poems for your wedding needs below. We’re sharing 39 of our favourite love poems with something for everyone – short poems, religious poems, modern poems, traditional poems, funny poems and more!
Ready? Let’s get poetical!
Do you need poems for your wedding?
No, poems for your wedding are not mandatory. If you’re not into poetry or would prefer to add a reading or quote to your wedding day instead, you don’t have to choose a poem.
But keep in mind, you don’t have to be a poetry expert or poet yourself in order to incorporate a poem into your wedding day. If you find a poem that resonates with you or a good place to add a poem, go for it!
Even if you don’t recite a poem during your wedding, you may still want to add a wedding poem to your program, website, signage, etc. You could even let a love poem inspire your vows!
How do you choose the best wedding poem?
If you’re familiar with poetry and have a favourite poet or poetry style, head there first. Read through some of your favourite poems and see if any would work well for your wedding day.
If you don’t have a favourite poet or book of poetry, don’t worry! You can still choose a great poem for your wedding day. Start by reading through our list of wedding poems below. See if any stand out to you or inspire you to find similar poetry.
Once you have a wedding poem in mind, take some time to test it out. Practice saying it out loud or asking your wedding reader to recite it. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure your partner is into the poem, if you’re not picking out a poem together.
Where do use poems during a wedding?
You can incorporate poems into so many different parts of your wedding! Below are a few ideas to get you started:
Ask your officiant to recite a poem during your ceremony script
The Wedding Poem: I Carry Your Heart With Me – E.E. Cummings
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
Short Wedding Poem: This Day I Married My Best Friend – Unknown
This day I married my best friend
the one I laugh with as we share life’s wonderous zest,
as we find new enjoyments and experience all that’s best.
the one I live for because the world seems brighter
as our happy times are better and our burdens feel much lighter.
the one I love with every fiber of my soul.
We used to feel vaguely incomplete, now together we are whole.
A Wedding Prayer – Robert Louis Stevenson
Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow,
for the health, the work, the food,
and the bright skies that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth.
Best Love Poem for Traditional Couples: These I Can Promise – Mark Twain
I cannot promise you a life of sunshine;
I cannot promise riches, wealth, or gold;
I cannot promise you an easy pathway
That leads away from change or growing old.
But I can promise all my heart’s devotion;
A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow;
A love that’s ever true and ever growing;
A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.
Wedding Poetry for Readers: Love’s Philosophy – Emily Bronte
Love is like the wild rose-briar
Friendship like the holly tree
The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms
But which will bloom most constantly?
The wild rose-briar is sweet in spring,
Its summer blossoms scent the air
Yet wait till winter comes again
And who will call the wild-briar fair?
Then, scorn the silly rose-wreath now
And deck with thee the holly’s sheen,
Then when December blights thy brow
He still may leave thy garland green.
A Wedding Poem for Book Lovers: Hope Is The Thing With Feathers – Emily Dickinson
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I’ve heard it in the chilliest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity
It asked a crumb of me.
A Wedding Toast – James Bertolino
May your love be firm,
And may your dream of a life together
be a river between two shores
by day bathed in sunlight, and by night
illuminated from within. May the heron
carry news of you to the heavens, and the salmon bring
the sea’s blue grace. May your twin thoughts spiral upward
like leafy vines, like fiddle strings in the wind,
and be as noble as the Douglas fir.
May you never find yourselves back to back
without love pulling you around
into each other’s arms.
Classic Marriage Poem: How Do I Love Thee? – Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being an Ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old grief’s, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,–I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!– and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Traditional Marriage Poetry: Sonnet 116 – William Shakespeare
Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments.
Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds,
or bends with the remover to remove:
Oh, no! It is an ever-fixed mark.
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
it is the star to every wandering bark,
whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.
Love’s not Time’s fool,
though rosy lips and cheeks within his bending sickle’s compass come;
love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
but bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.
11. Love (III) – George Herbert
Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-ey’d Love, observing me grow slack
Form my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack’d any thing.
A guest, I answer’d, worthy to be here:
Love said, You shall be he.
I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,
I cannot look on thee.
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
Who made the eyes but I?
Truth, Lord, but I have marr’d them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.
And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame?
My dear, then I will serve.
You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat:
So I did sit and eat.
Short Love Poem: The Minute I Heard My First Love Story – Rumi
The minute I heard my first love story
I started looking for you,
Not knowing how blind that was.
Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere.
They’re in each other all along.
A Poem About Marriage and Love: The Prophet – Kahlil Gibran
Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise on your lips.
Poem of Marriage: I Belong In Your Arms – Deborah Bridea
I belong in your arms
Finally, I have found a place
Into which I fit Perfectly, Safely
And securely with no doubts,
No fears, No sadness, No tears.
This place is filled with happiness and laughter
Yet it is spacious enough, to allow me
The freedom to move around,
To live my life and be myself.
This wonderful place, which I never believed really existed,
I have found Finally
Inside your arms, Inside your heart, inside your love.
Poem About Marriage & Falling in Love: Falling Stars – Rainer Maria Rilke
Do you remember still the falling stars
that like swift horses through the heavens raced
and suddenly leaped across the hurdles
of our wishes–do you recall? And we
did make so many! For there were countless numbers
of stars: each time we looked above we were
astounded by the swiftness of their daring play,
while in our hearts we felt safe and secure
watching these brilliant bodies disintegrate,
knowing somehow we had survived their fall.
Scottish Wedding Poem: O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose – Robert Burns
O my Luve’s like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June:
O my Luve’s like the melodie,
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.
And fare-thee-weel, my only Luve!
And fare-thee-weel, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho’ ’twere ten thousand mile!
Wedding Poem of Love: Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms – Thomas Moore
Believe me, if all those endearing young charms,
Which I gaze on so fondly to-day,
Were to change by to-morrow, and fleet in my arms,
Live fairy-gifts fading away,
Thou wouldst still be adored, as this moment thou art,
Let thy loveliness fade as it will,
And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart
Would entwine itself verdantly still.
It is not while beauty and youth are thine own,
And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear,
That the fervor and faith of a soul may be known,
To which time will but make thee more dear!
No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets,
But as truly loves on to the close,
As the sunflower turns on her god when he sets
The same look which she turned when he rose!
Classic Love Poem for Wedding: Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare
Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs;
Being purg’d, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes;
Being vex’d, a sea norish’d with lovers’ tears;
What is it else? A madness most discreet,
A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.
Traditional Love Poetry: She Walks in Beauty – Lord Byron
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow’d to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair’d the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Short Wedding Love Poem: Love Is A Place – E.E. Cummings
love is a place
& through this place of
love move
(with brightness of peace)
all places
yes is a world
& in this world of
yes live
(skillfully curled)
all worlds
Poem About Love and Marriage: The Gift – Pam Brown
In you are flowers and firelight,
stars and songbirds,
the scent of summer,
the stillness just before dawn.
I love you today,
dressed in glory.
I will love you always-
dancing, singing, reading, making, planning, arguing.
I will love you cantankerous, and tired,
courageous and in terror,
joyful, fearful and triumphant.
I will love you through all weathers and all change.
For all you are is precious to me.
And every day I live with you
and share your love
is a gift to me.
Romantic Wedding Poem: 20 Sonnet XVII – Pablo Neruda
I don’t love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as certain dark things are loved,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that doesn’t bloom and carries
hidden within itself the light of those flowers,
and thanks to your love, darkly in my body
lives the dense fragrance that rises from the earth.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don’t know any other way of loving
but this, in which there is no I or you,
so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close.
I promise to love
and will gladly honour you
but obey? no way!
Short Wedding Poem: In Your Light I Learn How to Love – Rumi
In your light I learn how to love.
In your beauty, how to make poems.
You dance inside my chest, where no one sees you,
but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.
A Native American Wedding Ceremony Poem
May the sun bring you new happiness by day;
May the moon softly restore you by night;
May the rain wash away your worries
And the breeze blow new strength into your being,
And all the days of your life
May you walk gently through the world
and know its beauty.
Modern Wedding Poem: Be My Homer – CJ Munn
Be my Homer
I wanna be your Marge.
If I’m your Norfolk Broads
Will you be my barge?
Let’s please be Tom and Barbara,
I will show you The Good Life.
Even though we’re not yet married
I would love to be your wife.
Like Mr and Mrs Huxtable,
We’d smooch even when we’re wrinkly.
I’ll even consider ironing your shirts,
But I hope you like them crinkly.
Like Mr and Mrs Incredible
I’m flexible and you’re tough.
But if you promise to be my true love
That will always be enough.
Like Bonny and that Clyde guy
without all the dying.
Like Gwyneth and that Coldplay man
without all the crying.
My partner in crime, the love of my life,
My muse, my joy, my fun.
Please be my one and only,
Cos you’ve always been ‘The One’.
Love and Marriage Poem: Devoted – Lori Eberhai
My heart can be your home,
my soul can be your refuge.
You can turn to me when you are weak,
you can call to me when the way is not clear.
I will be your promise and your prayer,
I will always be there,
Constant and complete.
Run to me,
reach out for me,
and I will love you in a unique and tender way.
Bring your love to me,
share your love with me,
sing your love to me,
and I will offer you peace, ease and comfort.
Poem for a Couple: Again and Again, However We Know The Landscape of Love – Rainer Maria Rilke
Again and again, however we know the landscape of love
and the little churchyard there, with its sorrowing names,
and the frighteningly silent abyss into which the others
fall: again and again the two of us walk out together
under the ancient trees, lie down again and again
among the flowers, face to face with the sky.
Wedding Love Poem: I Saw Two Clouds at Morning – John G. C. Brainard
I saw two clouds at morning,
tinged by the rising sun,
and in the dawn they floated on,
and mingled into one;
I thought that morning cloud was blest,
it moved so sweetly to the west.
I saw two summer currents
flow smoothly to their meeting,
and join their course, with silent force,
in peace each other greeting;
calm was their course through banks of green,
while dimpling eddies played between.
Such be your gentle motion,
‘till life’s last pulse shall beat;
like summer’s beam and summer’s stream,
float on in joy, to meet
a calmer sea, where storms shall cease,
a purer sky, where all is peace.
Short Marriage Poem from Aristotle
Every heart sings a song, incomplete,
until another heart whispers back.
Those who wish to sing always find a song.
At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet.
Meaningful Wedding Poem: The One – Unknown
When the one whose hand you’re holding
Is the one one who holds your heart
When the one whose eyes you gaze into
Gives your hopes and dreams their start,
When the one you think of first and last
Is the one who holds you tight,
And the things you plan together
Make the whole world seem just right,
When the one whom you believe in
puts their faith and trust in you,
You’ve found the one and only love
You’ll share your whole life through.
Short Poem About Marriage: When Two People Are At One – I Ching
When two people are at one in their inmost hearts,
they shatter even the strength of iron or bronze.
And when two people understand each other in their inmost hearts,
their words are sweet and strong,
like the fragrance of orchids.
Classic Wedding Poem: To Love Is Not to Posses – James Kavanaugh
To love is not to possess,
To own or imprison,
Nor to lose one’s self in another.
Love is to join and separate,
To walk alone and together,
To find a laughing freedom
That lonely isolation does not permit.
It is finally to be able
To be who we really are
No longer clinging in childish dependency
Nor docilely living separate lives in silence,
It is to be perfectly one’s self
And perfectly joined in permanent commitment
To another—and to one’s inner self.
Love only endures when it moves like waves,
Receding and returning gently or passionately,
Or moving lovingly like the tide
In the moon’s own predictable harmony,
Because finally, despite a child’s scars
Or an adult’s deepest wounds,
They are openly free to be
Who they really are—and always secretly were,
In the very core of their being
Where true and lasting love can alone abide.
Short Poem on Marriage: The Day Sky – Hafiz
Let us be like
two falling stars in the day sky.
Let no one know of our sublime beauty
as we hold hands with God
and burn
Into a sacred existence that defies
that surpasses
Every description of ecstasy
and love.
Fun Wedding Poem: Roll on the Wedding! – Catherine Smith
The band has been booked, the cake has been made,
the photographer’s chosen, all bills have been paid.
The guests are decided, the menu too;
Something borrowed? Check! Ditto old and blue.
The stationery’s been ordered, along with the flowers,
favours are done after fiddling for hours.
The stag do’s a blur, same goes for the Hen –
won’t be drinking that much in one sitting again!
The dress has been picked, accessories bought;
there’s nothing to schedule, no more to sort.
After endless to-do lists for over a year,
it’s time to relax; the big day is here!
Sitting here with my girls as our hair gets done,
I can’t help feeling lucky to have found ‘the One’ –
Just think, by lunchtime I’ll be his new wife!
Roll on the wedding, and our new married life!
Funny Love Poem: Becalmed Bedazzled Bewitched Besotted – Nick Williams
Across the road,
I watched as you window shopped, bag in hand
And as people and cars rushed past, I stood motionless
as a boat
becalmed…
And at that party,
there was a strange aura that hovered around you,
but maybe it was just you, the cheap wine, and me
feeling
bedazzled…
And for weeks after that,
my every waking thought (when my mind was clear enough to think)
has been of you, leaving me
spellbound,
bewitched…
And now here we are,
nervous, on show and in clothes we’ll never wear again,
and I’m still staring at you,
totally
besotted.
Love Poetry for Weddings: Touched by an Angel – Maya Angelou
We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.
Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.
We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love’s light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.
Wedding Love Poem: The Lark in the Clear Air – Unknown
Dear thoughts are in my mind and my soul it soars enchanted
As I hear the sweet lark sing in the clear air of the day
For a tender beaming smile to my hope has been granted
And tomorrow he shall hear all my fond heart longs to say
I will tell him all my love, all my soul’s pure adoration
And I know he will hear my voice and he will not answer me nay
It is this that gives my soul all it’s joyous elation
As I hear the sweet lark sing in the clear air of the day.
Religious Wedding Poem: Slow Me Down, Lord! – Wilferd A. Peterson
Let me look upward
into the branches of the towering oak
and know that it is great and strong
because it grew slowly and well.
Slow me down, Lord,
and inspire me to send my roots deep
into the soil of nature’s enduring values
that I may grow towards the stars
of my greater destiny.
Spiritual Wedding Poem: Stardust – Lang Leav
If you came to me with a face I have not seen, with a name I have never heard, I would still know you. Even if centuries separated us, I would still feel you. Somewhere between the sand and the stardust, through every collapse and creation, there is a pulse that echoes of you and I.
When we leave this world, we give up all our possessions and our memories. Love is the only thing we take with us. It is all we carry from one life to the next.
One of the Best Poems for Your Wedding: My Love – Jane Graham
You say you love me
I know it’s true
Without your love
What would I do?
My heart will sing
‘you kiss my soul’
This is the thing
That makes us whole
Together we will face our life
You as my husband
Me your wife
Sharing, caring, journeying on
With only love notes
For our song.
Not sure about poems for your wedding? Try these!
If you’re not sure a poem is for you or if you’re looking for more beautiful words to add to your wedding day, then check out our list of wedding readings, quotes, scripture, sayings, jokes, wedding prayers, blessings and more!
Whether you’re a Swiftie, a metalhead or a fan of the classics, choosing songs for your processional is no easy feat. That’s why we’re sharing some of the best songs to walk down the aisle to so you can choose the perfect music for your ceremony.
Ready? Let’s build your processional playlist!
What are processional songs?
Processional songs, also known as songs to walk down the aisle to or processional music for a wedding, are the songs that play while the wedding party and couple come down the aisle (aka process down the aisle) at the beginning of the ceremony. This is how the wedding party and couple enter the ceremony and is the official start of the celebration.
Do you need a special bride walking down the aisle song?
In traditional hetero weddings, the processional order has the bride entering at the end of the procession and often with a special song played just for her entrance. But a special bride walking down the aisle song isn’t mandatory – and also isn’t applicable to all weddings as there isn’t always a bride.
However, if either partner wants a special entrance song, we think you should go for it! Why not create a moment for each member of the couple to make a grand entrance?
Some popular songs for the bride walking down the aisle include Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley, All of Me by John Legend, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri and At Last by Etta James.
How to choose what songs to walk down the aisle to
It can be tough to decide what songs to walk down the aisle to. How do you summarize your entire relationship in just one or two songs? How do you choose something meaningful but also emotional, that conveys the right tone and is both unique yet recognizable? Should you go for lyrics or instrumental? Upbeat or slow?
There are millions of songs to choose from and it can be overwhelming to pick just one or two. Start with songs that already mean something to you two, perhaps a song you sing in the car or play at home. Go through your playlists and see if anything stands out.
Don’t have a song in mind? Check out our suggestions below!
Once you have a few songs shortlisted, listen to them all the way through to make sure you like the lyrics and all of the verses. You may even want to stand up and practice walking down the aisle so you can really envision what the song will sound like on the day.
What about wedding recessional songs?
Recessional songs – the music that plays during the recessional when the couple and wedding party head back up the aisle at the end of the ceremony – are usually more upbeat and fun than processional songs, which tend to be more emotional and slow. You want a song that will encourage everyone to celebrate with the you, the brand new newlyweds!
Check out our post, 45 Ceremony Exit Songs, to find the best recessional song for your wedding!
16 emotional walking down the aisle songs that will make you cry
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Come Away with Me – Norah Jones
All of Me – John Legend
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
All This Time – One Republic
Better Together – Us The Duo
Flightless Bird, American Mouth – Iron & Wine
The Book of Love – Peter Gabriel
Hallelujah – Pentatonix
Grow Old With You – Adam Sandler
Invisible String – Taylor Swift
Blessed – Thomas Rhett
All My Days – Alexi Murdoch
The Only Exception – Paramore
Only You – Joshua Radin
Now that you’ve picked the perfect songs to walk down the aisle to, it’s time to plan the rest of your ceremony! Check out our ceremony packages or grab our free vow writing guide to get started!
Looking to add a dose of romantic inspiration to your wedding day? Check out 43 marriage quotes that could work perfectly for your celebration! Whether you’re after a poem, some marriage advice or words on love from your favourite movie, you’ll find a quote that fits below.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” —Maya Angelou
“We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness–and call it love–true love.”
– Robert Fulghum
Funny marriage quotes
“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” —Rita Rudner
“I married for love but the obvious side benefit of having someone around to find my glasses cannot be ignored.” — Cameron Esposito
“Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow internet to see who they really are.” — Will Ferrell
“You know you are in love when the two of you can go grocery shopping together.” — Woody Harrelson
“Love is a two-way street constantly under construction.” — Carroll Bryant
Short quotes about love and marriage
“A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.” —André Maurois
“When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.” – Arrigo Boito
“There is no remedy for love but to love more.” – Henry David Thoreau
Love and marriage quotes
“To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow—this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” —Elizabeth Gilbert
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu
Love quote from the movie, “Shall We Dance?”
“We need a witness to our lives. There’s a billion people on the planet… I mean, what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you’re promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things… all of it, all of the time, every day. You’re saying, ‘Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go unwitnessed because I will be your witness.'” – Shall We Dance?
“The best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly who you are: good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you. The right person is still going to think the sun shines out of your ass. That’s the kind of person that’s worth sticking with.” — Juno
“Look, you want to know what marriage is really like? Fine. You wake up, she’s there. You come back from work, she’s there. You fall asleep, she’s there. You eat dinner, she’s there. You know? I mean, I know that sounds like a bad thing, but it’s not.” —Ray Romano, Everybody Loves Raymond
Famous movie quote on love
“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” —Meg Ryan, When Harry Met Sally
Television and movie quotes about love
“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.” – Arwen, The Fellowship of the Ring
“But the thing is this, after a while, you just want to be with the one that makes you laugh.” — Sex and the City
“I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” – Notting Hill
“Our love is like the wind, I can’t see it, but I can feel it.” — Landon, A Walk To Remember
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.” – William Shakespeare
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Emily Brontë
“Come, let’s be a comfortable couple and take care of each other! How glad we shall be, that we have somebody we are fond of always, to talk to and sit with.” – Charles Dickens
“You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known and even that is an understatement.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Marriage quotes with advice for the newlyweds
“This is what marriage really means: helping one another to reach the full status of being persons, responsible beings who do not run away from life.” —Paul Tournier
“The greatest marriages are built on teamwork. A mutual respect, a healthy dose of admiration, and a never-ending portion of love and grace.” —Fawn Weaver
“Marriage is not a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It’s something you do. It’s the way you love your partner every day.” —Barbara De Angelis
Happy and fun relationship quote
“There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” – Martin Luther
“When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance.” – John Lennon
“But still I can’t help from hoping to find someone to talk to who likes the way I am. Someone who when he sees me, wants to again.” — Waitress
“Love is a friendship set to music.” – Joseph Campbell
Marriage is hard quotes
“A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” —Dave Meurer
“There are a hundred paths through the world that are easier than loving. But who wants easier?” —Marry Oliver
Marriage quotes about life
“When you end up happily married, even the failed relationships have worked beautifully to get you there.” —Julia Roberts
“Love at first sight is easy to understand; it’s when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle.” —Sam Levenson
“The secret is that you just take care of each other and admire each other and support each other and you get that back … If Jeffrey and I disagree on something, he always agrees with me!” —Ina Garten
“The secret to a good marriage is to be a little deaf.” —Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Marriage quotes from poetry
“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where, I love you directly without problems or pride: I love you like this because I don’t know any other way to love, except in this form in which I am not nor are you, so close that your hand upon my chest is mine, so close that your eyes close with my dreams.” —Pablo Neruda
“If I had a flower for every time thought of you… I could walk through my garden forever.” —Alfred, Lord Tennyson
“We loved with a love that was more than love.” – Edgar Allan Poe
True love marriage quotes
“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
“Love doesn’t make the world go round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” – Elizabeth Browning
“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” – Robert Heinlein
So your son has asked you to speak at his wedding…but you don’t know where to start! No worries, below we’re sharing four mother of the groom wedding speech samples, from the short and sweet to the hilarious or religious, so you can find the perfect words for your own speech. Plus, we’re sharing the six-part structure to the perfect parent speech and seven tips to ensure you nail it on reception night!
Ready? Let’s write that mother of the groom speech!
Heads up: While this post is directed at mothers of grooms, our advice, tips and examples below will apply to all parents of the couple getting married. Since not all weddings have grooms – and not all grooms have mothers – these speech skills are for everyone.
Here is the basic structure for any good parent speech at their child’s wedding:
Part 1: Introduction
Introduce yourself! Tell the crowd your name and your relationship to the couple. If it’s a fairly small wedding you can include a caveat like “As most of you know, I’m Oliver’s mom,” since most people will know who you are. You may also want to welcome everyone to the wedding, but this is often only appropriate if you’re hosting the wedding (aka paying for it).
Part 2: Words about your child
Next, share some words about your son. This section should be a few sentences about how happy you are for your son, how proud you are of him, and maybe a short story that highlights your special mother-son relationship.
Part 3: Words about your child’s partner
Remember, this speech isn’t all about your son! You also want to spend some time talking about your son’s new spouse. Welcome them to the family, talk about how you knew they were the one, and mention what traits you love most about them.
Part 4: Story about the couple
While it can be tempting in a mother of the groom speech to just tell stories about your son growing up, save those stories and focus instead on the newlyweds as a couple. Do you have a favourite memory with both of them? Was there a particular moment when you knew they were meant to be? Maybe a sweet story about their first date or engagement?
Ideally, you want to choose a story that is short and sweet, that reflects who the couple is, and is told from your point of view. It would be odd for you to tell their engagement story if it didn’t involve you, just like it would be cringe-worthy to tell a story that embarrasses your son or his new spouse. Don’t overthink this. Any sweet memory you’ve shared with the couple will do!
Part 5: Marriage advice and well wishes
As you’re starting to wrap up your speech, you may want to share some words of wisdom for the newlyweds’ future together. This can be based on your own marriage or marriage advice you’ve heard. Again, don’t overthink this! If you don’t have any sage wisdom to share, you can simply say a sentence or two wishing your son and his new spouse all the best.
Part 6: End with a toast
The best way to end any wedding speech is with a toast. This is where you will ask all of the guests to join you in raising a glass to the happy newlyweds!
When does the mother of the groom wedding speech happen?
Parent speeches usually happen during the reception as part of the speech line-up. Depending on what your son is planning, he may ask you to open the speeches or speak somewhere in the middle. You may even close the speeches, but often the newlywed couple makes the last speech so they can thank everyone else for speaking.
Make sure you check in with the couple about exactly when you’re speaking so you’re prepared. Find out what time your speech is scheduled for and who you’re speaking after, just in case the schedule is delayed. That way, you can make sure your drink is topped up and you’re not in the bathroom when it’s time to give your speech!
Does a mother of the newlyweds have to speak at the wedding?
No, wedding speeches are not mandatory. Not all couples have speeches at their reception and not all couples want their parents to take part in those speeches. And even if your child does ask you to speak, you can always say no. (However, we hope you don’t!)
Traditionally, only men spoke at weddings. It was the father of the bride, the groom and the best man who gave speeches. These days, speeches are opening up to folks from both families and of all genders, but it’s still mostly men we hear from. With the father of the bride traditionally getting the spotlight role of walking the bride down the aisle, we love the idea of letting moms speak at the reception. More women’s voices in weddings please!
If you’re nervous about speaking at the wedding, check out some of our tips below. Remember that this is just a short speech delivered in front of people who love you and your child. If you think you’ll need some support at the mic, consider asking another family member to give the speech with you. Try not to let your nerves stand in the way of this special moment!
Heartfelt mother of the groom wedding speech sample
Family and friends, I stand before you today with a heart full of joy and gratitude as the mother of the groom. This is a momentous occasion, and I couldn’t be happier to celebrate the love that has brought us all together.
I have watched my son grow into the incredible man he is today. From a young age, he has always been compassionate, caring, and thoughtful. He has a heart of gold, and I am so proud of the person he has become.
And then, along came [Partner’s Name]. It was clear from the very beginning that they were the missing piece to our family puzzle. Their warmth, kindness, and unwavering support have brought so much happiness into our lives, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect partner for my son.
I remember the day my son introduced us to [Partner’s Name]. The way their eyes lit up when they spoke about their shared dreams and aspirations was truly magical. From that moment, it was evident that they were destined to be together. Through thick and thin, they have shown us the strength of their love, always finding laughter and joy in each other’s company.
As my son embarks on this incredible journey called marriage, I want to offer a piece of advice that has guided my own marriage: Always communicate openly and honestly with each other. Listen with your hearts, be patient, and never forget to cherish the little moments.
If you will all join me in raising a glass to [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name], two remarkable individuals who have found their forever love in each other. May your journey together be filled with laughter, adventure, and an abundance of love. Cheers!
Short & sweet mother of the groom wedding speech sample
Good evening, everyone. My name is [Name] and I am the happy mother of the groom. I am so excited to celebrate this day with you all.
My son, [Groom’s Name], has always been a source of pride and inspiration in our family. His dedication, his sense of humour, and his unwavering kindness have touched the hearts of everyone he meets. When [Partner’s Name] entered our lives, it was like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day. They have brought immense joy and warmth into our family, and we are so grateful to have them in our lives.
Together, [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name] have navigated life’s ups and downs, always supporting and uplifting one another. Their love has grown stronger with each passing day, and it’s an honour to witness their journey. My wish for you both as you start this new chapter is that you will embrace change together, and let your love grow stronger with each passing day.
So let’s all raise our glasses to [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name]. May your love continue to shine brightly, blessing each other and everyone around you. Cheers!
by Beige Weddings
Funny mother of the groom wedding speech sample
My name is [Name] and I am absolutely thrilled to be here today as the mother of the groom. They say weddings are a time for love, laughter, and happiness, and I intend to deliver on at least two of those fronts tonight!
Now, let me say a few words about my son, [Groom’s Name]. From the moment he was born, I knew he was special. He has always had a unique way of making us laugh, whether it’s with his goofy jokes or his charming smile. He’s a true comedian at heart, and he’s been keeping our family in stitches for years.
And then, along came [Partner’s Name]. I must say, [Partner’s Name], you have the patience of a saint to put up with my son’s antics! But your grace, your kindness, and your ability to roll with the punches have won all of our hearts. You’re the peanut butter to his jelly, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our family.
They say that opposites attract, and that couldn’t be more true in this case. [Groom’s Name] is notorious for his messy habits, while [Partner’s Name] is the definition of neat and organized. I remember the day they moved in together, and it was like watching a sitcom. But, against all odds, they’ve managed to find harmony in their differences and build a beautiful life together.
[Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name], as you begin this exciting journey of marriage I want to remind you to keep the laughter alive! Life can throw some curveballs, but if you can find humour in the little things, you’ll get through it. A couple that laughs together, stays together.
So please join me as we raise our glasses to [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name]. May your days be filled with laughter, your love be as strong as your sense of humour, and your life together be one hilarious adventure. Cheers to the funniest couple in the room!
Religious mother of the groom wedding speech sample
We gather here today to celebrate not only the union of [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name] but also to acknowledge the divine presence that blesses this sacred bond. As the mother of the groom, I am profoundly grateful to be a part of this beautiful celebration.
I want to take a moment to praise my son, [Groom’s Name]. He has always possessed a strong faith and unwavering devotion. His commitment to his values and his compassion for others are a testament to the goodness in his heart.
[Partner’s Name], from the moment you entered our lives, it was evident that your faith was equally strong. Your kindness, your humility, and your genuine love for [Groom’s Name] have been a blessing to our family. We are grateful for your presence and your shared commitment to faith.
The love story of [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name] has been guided by their faith. They have prayed together, found solace in their shared beliefs, and sought spiritual guidance through life’s challenges. Their journey is a testament to the power of faith in nurturing a love that is unbreakable.
[Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name], as you embark on this sacred journey of marriage, I want to remind you to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Seek His guidance in times of joy and tribulation, and let your faith be the cornerstone of your love. Together, may you find strength and peace in His presence.
Together, let us raise our glasses and offer a prayer for [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name], that their marriage may be blessed with divine love, unwavering faith, and the grace of God. May their union be a shining example of the power of faith in love. Cheers to a blessed and joyous marriage!
7 tips for an awesome mother of the groom wedding speech
1. Write your speech down on paper
Your wedding speech should be written down on paper. Don’t try to memorize it, don’t make it up on the spot and don’t read it off your phone. Take the time to write or type your speech out onto a piece of paper for you to read and reference. This is the best way to guarantee a smooth speech delivery and it looks best in photos.
2. Practice your wedding speech
Just because you’re not memorizing it doesn’t mean you don’t need to practice your wedding speech. Practice saying your speech out loud in front of a mirror so you’re comfortable with all of the words. This will give you added confidence on the big day!
3. Include your spouse (if appropriate)
If appropriate, include your spouse in your speech. You may want to give the speech together, each saying different parts, or just have them stand next to you while you speak. If your relationship isn’t one where you’d like to give a speech together, you can still reference your spouse or your family in your speech.
4. Keep it short
Your wedding speech should be 2-3 minutes long. That’s the sweet spot for wedding speeches – any longer and people get bored, any shorter and people might blink and miss it. Aim for 2-3 minutes while writing and time yourself when you practice so you know how long your speech is.
5. Skip the embarrassing stories
You may have joked with your son that you were going to share his naked baby photos at his wedding but when it comes to your speech, keep the embarrassing stuff out. A funny little story is okay but anything that is going to make your son or his new spouse uncomfortable should not be included.
6. Mention your son’s new spouse and their family
We included this in the structure of a speech above but it bears repeating: Don’t forget to mention your son’s new spouse! So many mother of the groom speeches only focus on the groom with no mention of the person he’s marrying. Remember, this isn’t all about your son; this is about his marriage. Take the time to highlight your new child-in-law, speak directly to them in your speech, and make them and their family feel welcome.
7. Prepare for emotions
Many parents say they don’t want to give a speech at their child’s wedding because they fear they’ll get too emotional. But rather than letting that stop you from speaking, take some time to prepare for it in advance. By practicing your speech at home, you’ll be more comfortable with your words and the emotions they bring up. You can also practice grounding exercises and bring tissues with you to the podium. Plus, who doesn’t love a photo of a tearful mother-son hug?
If you’ve ever seen a couple light a candle, pour some sand or braid a rope at their wedding ceremony and thought “that’s cool!” then a unity ceremony might be for you! But what is a unity ceremony and what unity ceremony ideas are there to choose from? We’ve got you covered!
From traditional customs to offbeat and fun ideas, unity ceremonies offer a chance to make your day even more personal. Check out these 18+ unity ceremony ideas that will add that extra magic to your “I do” moment!
What is a unity ceremony?
A unity ceremony is a special tradition, practice or moment that a couple engages in during their wedding to symbolize their commitment to one another and their new union. These ceremonies generally involve two things becoming one or the joining of both people to best symbolize the unity the couple has found.
Unity ceremony ideas can be derived from religious or cultural traditions, historic wedding practices or something fun and creative the couple wants to do. Some ceremonies also result in a physical object, such as a painting, that the couple can then display in their home.
Why do couples have unity ceremonies during their wedding? Do we have to have one?
Most couples choose to have unity ceremonies during their weddings to further personalize their day. They may want to add a unity practice that is really meaningful to them, something done by their family or religious group, or that they have a personal connection to. Unity ceremonies also give couples one more opportunity to focus on their connection and commitment to one another.
However, unity ceremonies are not mandatory. You can still have a personalized wedding day that focuses on your commitment without holding a special unity ceremony. If none of the wedding ceremony unity ideas sound good to you, don’t force it! You and your guests will enjoy your wedding a lot more if it feels authentic to you two, and not like you’re doing something just because you think you’re supposed to.
Lastly, we want to remind you to do your homework when it comes to unity ideas for your wedding. Especially if it’s not a unity practice you’re familiar with or not one from your own background, do some research to make sure you understand where the practice comes from and if it’s right for you. Appreciation can veer into appropriation when we start incorporating elements from other cultures, religions or backgrounds without any meaning behind them.
There are also some unity ceremonies that aren’t appropriate for everyone. For example, jumping the broom is a wedding tradition born out of a time when Black slaves were not allowed to legally marry, and so jumped over a broom to signify their union. Because of this history, you can see how it would be inappropriate for a non-Black couple to incorporate this unity ceremony into their wedding.
When does the unity ceremony happen?
Unity ceremonies usually happen during the wedding ceremony, typically after your vows and ring exchange but before your first kiss and pronouncement as a newlywed couple. Depending on what type of unity ceremony you have in mind, you can work with your wedding officiant and wedding planner to ensure you have it at the right time. You may also need to coordinate with them any supplies you’ll need for the ceremony.
18+ unity ceremony ideas for your wedding
From mixing sand and planting trees to tying knots and chopping wood, check out 18+ unity ideas for your wedding below!
Sand unity ceremony
One of the most popular ideas for a unity ceremony is a sand ceremony. In a sand unity ceremony, each member of the couple will have a vase filled with sand, usually of different colours. Together, they will both pour their small bottles of sand into a larger one, mixing the two types of sand together. A sand for unity ceremony is a simple way to symbolize two becoming one and makes a beautiful art piece. You can even have your unity ceremony sand transformed into even cooler art by a glassblower.
Beer, wine or cocktail blending
Why mix sand when you could mix drinks? A fun spin on the sand unity ceremony is to switch out sand for something much more delicious, like beer, wine or cocktail ingredients. For example, you can pour white wine while your partner pours red, creating your own rosé. Or you pour gin while your partner pours tonic water. Afterwards, take a sip of your new creation!
Prefer mocktails over cocktails? If you’re not alcohol drinkers, you can still do a beverage blending unity ceremony with juice, tea, coffee or your beverage of choice.
Handfasting ceremony
In Celtic wedding vow tradition, a handfasting ceremony is done so a couple can literally tie the knot. In this ceremony, the officiant will wrap rope around the couple’s hands, tying them together, while explaining the significance of the tradition with a handfasting script. The couple may also choose to exchange Celtic wedding vows to further deepen their connection to the ceremony.
One of the best ways to symbolize your growing love and commitment to care for it is with a tree planting ceremony. Assuming you don’t want to do a full landscaping job in your wedding clothes, it’s best to make this ceremony as simple as possible. You can shovel in some dirt that was already prepared or simply water a tree that has just been planted. You can also swap out the tree for a house plant or succulent if that makes more sense for your lives.
Unity candle ceremony
Another very popular unity ceremony is the unity candle ceremony. In this ceremony, both members of the couple will take a lit candle and light a third candle together at the same time. Sometimes couples will receive their individual candles from family or friends, symbolizing the love they are bringing to the marriage. This is another beautiful, simple and elegant unity ceremony idea.
Ring warming
Who says unity ceremonies only have to involve the couple? In this unity idea, you get to involve all of your loved ones. A ring warming is when a couple’s wedding rings are passed around so all of their guests can “warm” the rings with their love. That way, when the couple exchanges rings, they’re doing so with all the love and support of their guests. Worried about losing the rings or someone coughing on them? Instead of passing around each ring on its own, put them in a box!
Similar to handfasting, this unity idea involves braiding a cord but without wrapping the cord around your hands. This tradition comes from the Bible where Ecclesiastes 4:12 says that “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” The three strands traditionally symbolize the two partners and god but if you’re not religious, the third strand can represent your family and friends. During this unity tradition, both partners will take turn braiding the cord and tying a knot at the end.
Lantern release
Inspired by Thai tradition (and probably the movie Tangled), a lantern release is a beautiful way to symbolize your union and give your guests something beautiful to look at. A lantern release can be a sign of hope for a bright future ahead or can be used to make wishes for your married life. If you want to get your guests involved, this is a great unity ceremony to do at the end of your reception, where guests can release their own lanterns. Make sure you do your research to ensure you’re releasing lanterns in an environmentally-friendly and venue-approved fashion!
Anniversary capsule
We love this unity ceremony idea! Together, you and your partner will create an anniversary time capsule for you to open on your first wedding anniversary. Your capsule can include love letters, mementos from your wedding day, a bottle of your favourite wine, etc. During the unity ceremony, your officiant can explain what items you’re putting into the box, which you can then seal closed together and open a year later!
Paint blending
An artsy unity ceremony idea is a paint blending ceremony. In this option, each member of the couple will have a different colour of paint. You’ll then apply both to a canvas in whatever design you choose, creating a piece of art that blends both colours and can be displayed in your home. You may want to test out your art materials ahead of time so you don’t accidentally get paint on your wedding outfits!
Sandwich making
One of the funniest unity ceremony ideas we’ve heard of is a sandwich making ceremony. If you always say you go together like peanut butter and jelly, why not make it literal? On a side table you can have the sandwich ingredients ready to go. One partner will add peanut butter to a piece of bread while the other partner adds jelly to another piece of bread. Smash them together and take a bite of true love!
Ceremony toast
Another great way to involve your guests in your unity ceremony is with a unity toast. While toasts are usually saved for the wedding reception, we love the idea of all of your guests raising a glass in support of your union at your ceremony. Make sure to discuss with your wedding planner how you’ll work out all of the logistics for your wedding ceremony toast so everyone can cheers to your love.
Looking for more religious or spiritual ideas for a unity ceremony? Check out a few options below! Remember to do your research before incorporating a tradition that is not from your own religion or culture.
Prayer circle: Have your guests form a circle around you and pray for your marriage.
Communion: Invite guests to receive communion at your Catholic wedding.
Wash each other’s feet: Like Jesus, take turns washing each other’s feet to symbolize your love and humility.
Circling: The Jewish hakafot tradition sees the bride circling the groom seven times, but is now commonly done by both partners.
Hasta Milap: This Hindu tradition ties a scarf or sari over the couple’s hands to signify the meeting of their two hearts and two souls.
Sofreh Aghd: A Persian ceremony that involves symbolic items displayed on a table to bless the couple’s union.
Breaking the glass: A unity ceremony traditionally seen at the end of Jewish weddings to symbolize a turning point in the couple’s lives.
Another unity ceremony idea that involves your guests is a community vow. With a community vow, your officiant might say something like, “Loved ones of Peter and MJ, do you promise to celebrate their love, support them and encourage them in their marriage? If so, please let out a resounding ‘we do!'” To which your guests will all shout, “We do!” It’s a fun, simple and meaningful way to involve your guests in your ceremony and union as a couple.
Blanket wrapping is a beautiful unity ceremony that comes from Cherokee tradition. Each member of the couple is wrapped individually in a blue blanket, symbolizing their past lives. Then, they’re wrapped together in a white blanket, symbolizing their commitment to a new life together filled with peace. A shared blanket can also represent warmth and a shared future. To add even more meaning, you can use handmade blankets or ask loved ones to do the wrapping.
Log cutting
Want to work up a sweat at your unity ceremony? A German wedding tradition, baumstamm sägen, involves the couple cutting a log together with a handsaw to symbolize the hard work they are willing to put into their marriage. Luckily, to save the couple some time and to stop them from sweating through their outfits, this log is often partially cut in advance.
Bonfire ceremony
Is your love burning like a passionate flame? Prove it with a bonfire ceremony! While you don’t want your marriage to be up in flames or burned to the ground, a bonfire can symbolize new beginnings, new life and new light. It’s also quite the wow moment for your guests! Just be sure you have venue-approval before lighting a bonfire and a plan for how to safely put it out.
Crown ceremony
The crown unity ceremony comes from Greek Orthodox weddings where Stefana crowns are placed on the couple’s heads by their officiant or family members. These crowns are held together with a ribbon, connecting the wearers to each other and to god. The couple is blessed and the ceremony symbolizes the couple coming together in god’s kingdom.
Traditionally seen in Mexican, Filipino and Spanish Catholic weddings, a lasso unity ceremony is another play on “tying the knot” to bring couples together. A lasso – usually a flower garland or rosary passed down by family – is draped over the couple’s shoulders to form a figure eight, representing their unity for eternity. The couple wears the lasso throughout the ceremony until it is removed by their officiant or special “lasso godparents.”
So there you have it, 18+ unity ceremony ideas that you can incorporate into your wedding day. Want to make your wedding day even more personal and meaningful? Check out our custom ceremony package where your officiant will write a ceremony completely personalized to your love story!
Love, laughter and happily ever after? We hope that’s how you feel after reading 48 of our favourite wedding puns, jokes and quotes! Get ready to add a dash of humour and a sprinkle of wit to your wedding day.
There are lots of great times and places to drop a few wedding puns or jokes on your wedding day and leading up to it. The key is to find times and places that are low key, where a bit of humour will add to your wedding and not detract from a meaningful moment.
Some of the best places for a wedding pun include:
All of these options are great because they’re written – many puns only make sense when you can see how they’re spelled. It can be harder to get the joke across if your audience only hears you and can’t see the pun. And as funny as puns can be, sometimes it’s more of a “quick chuckle” than a “roar with laughter” moment, making them better suited to times when guests can enjoy them on their own.
Another place you may want to incorporate wedding jokes or funny quotes would be in your wedding toasts and speeches. In fact, many of our jokes below work perfectly in a speech. However, we will advise you to proceed with caution. Remember that this is a wedding, not a comedy show!
Tips for adding jokes, puns and funny quotes to your wedding
Like most things in life: Less is more when it comes to funny wedding vows, jokes, puns and quotes. Use them sparingly! Even if everyone knows you two are big goofballs, your wedding is still an important day that you should take seriously. Have fun but don’t forget why you’re getting married (and no, it’s not to practice your stand up routine!).
Choose wedding puns and jokes that mean something to you. A funny pun about a dentist in love will be a lot funnier if you or your spouse-to-be actually are dentists! If none of the examples below apply to your situation, they can still inspire you to find or write a joke that plays on who you two are.
Don’t be offensive. No one wants their wedding to be full of crude language, cringe moments or vulgar jokes. Remember, there are likely grandparents and little children present! Avoid talking about exes, hot button issues or anything that would embarrass someone in the room.
And please, don’t go for a tired sexist wedding joke. We’ve all heard the jokes about how marriage is a life sentence, men don’t listen and women are always shopping. Not only are these jokes unfunny and untrue, they’re also just boring! Obviously the couple getting married believe in marriage, so there’s no need to make a joke everyone has heard before mocking their choice. Trust us, you’re better than that.
Now that you know the do’s and don’ts of wedding fun, let’s get into some examples!
18 wedding jokes – perfect for funny wedding speeches!
When your spouse gets a little upset, just remember a simple “calm down” in a soothing voice is all it takes to get them a lot more upset.
What do you call a melon that’s not allowed to get married? Can’t elope.
Now, I did ask for a microphone but was told one wasn’t available. So if you can’t hear me at the back, the silence from the people at the front should reassure you that you’re not missing out on anything.
Did you hear about the two spiders who just got engaged? I hear they met on the web.
What can I say about a person who is kind to everyone they meet? A person who is smart, gifted, stunning, successful and so much more? A top human in every situation? Well, enough about me, let’s move onto the newlyweds.
Luckily we didn’t have a Runaway Bride situation. It was more like Runaway Bridal Expenses!
Today we witnessed a unique event in history – it’s the first and presumably last time anyone has trusted me to give a speech!
Why did the bee get married? Because he found his honey.
I have one final piece of advice for you two lovebirds: never stop laughing, even when the jokes are horrible.
I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to steal the covers from for the rest of your life.
Well, what can I tell you about the happy couple? I’ve known them for about 10 years, they’re funny, intelligent, kind, beautiful… sorry, wrong wedding!
What did Cinderella say when her wedding photos didn’t show up? Someday my prints will come!
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is (Name). My full name is actually ‘(Name) would-you-like-a-drink.’ For those of you who I chat with at the bar later, I’d appreciate it if you could use my full name.
Marriage is full of surprises but it’s mostly just asking each other, “Do you have to do that right now?”
The couple has informed me that the buffet this evening is charged on a cost-per-head basis. So, on their behalf, I’d like to thank the following people for not coming…
And so, without further ado, let me ask those of you who still can to stand up and join me in a toast to the newlyweds!
May your marriage be so solid it could last through being on a Bravo reality TV show.
I would like to reintroduce the most important people here tonight. We know them, we love them and it’s probably why we’re all here…the bartenders!
by Erica Miller Photography
10 funny wedding quotes
“To keep your marriage brimming with love in the wedding cup, whenever you’re wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up.” – Ogden Nash
“Marriage is like vitamins: We supplement each other’s minimum daily requirements.” – Kathy Mohnke
“Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow internet to see who they really are.” – Will Ferrell
“Is marriage just two people taking turns mashing the trash down in the hopes the other one folds first and empties the bin?” – Monica Hesse
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
“The best thing to ever happen to a marriage is the pause-live-TV button.” — Rick Reilly
“True love is singing karaoke ‘Under Pressure’ and letting the other person sing the Freddie Mercury part.” – Mindy Kaling
“Love is a lot like a backache; it doesn’t show up on x-rays, but you know it’s there.” – George Burns
“I’m going to get married because I’m more mature now, and I need some kitchen stuff.” — Wendy Liebman
“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner
Whether you choose to add any to your wedding day, we hope these wedding puns, jokes, quotes and funny lines got you laughing! Keep smiling as you plan an awesome wedding, custom ceremony and have the best marriage ever!
Leading up to the big day, the rehearsal dinner provides the perfect opportunity for friends and family to gather, celebrate, and share in the joy of your upcoming wedding. To make sure your rehearsal dinner is one to remember, we’ve compiled a list of seven fun activities that will entertain your guests and set the stage for an amazing wedding celebration. Plus, we’re sharing exactly what to do at a rehearsal dinner, who to invite and when to hold it!
A wedding rehearsal dinner is when the couple getting married (or their families) treats everyone who attended their ceremony rehearsal to dinner afterwards. The rehearsal dinner is meant to thank everyone not only for attending the rehearsal, but for being a major part of the wedding (and presumably the couple’s life!). It can be held at a restaurant or at someone’s home. In cultures and times where the bride’s parents would pay for the wedding, the groom’s parents would then cover the rehearsal dinner.
These days, rehearsal dinners have become mini wedding events with speeches, decor, special outfits and more guests than just the wedding party invited. More on all of that below!
Who gets invited to the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally, it was just the wedding party who got invited to the rehearsal dinner, as a thank you for their hard work in the wedding. So a rehearsal dinner would consist of the wedding party, the couple and their parents, if the parents were involved in the wedding. But in recent years, the rehearsal dinner has become a full-fledged wedding event where guests who did not attend the actual rehearsal and are not in the wedding party, such as out of town guests, are also invited.
You do not need to invite your wedding officiant, wedding planner or any other wedding vendor to your rehearsal dinner. While your officiant and planner should facilitate and attend your rehearsal, they aren’t expecting to join you for dinner.
When should you have the dinner?
The rehearsal dinner is usually held right after the ceremony rehearsal, which we recommend holding a few days before your wedding. For example, you may rehearse from 4-5pm and then meet at the restaurant for 6pm. However, sometimes it’s difficult to schedule a rehearsal for just before dinnertime. If you’re rehearsing in the morning or afternoon, it’s okay to take a break for a few hours and then meet up with your party again for dinner.
You also don’t have to have a rehearsal dinner – you can have a rehearsal lunch, brunch, picnic, BBQ, etc. If it’s more convenient for your schedule to treat your special guests to a different type of meal, go for it! We do, however, recommend holding the meal after you finish the actual ceremony rehearsal, not before. That way, you get the important business done first and are free to enjoy a relaxed meal with your loved ones (and you don’t risk anyone drinking too much at the meal to participate in the rehearsal!).
That’s really up to you! A wedding rehearsal dinner can be as formal or as informal, as large or as small, as decorated or as simple as you like.
Some couples and their families like to devote a lot of time to this dinner, treating it like a mini wedding reception with special outfits, catering and decor. This is a fun way to extend the wedding celebrations and a chance to do things you may not get to at your reception, such as wear a fun outfit or hear certain speeches. It can also be a great way to spend more time with your guests, especially those who are travelling to your wedding from out of town. But, an extra wedding event means added costs and planning time.
While we’re always here for a beautiful dinner, remember that your wedding rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be a big thing if you don’t want it to be. Its purpose is to say thank you to your wedding party and entice them to actually attend the rehearsal. That can be done with a seven-course meal in a private villa or with pizza and beer in your backyard.
Whether you decide to go big or keep it small for your rehearsal dinner, don’t forget that the main point is the rehearsal. Some couples get so absorbed in the rehearsal dinner that they forgo the ceremony rehearsal altogether. Don’t let that be you – the rehearsal is important!
What do you actually do at a rehearsal dinner?
Good question! The main point of a rehearsal dinner is to thank your wedding party by treating them to a great meal, so the focus should definitely be on eating together and enjoying each other’s company. It’s a great time to do a few speeches, hand out gifts and get excited for your big wedding day around the corner. Try to plan a relaxing evening where you can hang out with your party and not one filled with last minute wedding planning tasks.
Need more ideas for how to make your rehearsal dinner fun, personal and memorable? Keep reading!
7 fun things to do at your rehearsal dinner
Regardless of the size and scope of your rehearsal dinner, you can still make it fun for everyone who attends! Here are seven fun things to do at your rehearsal dinner.
1. Listen to speeches
Many couples choose to have a few speeches at their wedding rehearsal dinner, such as the father of the groom speech. This is a great way to cut down on speeches at your reception and bring some poignancy and structure to your rehearsal dinner.
Plus, since the rehearsal dinner is usually more casual than the wedding reception, this is a perfect time for speech givers and toast makers to have some fun and crack a few jokes. Basically, if you’re worried about one of your wedding attendants going rogue, hand them the mic on rehearsal night, not wedding night.
2. Wear fun outfits
Many couples like to wear special outfits for their rehearsal dinner. Because a rehearsal is less serious and less photographed than a wedding, you can have more fun with your outfit. Consider opting for a style that’s completely different than your wedding day look or maybe rocking matching hats or custom jackets. Or get inspired by Paige & Correy below and wear outfits that honour your heritage – and look amazing!
Your rehearsal dinner can also be a good time to test drive anything you’re planning to wear on the big day. Consider wearing the shoes or undergarments you’ve set aside for your wedding, especially if they’re new to you. You could also have a hair and makeup trial scheduled for your rehearsal day.
Your rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity for you to give thank you gifts to your wedding party and other loved ones, like your parents. These gifts should be thoughtful, personal and express your gratitude for all this person has done for your wedding and in your life. While Etsy is full of “bridesmaid boxes” and the like, we encourage you to think of specific gifts your loved one would really like, rather than a generic tumbler with their name on it.
While some couples prefer to wait to give gifts until the day of the wedding, giving them out at the rehearsal dinner means one less task on wedding day. It’s one less thing for you to remember and for your party to have to keep track of all day long.
4. Play games
Who says a rehearsal dinner has to be serious and stuffy? You can absolutely play games at your rehearsal dinner and make it more fun and interactive for everyone.
If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, why not set up cornhole or bocce? If it’s a rehearsal picnic on the beach, you can break out a frisbee or if you’re having dinner at a pub, head to the closest pool table. An at-home rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity to host a board game night or challenge your wedding party to a few rounds of your favourite video game. Plus, if your wedding party members don’t all know each other, you might want to play a few get to know you games at the dinner table.
5. Personalize rehearsal dinner elements
Because your rehearsal dinner guest list is (or should be!) smaller than your wedding guest list, this is the perfect opportunity to personalize things for a smaller group of people who are closer to you. Everyone will appreciate the special touch and will feel honoured to be included in an evening that is really about thanking them.
There are lots of ways to personalize your rehearsal dinner for your guests. You could hand write cards for every guest and leave them on their plates, curate a playlist with a special song for each person, or even thank each person by name and for something specific in your speech.
6. Serve creative food & drink
Your rehearsal dinner is your opportunity to have fun with food and drink options since you have fewer people to serve than at your big wedding. You could set up a candy bar, DIY taco station, signature drinks or even invite a food truck or ice cream cart to stop by.
Since everyone at your rehearsal dinner will also be attending your wedding reception, it’s a good idea to serve something completely different. For example, if you’re doing a Chinese buffet for your reception, consider an Italian or Mexican restaurant for the rehearsal. You’ll also want to keep in mind everyone’s dietary restrictions when planning the menu.
7. Enjoy a night out on the town!
There’s no limit to the fun you could have hitting the town with your wedding party after your rehearsal dinner. Head out on a pub crawl, dance the night away, take over a karaoke bar or play some old school beer pong in your parents’ basement.
But go easy, especially if you’re getting married the next day. No one wants to spend half their wedding day hungover!
Whether you choose to play games, share heartfelt toasts, or simply enjoy each other’s company, the key to an amazing rehearsal dinner is to savour every moment and cherish the love and support surrounding you. From all of us here at Young Hip & Married, we wish you an amazing rehearsal dinner and an even more magical wedding day!
