Wedding Readings: Centuries of Writing and Rituals on Love and Marriage

I've lost track of the number of weddings that I've conducted or assisted using this book. My wife and I originally used it to find readings for our own wedding 16 years ago. Since then, I've given it to many about-to-be-wedded couples, and they inevitably love it. An uncommonly thoughtful and wide selection of great quotes & readings.

I'm giving this a low score because the cover claims that the selections are specifically for wedding readings, both traditional and informal. I agree with another reviewer: the few excerpts I liked and could use in a ceremony all appeared in other collections. I'd recommend this only to someone who is reading about love and marriage for a peek into other times and traditions...not to gather readings for a ceremony. The texts were certainly interesting and educational, but most are only appropriate for self-conciously nontraditional events, very brave readers, and highly literate guests. Lots of archaic langauge and rather overwrought expressions of love. I'm planning a small, casual wedding and many of the guests are writers also. I'd be embarassed to have most of these readings presented, so I'm returning my copy. If you're researching wedding rituals or are looking for quotes for an article on commitment through the ages, this might be good for you. If you're a busy-wedding-planning bride looking for some readings that will engage but not challenge your guests, I'd recommend looking at other guides.

I'm giving this a low score because the cover claims that the selections are specifically for wedding readings, both traditional and informal. I agree with another reviewer: the few excerpts I liked and could use in a ceremony all appeared in other collections. I'd recommend this only to someone who is reading about love and marriage for a peek into other times and traditions...not to gather readings for a ceremony. The texts were certainly interesting and educational, but most are only appropriate for self-conciously nontraditional events, very brave readers, and highly literate guests. Lots of archaic langauge and rather overwrought expressions of love. I'm planning a small, casual wedding and many of the guests are writers also. I'd be embarassed to have most of these readings presented, so I'm returning my copy. If you're researching wedding rituals or are looking for quotes for an article on commitment through the ages, this might be good for you. If you're a busy-wedding-planning bride looking for some readings that will engage but not challenge your guests, I'd recommend looking at other guides.

I really enjoyed all the readings this book included. It has religious and non religious readings. It includes sonnets, love poems and passages from the Bible. If you want some alternative selections for your ceremony, I definately recommend this book. Whether you are Jewish, Christian or Atheist this book really has something for everyone. Some of the readings they include in this book would be great to be recited at the reception, or be placed in your wedding program or invitation. I would recommend reading this book from cover to cover so that yu don't miss any of the special passages that you may want to incorporate!

An excellent collection of readings from great literature, and various cultures and religions. With so many good selections and such variety, the book nears a one-stop shopping resource for readings. Makes you want to have more than one ceremony! The author provides some subtle suggestion/guidance by grouping readings according to themes and speakers.