Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

This book is just packed with readings drawn from great literature. Some are long, some are short--all are interesting and many make good candidates for inclusion in a wedding ceremony. The book is divided into sections, covering different "themes" relating to love and marriage. Some are even a little racy! At the end, Munro suggests some ideal reading for various members of the family and bridal party. I think those planning a wedding and thinking about the meaning of marriage will find this a good book. The passages are moving and thought-provoking, and if you're looking for a good wedding reading you're sure to find one here.

I thought most of these readings were interesting, but only about 15 of them were a possibility to read in front of my guests. These I found in many other sources. So, it's OK but you get more for your money in some other compilation books.

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.

For those looking to personalize their wedding ceremony, this is the book for you. While my husband and I wanted some traditional elements, we were aching to find some fresh new readings and verses to incorporate into our ceremony. We were not binded by the regulations of a church service (although I believe we could have still used many of our passages), so we felt free to choose scriptures, poems and readings from all over the globe. All in all, I felt we prepared a refreshing, beautiful and sentimental ceremony. Best of all, it was actually FUN planning this part of our wedding- it helped us reconnect amongst the circus of flowers, photographs, invitations, etc. My sister is getting married next fall, and so I bought her this book for Christmas. She agreed that it was one of the best compilations she has seen out on the market.

This book not only provides inspiration but, in the vows section gave us an introduction to our program and we used the translation of the 7 blessings for our actual ceremony! When it says it includes vows it includes traditional vows from an assorment of religions as well as some poetic vows written by brides or grooms.