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Wedding readings for mother
A reading that names a mother — the one who raised you, the one you're marrying into, or the one you're carrying with you today — gives the ceremony a second heartbeat. It widens the moment beyond the couple without ever taking it from them.
These are the readings we suggest when a mum has a role in the service, or when you want to honour her from the aisle.
Readings that honour a mother
- 01
For a new beginningby John O'Donohue, 1956 ~ 2008The delight when your courage kindled and out you stepped onto new groundRead the full poem - 02
Gift from the Seaby Anne Morrow Lindbergh, 1906 ~ 2001The only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity – in freedomRead the full poem - 03
Habitationby Margaret Atwood, b. 1939With wonder at having survived this far, we are learning to make fireRead the full poem - 04
House of Stoneby Carmen Bugan, b. 1970May your tears and your smiles happen always face to face.Read the full poem - 05
Learned in Kindergartenby Robert Fulghum, b. 1937Remember the little seed in the plastic cup? The roots go down and the plant goes upRead the full poem - 06
Love, mere loveby Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 1806 ~ 1861Let temple burn, or flax and an equal light leaps in the flames from cedar plank or weed. And love is fire.Read the full poem - 07
Oh, the places you will go!by Dr. Seuss, 1904 ~ 1991Things can happen and frequently do, to people as brainy and footsy as youRead the full poem - 08
On Loveby Kahlil Gibran, 1883 ~ 1931Let love be a moving sea between the shores of your soulsRead the full poem - 09On marriageby Kahlil Gibran, 1883 ~ 1931Be like a running brook that sings its melody to the nightRead the full poem
- 10
The Wedding Marchby Gerard Manley Hopkins, 1844 ~ 1889I to him turn with tears, whose wonder-wedlock deals triumph and immortal yearsRead the full poem - 11
Wild Geeseby Mary Oliver, 1935 ~ 2019You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.Read the full poem - 12
Zuccini Shofarby Sarah Lindsay, b. 1958Let living room pianos invite unwashed handsRead the full poem
Choosing your reading
How many readings should we have?
One or two is typical for a shorter ceremony; three works well if you'd like to give more guests a role. Vary the tone so the ceremony doesn't sit on one note.
Who should read?
Choose people whose voices you love hearing — siblings, close friends, a parent, a chosen family member. Send the reading in advance so they can practise. Make sure you check out the performance tips we have for each poem, and visit the Performance Bootcamp for general tips every Resplendant (wedding reader) can follow.