A non soppy wedding reading

You're getting married and you'd love some readings for your ceremony...but those standard, traditional poems often read at weddings are giving you the ick....but, you don't fancy a funny reading, either.

That's absolutely fine! It's your wedding, your big day. As a wedding celebrant, I'm in favour of binning any wedding traditions that don't align with your personality/ the vibe of your dream ceremony. That includes romantic, soppy poetry (if it makes you cringe). Don't feel pressured to go for that just because it's a wedding.

That's where renowned poet and author Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah comes in. How about this classic, simple piece, about the connection that we humans share?

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People will always need people by Benjamin Zephaniah

People need people,

To walk to

To talk to

To cry and rely on,

People will always need people.

To love and to miss

To hug and to kiss,

It’s useful to have other people.

To whom to moan

If you’re all alone,

It’s so hard to share

When no one is there.

There’s not much to do

When there’s no one but you.

People will always need people.

To please

To tease

To put you at ease,

People will always need people.

To make life appealing

And give life some meaning,

It’s useful to have other people.

It you need a change

To whom will you turn.

If you need a lesson

From whom will you learn.

If you need to play

You’ll know why I say

People will always need people.

As girlfriends

As boyfriends

From Bombay

To Ostend,

People will always need people-

To have friendly fights with

And share tasty bites with,

It’s useful to have other people.

People live in families

Gangs, posses and packs,

Its seems we need company

Before we relax,

So stop making enemies

And let’s face the facts,

People will always need people,

Yes

People will always need people.

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When you book a Spellbound Ceremony, I offer support with picking any readings, and can also write personalised poetry (about you!) for your big day. It's giving main character energy.

Even if you have made other ceremony plans, I offer a personalised poetry writing service, to make your ceremony truly unique and memorable. One of your loved ones could read it out before you say your vows. Simply get in touch for a quote.