Member- LeandraM
- 6 years ago
We are doing a “Blessing of the Hands” at our wedding. (The full text is at the bottom of the post.) We’ve decided to split it up so that 2-3 of my friends can read it, with each reading a line or two. Because it’s more of a repetitive, list-type reading, I don’t think it will be awkward to have multiple readers, as it might if it were more of a cohesive reading.
Now, my issue is who to ask to do the reading. I’ve already asked one friend from college and she is happy to do it. Now, I’m stuck between people for the other parts.
Option 1: Ask two other friends from high school/college. These ladies were my closest friends in high school and college, but we’ve drifted apart in the five years since we graduated. I haven’t seen either of them in more than a year, and we do keep in touch, but not super closely. I had initially planned on asking both of them, but then one of these ladies told me she wasn’t sure if she would be able to make the wedding, and that changed my thought process… However, I worry that if I *don’t* ask these friends, they will be perturbed that I asked another college friend (the one who already agreed) and not them, when theoretically I was at one point closer to them. Also, to add on to this story, one of these ladies said, “I better be a bridesmaid!” a year or two ago before I was engaged when we were talking very much theoretically about getting married. (And she is not a bridesmaid, so now I feel guilty.)
Option 2: Ask two “current” friends. These are the ladies I go to the gym with, go on triple dates with, and complain about wedding planning to. I have only known both of them for 2-3 years, and I don’t necessarily feel extremely emotionally close to them, but they are very much a part of my life right now. I work with them, hang out with them, etc. I also know that both of them will be at the wedding, whereas I’m not sure about the two Option 1 ladies.
By The Way, Here’s the reading:
Reader 1: These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
Reader 2: These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
Reader 3: These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
