In the past wedding reading were quite restrictive - a passage from The Bible or some other weighty tome - but now with licensed venues for wedding, civil ceremonies and partnerships, the wealth and breadth of wedding readings has increased no end. And it's no longer only the guys that get to make speeches either, now the bride quite often likes to get in on the act too, as do mums and mother-in-laws. Now that there are often children involved - with babies coming before the wedding and families blending together - there is a lot more call for poems that are either from, or for, the children.
As Kate has a background writing children's books, she has a unique talent for crafting poems that are perfect for the younger folk to read. And as a mother of three, who made her own children very much a part of her own 'big day' she knows how important it is to let your children know how much a part of the wedding, your relationship and the future, they really are.
Return to TopWhen Our Mummy Married Dad
When our mummy married dad
What a lovely time we had
Fancy frocks and wedding fare
And all our special friends were there
Mummy's dress was the biggest yet
With layers and layers and layers of net
Her shoes were silky her hair was curly
Her tiara with diamonds was really girly
Me and Maia and Tallulah too
Had dresses that were crisp and new
We had satin slippers on our feet
And our hair was really neat
Daddy looked handsome like a prince
Though the price of his suit had made him wince
And he said a lilac shirt was no good
But he wore it cos mummy said he should
We followed Mummy up the aisle
And Grandma had the biggest smile
The tent was huge, with balloons and flowers
The decorations had taken hours
Uncle Chris had a role to play
He seemed quite keen to give Mummy away
When the lady spoke to Dad and Mummy
I had butterflies in my tummy
Everyone grinned while Grandma cried
And I felt wobbly on the inside
Daddy and Mummy said some things
Before they had to exchange their rings
They promised to be nice and caring
And not to fight over things for sharing
And to stay together for the rest of their life
And the lady declared them husband and wife
And when they kissed everybody cheered
Which me and Maia thought was weird!
We had photos taken and ate lots of food
And everyone was in a brilliant mood
There were uncles and aunties and cousins and nieces
And babies who pulled all the streamers to pieces
There was eating and drinking, dancing and fun
And a piece of cake for everyone
Mummy looked like a Disney princess
And Daddy was far from his usual mess
Mummy says she thinks Daddy's the best
Head and shoulders above the rest
So everyone was as happy as they could be
Including Tallulah, Maia and me
It was the best party we'd ever ever had
When our Mummy married Dad!© Kate Tym 2008
Kate is an experienced writer for children. Her daughter read this out at Kate and Will's wedding - there wasn't a dry eye in the marquee!
Return to TopWhat Would We Do Without Terry?
What would we do without Terry?
With his sticky up dark hair
He's part of the family, one of us
We can't think of him not being there.
What would Mum do without Terry?
Before him we think she was sad
I think he came to her rescue
And for that I'm very glad
There was life before Terry
But somehow it wasn't the same
It felt like one person was missing
Before Terry came
Terry Tutu Football Mad Hairy Sweaty Man
You take me places like 'Go Ape' you're Chelsea's biggest fan
George thinks you're handsome, Iz says you're always red
But she also thinks you're nice to cuddle like a favourite ted
In the whole world so big and wide you're Mum's favourite one
Along with her two daughters and her brilliant son!
If she's happy we're happy, and you seem to hold the key
You're cool calm and funny which is good enough for me
The only problem having you as a permanent fixture
Is too many pants getting into the mixture
But I guess the boxer problem can be smoothed out
If it means we'll always have you about
It's nice you and Mum looked for a thing just the same
A wonderful warmth, a feeling that doesn't always have a name.
A place to find belonging, from where you never want to part
With a person and small people who have taken you to heart
So thank you Terry Tutu now Mum never ever seems blue
And even better we suspect she may have rescued you!© Kate Tym 2008
Mel gave Kate a list of things her children had said about Terry - including the fact that her son and Terry always got their pants mixed up! Mel's son read their poem.
Return to TopThe Ties That Bind
Once there was a unit
A mother and a son
Passionate and protective
Keeping him her only one
But fate had a different plan
A merging with another
A father for the mother
A sister and a brother
The building of a family
A home safe and good
Honed by a carpenter
From true and lasting wood
He is calm to her fiery
She is frugal to his flash
She is careful and thrifty
While he likes to spend the cash
He's a strong man, yet gentle
Creative and kind
And together they have faced things
That form the ties that bind
So the time has come for marriage
A sealing of the deal
An acknowledgment of the love and trust
That Mum and Justin feel
Today is about a future
Filled with joy and light and love
Horse rides and happiness
And blessings from above
It hasn't always been fairytale
But there has been lots of laughter
And no matter what, I'm sure there'll be
A happy ever after...© Kate Tym 2008
Tina and Justin had blended their two families getting together after Justin's first wife died. They have since built a house together and faced serious illness, coming through it all as strong and happy as ever. Tina's son, Barnaby, read their poem.
Return to TopThanks To Auntie Claire
We'd like to say thanks to Auntie Claire
For being friends with Mark
Introducing him to Mum
Igniting that fateful spark
From the days at The Farm
Their paths sometimes crossed
But no hint of their future they saw
Till Mum flashed red knickers
From under her dress
And Mark thought he'd like to see more
Time trickled past and Mum often wondered
Why life was so complicated
Difficult and fraught perhaps she ought
To look at the men that she dated!
Then New Year's Day was the big way-hey
As Brighton rocked to the slim DJ
A different drum beat for Mark and Mum
A glimpse of a dream of what they'd become
A magical start to the year
It was Cheltenham that really did it
Dotted the I's and crossed the T's
Perfect weather and happy times
Eating fish and chips out of papers on our knees
Existing in a bubble
Bursting over with bliss
Why couldn't life always be like this?
Well, now it can with a covenant
A promise to treat each other how you should
And Mum's got over her personal tick
And worked out that easy is actually good.
So thanks Auntie Claire for your good taste in friends
And for starting the wheels in motion
For Mum and Mark and a lifetime of laughter
And a love that could fill the whole ocean© Kate Tym 2008
Becca and Mark had known each other for years before getting together at Fatboy Slim's Brighton beach gig. They decided to get married after a perfect weekend at a festival in Cheltenham with their four combined kids, sitting by the side of the road eating fish and chips.
Return to TopThe Good Ship Romance
It's a perfect day for sailing away on a big ship called romance
With Ricky wearing the Captain's hat, given half the chance
Mummy was a beautiful actress when she captured Daddy's heart
And now on their wedding day, we all can play a part
Jasper and I will do our best carrying the rings
And remember the day for Clara - one of the most important things
Grandma June is here as well and of course Jimbo and Rosie
And Hayley and Ocea, the bridesmaids, who'll help Mummy with her posy
Uncle Alastair's here too - he's giving Mummy away
Or rather he's giving her back to us - and that's where she's going to stay!
There's Ian who was a Flying Bondini he helped with the wedding plan
But we hope he won't need his knee board whilst being Daddy's best man!
Married life has ups and downs, fair and stormy weather
But Mummy and Daddy side by side will face it well together
They've already been together for ever and sailed around some rocks
But Mummy's happy that today Daddy hasn't got holes in his socks!
They've always been full of get-up-and-go making the best of life
And we know they'll bring out the best in each other once they're husband and wife
We're one big happy family through sunny days and starry nights
And we're still one happy family but now we are all Wrights!
Now it must be time for the best bit, the bit we wouldn't miss
It's when Mummy and Daddy say -I do' and have a great big kiss!
We're glad that we've all been here to set the ship in motion
As there's love enough in Mummy and Daddy to fill the great big ocean
So now we'll set sail into the future with our arms and our hearts open wide
Jasper, Clara and me, Daddy and Mummy, his lovely bride
And when our trip is over, we'll leave the wedding throng
And firmly plant our anchor, back home where we belong© Kate Tym 2009
Return to TopDaddy's Getting Married
Daddy's getting married, it's such a special day
And it's made more special in every single way
To share it with you our wonderful three
Means the very world to Siany and me
There's beautiful Ellie sharp as a tack
A book-worm, but girly, with a glamorous knack
You're quite the little chef - inventive with your cooking
Adding ingredients when no-one else is looking
You pirouette delightfully, but more often than not
You take a turn too many and end up on your bott!
You dance through life, thoughtful and deep
Every moment with you is a memory we'll keep
Beanie is our livewire, a dancing dynamo
Laughing, and racing and always on the go
You're a fantastic gardener, planting seeds in rows
But we're always very careful not to let you near the hose!
A natural comic, a truly happy soul
Living for the moment that's your goal
Charlie-Chop - you are the top
Always rushing round, you never ever stop
You couldn't be happier than when chasing a ball
Tickles, swimming and play-parks you really love them all
You're adorable, gorgeous, cheeky and cute
And we think you look delicious in your little sailor suit!
You're mad on space-ships and robots a proper little boy
Every moment with you is a moment filled with joy
Looking at you all fills me with pride
And having you here as Siany becomes my bride
Is as important to us as the day is long
Uniting a family where we all belong
We're looking to a future growing up together
With laughter and adventures in all kinds of weather
There's nothing more wonderful to Siany and me
Than watching you all as you become who you want to be
Daddy's getting married and the most important part
Is a day with the three of you right at the heart
You are everything to us in every single way
And it is everything to us to have you here today
So thank you, thank you, you wonderful three
You're the icing on the wedding cake for Siany and for me!© Kate Tym 2009
Design by Love Web Design