More and more weddings these days feature poems and readings written especially for the big day. And it makes sense why: they’re a great way to add personality to a ceremony and they capture a couple’s love and journey in a colourful way.

But if you’re the parent, sibling, best friend (or even the bride or groom), tasked with writing said unique poem or reading, it can feel a little daunting.

Here are just a few tips from Carl at I Will Write You a Poem to help you get out of your own way and write a wedding poem that feels authentic, personal, and unforgettable.

1. Start with the emotion

The best wedding poems are anchored in emotion. Before you write, ask yourself:

• What do I want the couple to feel when they hear this poem?
• What tone fits the couple? Romantic, lighthearted, funny, or nostalgic?

TIP: Write down the first words or phrases that come to mind when you think of the couple, their story, shared dreams, or the journey that brought them here. You might notice a theme or feeling emerging to give you an idea of the direction you will write your poem.

2. Make it personal

You are in the unique position to write a poem that no one else in the world can. So try to avoid generic platitudes about what the concept of love is or the importance of marriage. 

Tug at people’s heartstrings by using specific details, like:

• Their first date location
• The song they always sing together
• How they’ve tackled challenges
• Pets, children, weird hobbies
• Shared passions or adventures
• In-jokes, nicknames, embarrassing stories

If you don’t know all the information, then ask the people involved or their family and friends. 

Just like a best man’s speech, the couple will be rooting for you to succeed when reading your unique poem and will be desperate to help. So don’t suffer in silence or bang your head on your desk alone struggling to think of ideas. Ask them for nuggets of information you can pepper through. 

TIP: I like to email the couple individually and ask them questions like “What are your partner’s top three qualities?”, “What are your partner’s trickiest three qualities?”, “If a genie said they would grant your partner three wishes, what would you wish for them?”

3. Think outside the box

Let’s be honest, if you’ve been to more than five weddings you’ve probably heard the same poems or readings a few times. Avoid the same cliches by thinking outside the box when approaching your poem. 

Instead of describing the couple’s journey literally, what if you turned them into their favourite animals and imagined them meeting each other? Why not be the director of a Hollywood film and make your couple the leading actors? What if you’re a football commentator and the couple are two rival football teams coming together for the FA Cup final at Wembley?

TIP: Don’t be afraid to be playful and strange. If you fill any scenario with your true feeling for the happy couple, the poem will go down a storm.

4. Choose a structure that suits your style

Forget what you learned as a child… your poem doesn’t have to rhyme. But it can if you want! If you’re unsure what to style to go for, consider trying: 

• Rhyming couplets — Traditional and lyrical, great for speeches.
• Free verse — Flows naturally, perfect for heartfelt letters or vows.
• Acrostic poem — Use the couple’s names to form a poem.
• Haiku or short verse — Elegant and minimal, if you want to get in and out.

You’ve been asked to write and read this poem because you are loved for who you are. So be you. Use your personality and style that brought you to the table. The poem will shine and feel more authentic if you use your true voice and don’t try to be something you’re not.

TIP: Just get down what you want to say first, then play with the structure and see what fits the sentiment.

5. Read it aloud

A poem is meant to be heard. Throughout the drafting, editing, and finalising process of your poem, read it aloud. It will help you to:

• Hear the rhythm and flow.
• Catch awkward phrasing.
• Ensure it feels authentic.

TIP: Record yourself reading it. Sometimes you’ll notice places to tweak the emotion or pace.

6. When to commission a bespoke wedding poem

If writing your own poem just feels too overwhelming, that’s okay. A bespoke wedding poem written by a professional poet can:

• Capture your emotions even if you can’t find the right words.
• Be customised for vows, speeches, or gifts.
• Become a framed keepsake for the couple to cherish.

Commissioning a poem ensures you have something unique, polished, and meaningful that truly reflects your feelings. Commission a poem from I Will Write You a Poem here.

Remember

A wedding poem is more than words – it’s a moment, a memory, a keepsake. Whether you write it yourself or commission a custom poem, what matters most is that it comes from the heart.

Looking for a wedding poem that perfectly captures your feeling?