This wedding reading isn’t the usual super sweet and romantic poem that you’d expect to have read out during a wedding ceremony. The poem isn’t full of elaborate metaphors or complicated language. Instead, A Vow by Wendy Cope points out that these big promises and grand vows to always be kind and loving aren’t genuine. Taking on a more realistic view, A Vow by Wendy Cope is about promising authentic vows that you can actually keep. Rather than promising to always adore and cherish your partner, this poem focuses on promising to be deserving of your partner and doing your best to make them happy and feel loved. This wedding reading is a gem! If you’d like to download this reading for your ceremony, we have a free PDF below. 

A Vow

by Wendy Cope

I cannot promise never to be angry;
I cannot promise always to be kind.
You know what you are taking on, my darling –
It’s only at the start that love is blind.
And yet I’m still the one you want to be with
And you’re the one for me – of that I’m sure.
You are my closest friend, my favourite person,
The lover and the home I’ve waited for.
I cannot promise that I will deserve you
From this day on. I hope to pass that test.
I love you and I want to make you happy.
I promise I will do my very best.

Is A Vow by Wendy Cope the wedding reading for you? If it’s not, it could still be really incredible inspiration for your own wedding vows. Perhaps you’ll take a more realistic approach too but either way, you can use our guide to wedding vows for some more advice. Wedding readings are one way to keep your guests entertained during your ceremony but what will you do in the evening? Take a look at our 101 wedding entertainment ideas that aren’t cringy for some ideas.