Maybe you’ve gone with Moss Bros Or you’ve stuck to trusty M&S But I can point to a surer way to ensure you’re dressed for success No matter how long you’ve spent Adjusting your silks and laces No matter how hard it was to talk him out of his lairy braces
Whether you selected a Windsor knot Or your favourite velvet bow tie [A bold choice, Toby.] I can share some well-worn wisdom By which you should always abide I know a dress code tested by time Simple words to which we should hold Simple but essential for all of us here So let’s check we’re all properly clothed
Next time you’re walking down the red carpet And they ask, ‘Who are you wearing?’ There's no need to look for the neckline label Don’t waste your time with checking Every day you both put on Christ You kit yourselves out with the King Knowing this is all that you’ll need For whatever the day will bring
But like royal robes or battle armour His garments come in layers Put them on in careful sequence Buttoned up with tailored prayers You begin with feather-lite Compassion Laced with silken Kindness It’s followed by soft Humility A garment that’s forever timeless
You add to this tough Gentleness That’s core to the Saviour’s style With a lining of weighty Patience So you can each stay versatile You ensure the ensemble’s been well steamed With a fierce, cleansing Forgiveness You set the dial high enough To remove past creases of grievance
Now, some might think this will be enough That that is ample fussing But there’s one remaining layer That you know isn’t worth you rushing Over each of these rich garments to keep them all in place you put on the strong bond of Love like a long full-body embrace
Then whatever the weather or season on each and every occasion You can both enjoy the Peace of knowing You’ll never need alterations * You may have heard it said And with Thanks we can affirm Some fashions do remain timeless And this one's designed for long term
A wedding poem for my friends, Toby and Kathryn. It was prompted by the reading from Colossians 3:12-15