Reading wedding vows privately or during the ceremony: Which is more preferred?

After you've written your wedding vows, decide how you will exchange them with each other

Worldly photographer on unique wedding shots to cherish forever

Kristin Piteo, a global photographer who has shot in the United States, Europe and South Africa, among other locations, describes to Fox News Digital how capturing the small moments of a wedding day can make for unique shots.

If you’ve decided you want to write your own personalized vows for your wedding, there are a few different ways you can share them with your partner.

There is no right or wrong way to share your vows, and this isn’t going to look the same at every wedding.

Talk through the options with your partner to find the one that makes the most sense for you.

MUST-HAVE INFORMATION ON ANY WEDDING WEBSITE

Read on to uncover three different options for how you can share vows on your wedding day.

wedding vows bride groom

Wedding vows can be delivered in a variety of ways. Talk with your partner to figure out what the best fit is for you. (iStock)

  1. Share vows in front of family and friends during the ceremony
  2. Read vows privately during a wedding ‘first look’
  3. Write vows down and exchange them on the morning of your wedding day

1. Share vows in front of family and friends during the ceremony

One option, and a popular one, is to read your vows in front of your family and friends at the ceremony. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding ceremony and give guests a look into your love story.

Some don’t find sharing vows this way favorable, though, if they aren’t comfortable speaking in front of a large group of people.

Vows are often very sentimental, and it can be difficult to share those deep feelings with your partner in front of a large crowd.

10 WEDDING SUPERSTITIONS THAT DATE BACK DECADES BUT ARE STILL PREVALENT TODAY

If you do decide to read your vows in front of your family and friends but are nervous about doing so, focus on your partner and try to shut out all the other outside distractions.

Looking your partner in the eyes can bring a sense of calm and make you feel as if it's just the two of you, even though you’re in front of a crowd.

Bride walks down aisle.

Many people choose to exchange vows in front of their friends and family during the wedding ceremony. (iStock)

2. Read vows privately during a wedding ‘first look’

One wedding trend on the rise is having a "first look."

With a first look, the bride and groom see each other at a designated time before the ceremony, as opposed to the more traditional way of the couple to be wed not seeing each other until the ceremony.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The first look also provides an intimate way to share vows with one another. When the couple meets before the ceremony, they can read out their vows to each other without everyone else listening.

This is also ideal for those who wish to have a shorter ceremony.

3. Write vows down and exchange them on the morning of your wedding day

If you want a way to share loving vows with your partner but don’t want to read them out loud, you can write a note to be provided to them ahead of time.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

Have your vows written out and give them to a bridesmaid or groomsman to deliver to your significant other on the morning of your wedding day. 

bride with bridesmaids

You can opt to share vows with your partner through the written word rather than aloud by exchanging them while you're each getting ready for the big day. (iStock)

Having the loving words of your significant other to read during a stressful morning of getting ready for the big day can provide you with a sense of calm.

Even if you do decide to read your vows out loud, whether that be private or in front of guests, sending notes back and forth to your partner can be a sentimental addition to the day.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital. 

Authored by Ashlyn Messier via FoxNews April 29th 2024