Do I dos come before or after rings?

The usual order in a civil or religious ceremony is that you first say your vows, which include the legal declaration and the contracting words, and then you exchange rings. The vows are the legal part of the ceremony, where you make the binding promise to marry. The rings come after as a symbolic gesture, often with a short phrase such as 'with this ring, I thee wed'. Your registrar or officiant will tell you exactly when to speak and when to pass the rings. In a civil ceremony, the registrar will lead you through the required words, and you can add your own personal vows before or after the legal ones if you wish. In a religious ceremony, the order may vary slightly depending on the tradition, so it is best to ask your officiant. Some couples choose to exchange rings before the vows, but this is less common and may not be allowed in all venues. If you are unsure, simply follow the order given by your registrar or faith leader. The important thing is that you both understand what is happening and feel comfortable. You can also practise the ring exchange with your best man or maid of honour, so they know when to hand over the rings. Remember that the rings are not a legal requirement, but they are a lovely tradition.