Vows and Ring exchanging

Nope, not too many 'ands'

And I think for a registry office ceremony ring exchange is optional? As are all the other additions that aren't declarations etc?? I may have just made that up lol

No you've not made it up, rings are optional regardless of where you marry.

Can anyone tell me how the ceremony is structured ?

Obviously the bride enters and the registrar welcomes everyone, but what then ? when are the readings read ?( we have 2) who decides this? in what order do the declaration, vows and ring exchange happen?

I probably already know this, but I can't seem to string 2 connecting thoughts together at the moment ! ...

* wonders if there is there such a thing as dyslexic thinking*

https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/councilservices/births-deaths-ceremonies

Here's the guidance from Northamptonshire, which gives you a basic 'standard' running order and a checklist to help you. I presume as it's a legal procedure that most counties will operate a similar service. Hope this helps

You can pretty much have it as you like, as long as you get the declarations and contracting words in, and the registrar is happy. Most will want a copy of the ceremony you want to approve it before the day.

I'd have the registrar welcome everyone to the ceremony, then introduce a first reading, then move to the no impediment declarations. Maybe a second reading then, followed finally by the contractual vows with ring exchange, before you're declared husband and wife.

Thanks ladies that's a great help