No Need to Worry: 5 Alternative Performances if You Don't Want to Read the "Bride's Letter"

2018.01.01 published

Standard Production of the Wedding Reception [Bride's Letter]＊

The bride's letter is a standard production, alongside cake cutting and the first bite, at the wedding reception.

At the end of the reception, the bride reads a letter to her parents in front of all the guests.

The scene of reading the letter is an emotional moment where not only the bride and her parents but all the guests are moved to tears.

It is a precious opportunity to express heartfelt feelings to family, especially during the wedding.

What if I don’t want to read the bride's letter?

The bride's letter is a standard production, but…

In reality, there are brides-to-be who think, “I really don’t want to read it!”

☑ I only want to convey my feelings to my parents

☑ I am not good at speaking in front of others

☑ I feel too nervous to truly enjoy the reception

☑ I don’t want to cry

☑ I want to end on a cheerful note, not a solemn one

The reasons vary among brides.

Additionally, there are cases where parents request, “Please don’t read it at the reception, I’ll surely cry and feel embarrassed.”

It's OK not to have a bride's letter!

For brides-to-be who secretly feel “I don’t want to read the bride's letter at the reception,” rest easy. You don’t have to read it if you don’t want to!＊

The bride's letter has gained popularity and become a staple performance over the past 20 years. It is not something that must be done.

Even without a bride’s letter, there are many other ways to express gratitude to parents, and it's certainly possible to create an emotional reception♡

The wedding ceremony and reception are important events marking a new beginning for the bride and groom. There’s no point in going through it with lingering feelings of unease.

Here are some alternative productions to the bride's letter that can be done at the reception♩

Alternative Production to the Bride's Letter ① Flower Bouquet and Commemorative Gift Presentation

A typical wedding reception features the presentation of flower bouquets or commemoration gifts after the bride's letter reading. If you’re not reading the letter, you can go directly to the bouquet presentation.

As soft background music plays, the couple approaching their parents to present the bouquet and embrace each other creates an emotional experience for guests without the need for words.

It would be nice if the host briefly shares a comment or episode like, “The bride, Ms. [Name], mentioned that she wants to become a couple like her respected parents.”

Alternative Production to the Bride's Letter ② Letter Presentation

Next, we have a production where the bride hands over a letter to her parents in front of the guests.

The host can announce, “This is a letter of appreciation from the bride, Ms. [Name]. The slightly shy Ms. [Name] would like her parents to read it later at their leisure.”

Besides the letter, gifting an original album with childhood photos is also appreciated♩

Alternative Production to the Bride's Letter ③ Reading of the Letter

If you don’t want to read the bride's letter due to nervousness or embarrassment from crying, having someone read it for you is a good option.

When the production of the bride's letter first appeared, it was common for someone other than the bride, such as the host or a sibling/friend, to read it.

If asking someone, be sure to finish writing it early！

Alternative Production to the Bride's Letter ④ Thank You Movie

Flowing a thank you movie instead of the bride's letter is also wonderful. Include plenty of childhood photos of the bride and family to express gratitude through visuals. The combination of photos and BGM will create an emotional atmosphere＊

When preparing a thank you movie, it’s advisable to keep the volume of the profile movie modest to avoid overlapping content and photos◎

Having not just a bride’s movie, but also a groom’s movie prepared, will surely delight his parents too♩

Alternative Production to the Bride's Letter ⑤ Performance Using Special Skills

Lastly, we introduce a production that utilizes the bride’s special skills. Heartfelt performances such as playing an instrument or singing can be quite moving.

Remembering the bride practicing diligently as a child is sure to bring tears to her parents' eyes.

There are also brides who have played piano duets with their siblings or danced the last dance with their parents♡

Convey Gratitude in Your Own Way ♡

We’ve introduced five alternatives to the bride's letter. Even with traditional productions, there is no need to force what doesn’t resonate with you＊

The most important thing is to express gratitude in your own way♡ Discuss it with your partner, planner, and host.