Guest Blogger: The Man Registry

The Wedding Vow Basketball Game
There may not be a bigger challenge in all of wedding planning than the writing of the vows. For us guys, it’s often hard to talk about our feelings in front of another person, let alone a church full of your friends and family.

However, writing your own vows gives that personal touch to your wedding ceremony and really gives the groom and bride a chance to uniquely tell each other what marriage means to them and why they want to spend the rest of their lives together.  If you’re having trouble getting started with the vow writing process or if you’re not sure what needs to be included, never fear. In typical Man Registry fashion, here’s a quick starter guide comparing writing your vows to a basketball game.

1^st Quarter
Start slow and set the pace. State your name, her name and your intentions for marriage. 

Example — I Bob, stand here ready to take you, Lindsey, to be my wife, best friend and lifelong partner in marriage. 

2^nd Quarter
This is where you really start to get into the meat of the vows. Tell her why you wish to marry her and what the institution of marriage means to you. If you have any creative writing or poetic skills, this would be the time to use them. 

Example — As husband and wife, I know we’ll be able to accomplish anything and overcome any challenges that stand in our way. Through thick and thin, I’ll be there for you as I know you will be for me.

3^rd Quarter
Start building up to the big conclusion of the vows. Share a story or personal example of when you knew you wanted to marry your bride.

Example - From the moment we met, I knew you were the one I was meant to spend the rest of my life with. As we began to date and get to know each other even better, these thoughts were confirmed. I have never doubted my love for you; in fact, it has grown stronger every day.

4th quarter 
Finish strong. Pledge yourself to your bride. This is where you’ll want to make the promises that will last a lifetime. This is the portion of the vows that you’d probably recognize by the words “in sickness and in health.”

Example — From this moment on, with you at my side, I promise to always live by the vows I make today. I promise to give you the best future I can and to be the best father I can when we welcome children into the world. I will love you whether we’re rich or poor, healthy or sick, young or old. I pledge to hold these promises dear to my heart for the rest of my life.