Make Your Wedding Ceremony Fun: Tips For Laughter

A wedding ceremony is often a serious affair, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for a little humour to lighten the mood. Whether it's a funny anecdote, a witty remark, or a lighthearted ritual, adding a touch of humour can make the ceremony more memorable and engaging for everyone involved. However, it's important to strike a balance and avoid turning the ceremony into a comedy routine or making jokes at the expense of the couple or guests.

One way to incorporate humour is to work with a wedding officiant who can tailor the ceremony to the couple's personalities and include well-timed jokes or funny stories. Another option is to choose a funny reading or include humorous vows or promises.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a ceremony that reflects the couple's unique sense of joy and camaraderie while still respecting the significance of the occasion. With careful planning and consideration, a wedding ceremony can be both heartfelt and hilarious.

Humorous vows or promises

A wedding ceremony is a serious occasion, but that doesn't mean it has to be sombre! Humorous vows are a great way to inject some fun into the day and showcase the couple's personalities. Here are some ideas for vows with a funny twist:

Keep it Light-Hearted

Add a touch of humour to your vows by making light-hearted promises. For example, vowing to always do the dishes, occasionally take out the bins, or make your partner a bacon sandwich when they're hungover. These everyday promises are sure to get a giggle from your guests and will reflect the nature of your relationship.

Pop Culture References

If you and your partner love watching TV and movies together, consider incorporating some famous lines into your vows. For instance, "You're my lobster" from *Friends*, or "I vow to help you love life... to live within the warmth of your heart and always call it home" from *The Vow*. You could also adapt lines to make them more personal, such as "I love that you get cold when it's seventy-one degrees out... and I love that it takes you an hour and a half to scroll through Netflix without picking something to watch".

Quirky Promises

Make a quirky promise that reflects your partner's interests or quirks. For example, "I promise to always wash up when you cook dinner, even though you're a disaster in the kitchen". Or, "I promise to always respect your choice of music in the car when you are driving. If you are not driving, however..."

Inside Jokes

While it's important to avoid inside jokes that will leave your guests feeling confused, a subtle reference that only your partner will understand can be a fun addition to your vows. For example, "I promise to continue to defend you every time my parents tell me you're weird".

Funny Readings

If you don't want to include humour in your vows, you could ask your officiant to include a funny reading or two. This can be a great way to add some light-heartedness to the ceremony without taking away from the seriousness of your vows.

Remember, when it comes to adding humour to your wedding vows, a little goes a long way! Keep it clean, inclusive, and relevant to your relationship. Most importantly, ensure that your vows are a true reflection of your love and commitment to your partner.

Lighthearted opening remarks

A wedding ceremony is a serious affair, but that doesn't mean you can't have a bit of fun with it! Here are some lighthearted opening remarks to get your guests giggling and set the tone for a joyful celebration:

"Ladies and gentlemen, we're here today because [name] and [name] have said to one another, 'Honey, I love you so much I've just gotta get the government involved!' Now, that's a lot of love! Thank you all so much for joining us. [Name] and [name] have asked that this be a fun ceremony, so let's keep things light and enjoy ourselves while we get this hitching done. Then we can all have even more fun at the reception!"

"Welcome, everyone, to this joyous occasion! Today, we celebrate the union of [name] and [name], who have chosen to combine their lives, their hearts, and—most importantly—their Netflix accounts. Yes, it's official: they now share a Netflix account. No more separate accounts and no more separate lives! [Name] and [name], do you take each other to be your lawfully wedded partner in crime? Do you promise to love, honour, and cherish each other, even when [name] forgets to take out the trash or [name] leaves the toilet seat up?"

"Welcome, family and friends, and thank you for being here today to witness this beautiful couple's public celebration of their love for each other. I asked the couple what they wanted me to include in this ceremony, and they told me to keep things light and funny but, most importantly, to keep it short. I'm guessing we all want to get to that open bar! You've been invited here today because you are all important to [name] and [name] in some way. Maybe you were the childhood friend who taught [name] that bugs don't taste so great, or perhaps you were the one who showed [name] how to sneak out of their bedroom window at night. We won't name names, but we're glad you're here. And I know some of you have definitely held [name]'s hair back after those infamous parties at [name of school/sorority/fraternity]. And a few of you may have only met this incredible power couple more recently. Regardless of how you know them, [name] and [name] are just happy you're here to share in this momentous occasion and, of course, to enjoy the free food and drinks!"

"Welcome, everyone, and thank you for joining us on this happiest of days. It's no accident that each of you is here; you were invited because you represent someone important in the lives of [name] and [name]. I can't think of a better place for this occasion than [name of venue]—it's simply perfect for this couple, who are also a perfect pairing. The most remarkable moment in life is when you meet the person who makes you feel complete, and that's what [name] and [name] have found in each other. For [name], that moment came about [number] years ago when they met me and we became best friends. But then, [number] years ago, [name] met [name], who is also pretty wonderful. I know how deeply these two care for and love each other, and I feel privileged to be here today as a witness to their commitment to a lifetime of love."

Remember, when it comes to humour at weddings, it's important to keep things light and clean. Avoid mean-spirited jokes or anything that might offend your guests. Keep the focus on the couple and their unique relationship, and you'll be sure to get some knowing giggles and set a joyful tone for the rest of the ceremony.

Funny readings or performances

A funny wedding ceremony can be an unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests. Here are some ideas for injecting humour into your wedding ceremony through readings or performances:

Choose a lighthearted officiant

Select an officiant who is comfortable with adding a touch of humour to the ceremony. A skilled officiant will be able to incorporate lightheartedness without turning the ceremony into a comedy routine. They can weave in witty remarks, share funny stories about the couple, and create a joyful atmosphere.

Include humorous rituals

Add a creative, lighthearted ritual to your ceremony. For example, one officiant shared their signature ritual: "Seal It With A Shot," where the couple takes a celebratory shot together just before the kiss. This adds a fun, unique touch and creates a wonderful photo opportunity.

Keep it clean and inclusive

When adding humour to your wedding ceremony, it's important to keep the content clean and inclusive. Avoid racy jokes or profanity, and steer clear of insider jokes that might leave some guests feeling left out. It's also best to avoid jokes that are mean-spirited or directed at anyone present.

Make it relevant to the couple

The best humour is often that which reflects the couple's unique personalities and interests. If they root for rival sports teams, geek out over something obscure, or have strange "house rules," turn these into jokes! Your guests will love this type of material because it showcases the couple's individuality.

Timing is key

Choose a few well-timed points during the ceremony to go for a laugh. For example, a humorous comment or playful gesture during the ring exchange can lighten the mood and create a joyful moment.

Encourage audience interaction

Involve your guests in the fun! For instance, invite everyone to take out their phones and snap a photo of the happy couple, acknowledging the important role smartphones often play in modern relationships.

Incorporate a comedic interlude

Include a comedic interlude, such as a fun reading or a humorous poem, to provide a moment of comedic relief. Ensure that the interlude aligns with the overall theme and atmosphere of the wedding ceremony.

Twist traditional elements

Take traditional elements, such as the vows or ring exchange, and give them a humorous twist. For example, the couple can promise to always bring each other coffee in bed or to put up with each other's dad jokes.

Remember, a little humour goes a long way in creating a fun and memorable wedding ceremony!

Humorous ring exchange

Ladies and gentlemen, we're here today because [name] and [name] are head-over-heels for each other! They've decided to take the plunge and get the government involved! So, let's get this hitching done and have some fun!

Ring Exchange

[Name], do you take [name] to be your lawfully wedded [spouse], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?

Repeat after me, please: [Name], I give you this ring as a symbol that I will love you, honour you, and cherish you. I promise to support you, care for you, and stand alongside you for all of our days. I might even make you dinner once in a while!

[Name], do you take [name] to be your lawfully wedded [spouse], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?

Repeat after me, please: [Name], I give you this ring as a symbol that I will love you, honour you, and cherish you. I promise to support you, care for you, and stand alongside you for all of our days. I might even clean up after myself!

Closing

Well, after that touching exchange, I guess there's only one thing left to do, and that's for me to do my part! By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you [spouse] and [spouse]!

Relevant jokes or anecdotes

Ladies and gentlemen, we're here today because [name] and [name] have said to one another, "Honey, I love you so much I've just gotta get the government involved!" We're here to have a good time over the next few minutes and then we'll have even more fun at the reception.

Speech/Sermon/Introduction

Marriage is a tradition in this country, and we've debated it a lot over the last few decades. But why do we do it? Is it because we want to get the government involved in our loving relationship? Of course not! It's a tradition, yes, but we change traditions all the time. Nowadays, marriage isn't what it used to be. It's no longer acceptable to knock your loving wife "straight to the moon" night after night. Marriage is about having someone to come home to, someone who has promised to love you no matter how smelly your socks get or how bad your mood is. It's about having someone to share inside jokes with and laugh with.

During the vows

The wedding ring is a reminder that you must always remember to take out the trash and pick up your clothes off the floor!

Ring exchange

"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment, and as a reminder that I'm still willing to put up with your dad jokes."

"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment, and as a reminder that I promise to always bring you coffee in bed."

"By the power vested in me by... well, my ability to read this script, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now seal your marriage with a kiss, but please try to keep it PG-13—we don't want to scare the children."

Frequently asked questions