Who's Laughing Now? – How to Use Humor in the Wedding Ceremony

The funny thing about marriage... How to use humor in the wedding ceremony

 

 

When writing a wedding ceremony, a question that often comes up is, should there be humor in a wedding ceremony, and if so - how much?

 

Well... the way we look at it, the ceremony should reflect the couple. Since most couples love to laugh together, some humor in the ceremony is not only acceptable, but actually desirable. Injecting a dash of (appropriate) humor into the ceremony adds emotional variety to the event, providing a counterpoint to the more somber, serious moments. 

 

That said, the 'precise' amount of humor is something that the officiant and the couple must work out together. But one thing's for sure -- adding light-heartedness to a ceremony is great for couples who don’t want to cry through the whole ceremony.

 

It’s also great for couples that are worried about being nervous! (Laughter calms the nerves, it’s a fact!)

 

 

Related: Calming a Nervous Bride or Groom During the Ceremony 

 

 

Laughter helps lower everyone's stress levels on the wedding day

 

 

So let’s clarify the 'how' and 'what' behind getting smiles and laughter in the wedding ceremony. As we have mentioned in previous posts, the ceremony is not a toast or a roast, and the goal isn’t to get laughter at the expense or major embarrassment of the couple.

 

Rather than talking about how drunk the groom was when he first met his partner (or something better saved for the best-man’s speech), go for something that is accessible.

 

We find that sincere, thoughtful readings, those sweet and personal stories, and humorous marriage quotes, are a great way to elicit the right amount and type of laughter and smiles from the couple and the guests during the ceremony. (Save the crazy stuff for the reception!)

 

For example, you can relate a story about the quirkiness of the couple’s engagement, or use a quote like this one from Rita Rudner:

 

“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” 

 

You see what’s going on here? There’s humor, but not at anyone’s expense.

 

The goal should be to make sure the level and type of light-heartedness match the couple and, if in doubt about whether or not something crosses the line, err on the side of caution and don’t use it.

 

 

Next: 

 

How to Write Funny Wedding Vows

(5 Tips for Bringing Humor Into Your Ceremony)
 

 

 

 

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You might also like: 

 

• Avoiding a Terrible Wedding Toast -- What *Not* To Do
   
• New Script! A Funny Wedding Ceremony Script with Simple Unity Ritual
   
• The Best Worst Wedding Jokes (You’ll Secretly Laugh At)

 

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Need a wedding ceremony script?

 

 

Lighthearted Wedding Ceremony Script

with Funny Reading on Marriage

 

 

 

 

This lighthearted officiant script includes a fun reading on marriage and the nature of lasting love, funny marriage vows, insights from Wilferd Arlan Peterson's “The Art of a Good Marriage," and much more! Written by professional Officiant Sherri Crawford.

 

See the full wedding script here. 

 

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