How I Create Laughter (Without the Cringe)

Ever attended a wedding where the celebrant fancied themselves as a stand-up comedian?

We’ve all been there - they try a little too hard, hit the wrong note, or don’t read the room, leaving guests cringing as jokes land awkwardly or, worse, come off as insensitive.

In my experience, the best humour simply comes from the couple’s own story, their quirks, and the people who know them best. Whether the couple is up for a bit of cheekiness, a playful roast, or a laugh at their own expense, weaving these moments into the ceremony effortlessly gets everyone laughing.

It helps when the couple knows they want some humour and they bring their own gold to our planning sessions! Take Carrie and Mitch, one of my recent couples, whose love story involved a legendary Halloween party, a comically timed dance floor confession, and a mate named Doggy, who took it upon himself to play cupid. Here’s a section straight out of their ceremony:

“Righto. Timmy Meade. Can you give us a wave?

People, this is the man responsible for hosting the now-legendary Halloween Party, where Mitch turned up as Frank, the creepy rabbit from Donnie Darko, and Carrie went all out as sexy Sandy from Grease. It was at Timmy’s party that Carrie and Mitch first met, hit it off, and then… absolutely nothing happened.

Now, let me call upon Doggy. Doggy, could you make yourself known?

Months later, on a sweaty dance floor at A Bar Called Barry, Carrie expressed some sadness to Doggy that she and Mitch never seemed to get it together. Doggy, being the loyal mate that he is, wasted no time. He charged across the dance floor, interrupted Mitch from kissing another girl, and delivered Carrie’s sentiments.”

No forced jokes. No canned punchlines. Just a story that had guests in stitches. (Of course, the right delivery helps too!)

Carrie & Mitch having a good chuckle. Photo credit Maegan Brown.

Timmy Meade making himself known! Photo credit Maegan Brown.

Then there’s James and Jana, whose love story was summed up in the most perfectly mismatched way. When I read their answers in the questionnaire, I knew we were in for a good time. Their version of why they’re getting married:

“Jana on why she’s marrying James: He’s the best person I know. I’d be silly not to spend my life with him.
James on why he’s marrying Jana: I want to have a big party and show off my cool hot wife to everyone.”

Cue whooping, clapping, and plenty of laughter from friends and family.

For Tully and Isaac’s ceremony at Ripponlea Estate, I kicked off with these words that had the crowd roaring:

“We’re here today thanks to Tully’s impromptu recreational browse on Bumble, and Isaac’s response to “Super Extend” their match. 

Truthfully, Tully never had ANY ambition nor desire to marry. That is until she met Isaac. 

Today Tully and Isaac embark on an adventure of a lifetime. They have loved, supported and encouraged each other to be the very best versions of themselves. 

And because it’s been so good, and because Isaac makes Tully coffee every morning which has in turn created an element of co-dependancy, they have decided they want to be in it, together, forever.”

Tully & Isaac in fits of laughter. Photo credit Miranda Stokkel.

And then, of course, Colin’s vows to Averyl were absolutely priceless:

“I promise to be kind and patient, even through your 10 step beauty regimes, one hour LED mask and our bathroom looking like Mecca. Averyl, I wouldn’t have you any other way. You are the love of my life and I will love you until I look like an over shrivelled sultana whilst your skin looks like a glazed donut.”

If you’re looking for a wedding ceremony that’s full of warmth, personality, and plenty of laughs (without any awkward one-liners), let’s chat.