You’re probably used to traditional wedding ceremonies, where every word spoken has great import and gravitas. But maybe that just doesn’t work for you or your friends who are getting married. The great news is, as the wedding officiant for your friends’ weddings, you don’t have to stick with traditional language. Here are a few wedding scripts to help with inserting some humor into a wedding.

The Day We Met

“The most amazing day of your life is the day you meet your special someone, the person who’s your other half, who makes you feel like every day is a brand new adventure. You’re ready to take on the world together, and you know you’ve got a companion for life. For [BRIDE], that day happened 25 years ago when she met me. 

“About three years ago, [BRIDE] happened to meet [BRIDE], who’s pretty amazing too. I know how much they love each other, and we’re here today to officially recognize that love and celebrate their marriage.”

Let’s Get on With It

“We’re here today to recognize the joining of two hearts into one, as [GROOM] and [GROOM] enter into marriage. It’s a time of great joy, celebrating their journey from their first date through today, their wedding day. It’s a time of change, as they go from being boyfriends to husbands. It’s a time of joyfulness for the friends and family gathered here today to stand witness to the love these two share. It’s a time for an open bar, so let’s get on with it already.”

Promises Made

“[BRIDE], do you promise to love, honor and protect [BRIDE] from this day forward? And do you swear to be faithful to her and protect her all the days of your lives? Do you promise to love her for better and worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health? Do you promise to do the dishes, including drying them and putting them away? Do you vow to pretend you’re interested in [BRIDE’S] favorite books, bands and beauty routine? And do you swear to love [BRIDE] even when she’s randomly upset but tells you she’s fine?”

“[OTHER BRIDE],  do you promise to love, honor and cherish [BRIDE] from this day forward? And do you swear to be faithful to her and protect her all the days of your lives? Do you promise to love her for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health? Do you promise not to whine at [BRIDE] when she leaves dishes in the dishwasher overnight? Do you vow to act like you’re interested in [BRIDE’S] obsession with avocado mayonnaise, need to own two pairs of every shoe in existence and desire to go whitewater rafting? And do you swear to love [BRIDE] even after she’s been out all night with her friends?”

With This Ring

“When it comes to marriage, there are three important rings: the engagement ring, the wedding ring, and the suffering. Let’s all pray the latter is kept to the minimum. [GROOM], as you put the ring on [GROOM’S] finger, repeat after me: I, [GROOM], take you, [GROOM], as my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and health, in good times and bad, in joy and in sorrow, for as long as love shall last.”

Whatever your relationship is with the happy couple, there are ways for inserting humor into any wedding ceremony. Be careful, though, not to offend anyone. Keep the jokes G-rated so the grandmothers don’t faint from embarrassment. The point here is to make the wedding ceremony a happy, fun occasion full of laughter and mirth.