A Bit of Humor to Dispel the Tension

Our chapel hosts a variety of weddings from formal-ish to pretty laid back. I’ve wed couples wearing tank tops, shorts, and tennies. And I’ve joined couples dressed in a tux and fancy gown. No matter what they wear, they are often nervous and/or emotional. Marriage is, after all, a big step not to be taken lightly. On the other hand, there’s no need to be stiff and serious. When couples are jumpy, a bit of humor can dispel tension and remind us that we are only human, after all. At a recent wedding, one of the moms tied the rings onto the pillow—too well. When I asked for the rings, the Maid of Honor handed the pillow to me. But when I tugged at the ribbons, an instant snarl was created. “Here, hold this,” I said, handing my ceremony book to the groom to hold for me. This was a job that required both hands. Everyone laughed while I worked to free the rings. “That was not what we had in mind for tying the knot,” I quipped, to more giggles. It was a fun moment that everyone clearly enjoyed, which goes to show that a bit of unscripted humor is a happy way to dispel tension.

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