A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Getting Married
- revbenae
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 11
Getting engaged is often a whirlwind of excitement and joy, mixed with a surprising amount of chaos. In the quest for a perfect wedding, couples find themselves in a series of hilarious situations that can create lasting memories and humble even the most particular of us. From the moment the question is popped to the final "I do," the journey to the altar is packed with funny stories. In this post, I'll share stories (anonymously!) of how some of my couples turned their engagement, rehearsal dinners, and weddings into laugh-out-loud moments.
The Engagement: A Comedic Start
Engagements are typically romantic, but they can also lead to some amusing situations. One couple shared their story of a proposal that took a comedic twist. The groom-to-be envisioned a magical beach proposal, complete with a beautiful sunset and champagne. But just as he got down on one knee, a literal flock of seagulls swooped down and swarmed the couple, as if they had loaves of bread to throw. One of the birds snatched the engagement ring right from his palm!
Picture this: for the next hour, they chased that stupid bird along the beach while onlookers laughed and recorded the hilarity. In the end, they didn't get the ring back, but they gained an unforgettable story that would be shared at their wedding.
One of my favorite engagement stories is about a couple at dinner when the groom-to-be slipped the waiter the ring to hide in dessert. The big moment came, the dessert was delivered… and she pushed it away, saying, 'I'm too full.' You can imagine the panic on his face as he blurted out, 'No—you HAVE to eat it!' She looked at him like he'd lost his mind—until she found the ring. Of course, she said yes, but now they always laugh that their proposal almost didn't happen… because of too much pasta.
Rehearsal Dinner: The Comedy of Errors
I'll share my rehearsal dinner--or the 'whole-night-before-the-wedding' fiasco...
My fiancée's mom had come into town a week early to "help with the wedding." They didn't have the best relationship to begin with, and I got to witness that relationship as my soon-to-be bride was irritated all week. Then came time for the rehearsal dinner. Her mom came out of the bedroom ready to go, dressed in a plaid flannel shirt and jeans. That conversation was a story all by itself. We got to the restaurant where Italian food and Chianti flowed. And it flowed a LOT for my honey.
Our rag-tag wedding party and I began to raise the big top and decorate our backyard rental circus tent. We were well into DIYing the twinkle lights when I couldn't help notice that my bride-to-be wasn't there. (I had also reached the point of irritation, as I had essentially been the project manager for my entire wedding.) My dear friend and de facto wedding coordinator came outside and said, "Anna just puked up red Chianti all over her wedding dress." Needless to say, I'd had enough, went inside, told my future MIL to back off, and told my drunken bride to go to bed. I found my best bottle of Scotch, grabbed a glass, walked back outside, and just let everyone else work. I was done.
About an hour later, the bride's sisters and a couple of others asked if anyone was up for going to 6th Street and partying. I just stood up and said "No" with probably the if looks could kill look. They all went back to their hotel rooms. We didn't mention it until after the wedding. And to this day, all it takes is a look from me to spend blackmail credits.
The Wedding Day: Laughter Amidst the Chaos
On the wedding day, things can get chaotic, and funny moments often follow. Also, the Hollywood adage, "never work with kids or animals," applies to weddings. I remember one flower girl, just four years old, who took her job a bit too seriously. As she walked down the aisle, she began tossing flower petals—but instead of scattering them gently, she launched them like tennis balls toward the gallery. Or more like a t-shirt launcher at a basketball game. She also had a few sassy words to say when guests tried to redirect her. If I didn't know any better, that could've easily been one of my old aunts reincarnated as a bossy 4-year-old.
The laughter was infectious, and even the couple could hardly hold back their giggles as the little girl walked down the aisle. It became a perfect snapshot of the joy and spontaneity that weddings can inspire.
The Journey: Embracing the Unexpected
The journey to getting married is filled with unexpected moments that become the funniest stories. From proposal blunders to rehearsal dinner giggles and wedding day mishaps, these moments remind us that love is not just about perfection but also about enjoying each moment together.
Whether you are planning your wedding or reminiscing about your experiences, remember that the funny moments often create the best memories. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the mishaps, and cherish the love that brought you to this beautiful moment in your life. After all, a funny thing happened on the way to getting married, and it is those stories that make your love story truly unique.
With joy,
Rev. A. Benae Colbért
Ceremonies For Life | Austin, TX
Legally ordained. Spiritually grounded. Fully inclusive. I want to marry you!
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