It’s a truism that your wedding day is meant to be the happiest day of your life. Whether or not you’re a spiritual person, the act of joining two lives together in the presence of family and friends is a deeply meaningful moment. That said, everyone’s different, and not everyone wants to take holy matrimony quite so seriously…

That’s why we’ve collected some hilarious wedding photos – cheeky pictures that prove that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all, ‘perfect’ wedding. Would you want these kinds of antics going on during your big day?

1. Keeping things brief

Let’s face it: at weddings, it seems like the women have all the fun. A lot of thought goes into matching bridesmaid dresses and co-ordinating everything. For the groomsmen, it just tends to be dark suits and inoffensive ties. Boring!

That’s why these weddinggoers have spiced things up with matching boxer briefs. As they say in the army, no man left behind…

2. We hope he can swim…

Some things are a fate worse than death – and one such thing is going to a wedding by yourself. On a day that’s all about celebrating a loved-up couple, surrounding by their loved-up family and friends, there’s nothing that could remind you more of your loneliness. In fact, it’s enough to make you want to jump into the sea and begin a new life as the King of Atlantis.

At least, that’s what we assume happened here. Artfully combining photobombing with pool bombing, this man definitely knows how to draw attention. What’s worse is the rubbernecking going on with the rest of the guests, including those in front of him – which can only mean he yelled “freedom!” or “screw you, lovebirds!” before jumping.

3. Keepin’ it classy

The 2011 movie Bridesmaids was marketed as a gross-out comedy about women screwing the rules and going their own way – and given it was a smash hit, it’s no surprise that many real-life bridesmaids followed suit. Just take this picture of some absolute edgelords (edgeladies?) for example.

While most people opt for more formal and classy wedding pictures, you definitely want some that show off the personality of your friendship group – which this image certainly does.

4. Here comes the booze

Weddings are joyous, but they’re also stressful – and there’s no question that the two people at the centre of the whole affair are the most stressed-out of all. So we aren’t going to judge this blushing bride for taking a quick break and indulging in a few vices outside the house of God.

That said, this picture does raise a few questions: why is she wearing such sturdy-looking boots? Are those gardening gloves peeking through the fence? What is she actually sitting on (or is she doing one of those intense ski squats in full bridal gear)? I guess we’ll never know.

5. You can see the love in their eyes

Shoving a ring on to a finger is harder than it looks. You obviously want to buy a ring that fits snugly, so your expensive investment doesn’t end up falling down the sink drain, and the sweat and stress of the day itself can make adorning your new spouse a lot tougher than it looks. Unfortunately, this picture has captured the flash of panic that’s not so uncommon in these situations.

But why is everyone stood behind the newlyweds in an awkward line? Weirder still: why is there a man directly behind them holding a microphone? Is he giving a play-by-play? Is he meant to be officiating? From behind?

6. Was this how the picture was supposed to go?

Let he who has never wanted to jump into a lake on their wedding day cast the first stone. What could be better than ruining your outfit with ditchwater, being soggy for the rest of the day, and looking like your internal organs have exploded in all of your wedding pictures?

Someone hand me a rock. No, a bucketful of rocks.

7. Where’s Waldo?

Here’s a question for you: is this funnier if it was a surprise, or if it was planned? Given the formal attire and earnestness of the people in the foreground, this would seem like the work of a ne’er-do-well prankster, dressing up as the infamous striped fugitive for kicks.

Then again, imagine how hilarious it would be to be able to play Where’s Waldo with all of your wedding pictures? And the best part is, you could easily crop him out of this one if you wanted to send nice pictures to your Aunt Dorothy in Grand Rapids. The best of both worlds!

8. Luck of the drawers

Look at this. It’s hilarious. There’s not an unhappy face in the house. There simply isn’t anything funnier than oversized underwear. And we’re meant to believe they belong to this bride? Simply preposterous. These are the undergarments of a bear, or a smaller-than-average elephant.

The man with his fist in the air even appears to be auctioning them off. But no one in this room would have use for such substantial panties. What a lark.

9. Mooning River

For richer for poorer, going commando or in pants. One way to make your first dance memorable is by picking a song that really means something to the both of you – that’s how you create a romantic moment that lasts forever. Another way is to let the breeze of a two-step flow between your legs like a whistle factory in a storm.

Perhaps its our prudishness that leads to this observation, but there’s something really strange going on with that ceiling. Are these secretly two events under different roofs? Why are there three types of floor, like they’re dancing on a big Trivial Pursuits piece? I call the pink cheese.

10. Blue milk, legs like silk

We’ve all played the wedding game where you feel up an old man’s leg, right? All you need is a blindfold and a common or garden old man who’s willing to roll up his trousers and let you cop a feel. Bonus points if he’s drinking blue milk like Luke Skywalker.

Everyone’s having the time of their life as they watch this unknowing fondling of a geriatric. Even Mickey Rooney.

11. When they’ve got an open bar

After the vows are exchanged, it’s time to get wild. These women were pictured competing in a camel lookalike contest, and the judges found it difficult to separate them. Points were deducted from the lady in the middle for holding a wine glass, which it’s notoriously difficult for camels to do.

Besides the obvious ill timing of this picture, and the inebriation of those involved, we have to ask: is that a heart tattoo? Why is it in white? As usual, so many questions, so few answers.

12. Overflowing with… happiness

Weddings are special because you get to invite your bosom buddies. The breast man gives a speech, which is absolutely titillating, and everyone knocks back a few drinks like a bunch of professional knockers. You might end up looking like a boob on the dancefloor, but how could you resist cutting shapes to Oingo Boingo?

Not that any of that is relevant to this gorgeous picture of a happy couple – who’ve ordered two limousines for their big day! They’re like combustion-powered piano keys.

13. Just checking out the view…

There are some images that make you think: if only the photographer had panned over to what those guys are looking at. And this is certainly one of them, with these two people being absolutely transfixed by whatever is going on out of frame and not by the wedding of former Trump political adviser Stephen Miller.

But at least the happy couple are lit from below, like it’s some kind of horror movie, even though it’s clearly a sunny day. Fire that photographer.

14. We’ve all been there

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown) and the skies are grey (and the skies are grey). I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been for a walk) on a winter’s day (on a winter’s day). I’d be safe and warm (I’d be safe and warm) if I was in LA (if I was in LA). Wedding man third wheelin’ (wedding man third wheelin’) on such a winter’s day.

Hey, at least we can all be thankful that Richard didn’t bring his inflatable doll to yet another wedding. That would have been even more embarrassing, especially since he would have demanded extra catering. She doesn’t even eat, Richard. She subsists on Helium only, Richard!

15. We just wanted one serious photo!

You might think this is some kind of prank on an unassuming bride, but the real story is pretty clear: the left strap on the bride’s dress fell off – a sartorial catastrophe – so a distraction was necessary. Thankfully, these bridesmaids were more than happy to rise to the occasion.

You can bet that the random beachgoer in the background was pretty embarrassed to find himself matching with the bridesmaids. What were the chances?

16. Speedos for every occasion

How much for the wedding package? Well, it’s a lot cheaper than you might expect. The thing is, when you opt for romantic pictures on the beach, you have to realise that some crass members of the public will actively try to ruin things for you.

On the other hand, the groom here is dressed like a dead body found in the Kohl’s clearance section, so it’s probably best that someone else is drawing focus.

17. The happiest day of your life?

Weddings are emotional affairs. The thing is, people handle intense feelings differently: some people wear their hearts on their sleeves, and others wear their hearts in the deepest possible pit within the human soul, far from the prying eyes of friends, family, and therapists.

This picture is a perfect example – though, for all we know, the groom could be crying because a goat has absolutely monstered his favourite plant in the background. It’s either that or the emotions of the day. Could be either.

18. He’s at max level now.

What’s a wedding without an Xbox reference? Short answer: a good wedding.

In all honesty, it’s a cute reference for a couple who are both gamers, but the father of the bride doesn’t look too pleased. Must be a Playstation guy.

19. Marking his territory now there’s a new man on the block.

It seems trendier than ever to get the family pets involved in the big day, but it’s clearly not without risks.

It’s really not such a big deal – you’re never going to wear your wedding dress again, so you might as well let everyone have a wazz on it. Go wild. Start a new, damp tradition. Here comes the urine, and all that.

20. He’s afraid of birds

You know that traditional, extravagant moment when the bride and groom release doves as a dramatic symbol of their love? Well, spare a thought for Keith. The doves were actually drafted in at the last minute – the original plan was for the happy couple to throw Keith over the bridge. He’s been totally upstaged.

You know this is true because of the smug look on that dove’s face. He knows he’s swooped in and taken the starring role. Looks like Keith is just going to have to throw himself in the bath at home. But it’s not the same.

21. And when you can’t afford doves…

When it comes to weddings, nothing could be more romantic than doves. But have you tried raw chicken? Here, bride and groom can be seen flinging two headless, pink carcasses into the air, perhaps in the vain hope that these will – like their marriage – take flight, rather than just crash down to earth in an unholy splatter.

22. When you figure out what his intentions with your daughter are

This here old-timer’s long enough in the tooth to have attended a shotgun wedding or two in his time, but he’s got completely the wrong end of the stick on this one. A blunderbuss is supposed to be for forcing a bride and/or groom into marriage, not to threaten the husband-to-be out of one!

23. Who needs a bouquet when you have your bridesmaids?

Most bridesmaid dresses are designed plain enough so as not to upstage the bride, but these ladies came dressed like they’re going into battle at a flower show. It’s going to be chaos when it comes time to throwing the bouquet into this crowd – who’s to know where the dress begins and the bouquet ends?!

24. Is planking still a thing?

It was a wonderful ceremony; the location was perfect, the flowers were beautifully arranged, bride and groom looked immaculate, and the exchanging of the vows went entirely to plan, at which point the priest uttered “My work here is done” and ascended up to heaven, rear-first. Glory!

25. Didn’t think Speedos would appear again, yet here we are…

Some people find the kinds of fancy clothes you’re required to wear for a wedding restrictive, but this seems to overcorrect too far in the opposite direction. I can’t imagine that kid will ever grow up and ask to look at the beautiful wedding pictures of his parents’ big day, and they will probably be very strict on the dress code come their own wedding.

26. We can’t even fathom an explanation for this one

I’ve no idea at what point in the wedding process this happened: the bachelor party? The reception? Some kind of pre-ceremony ritual? Either way, everything from the costume to the wigs to the pole and the tiny stage and keyboard in the background is completely baffling. Maybe the best men just wanted to get in on the first dance action?

27. Who wants a slice?

It’s difficult to tell from this angle what exactly we’re looking at here: A cake made to look like a turd? Or some brown slug? Is this the back end of intergalactic crimelord Jabba the Hutt? Whatever the case, we know for sure that it’s a total failure of a wedding cake.

28. Setting the mood

Talk about stealing the couple’s thunder! This kind of thing isn’t supposed to happen until the wedding night. But what can you say, weddings are high time for impromptu displays of feeling. The crazy thing is, these two dogs weren’t even invited!

29. Preparations

A bride’s wedding day priorities are: 1) get glam, 2) get drunk, 3) get married, usually in that order. That last part she has to do herself, but the bridesmaids are there to take care of the rest. Girls: prepare the dress; pour the wine; shave my pits.

30. OMG girl it is gorgeous!

These bros forgot the cardinal rule of bro-dom: groomsmen aren’t supposed to get emotional at the wedding! Emotions on wedding day are for the bride and her bridesmaids, not the groom and his hard-drinking entourage. Now put that ring away and hit the free bar before anyone sees this mortifying display of feelings!

31. She doesn’t look too concerned…

A gorgeous cake is the cherry on top of a perfect wedding, but this one looks ready to come crashing down. This poor couple didn’t even have the chance to grab a knife and get a slice out before it all fell to pieces, and there’s no way the toppers or the frosting could recover from a fall like that. Hopefully, it still tasted good!

32. His head’s going to hurt the next day for all the wrong reasons

Partying too hard is an essential part of a wedding, but it’s not quite clear what’s happening here. First of all, what kind of wedding guest (or even a groom) wears white jeans and a white shirt to the ceremony? Second of all, were the other guests throwing him around “for he’s a jolly good fellow” style? Thirdly, is he ducking, or did his head go through the plasterboard?

33. Feel sorry for him for what must have happened 0.5 seconds after this was taken

There’s always one guest that ruins a wedding, whether it’s by snoring their way through the ceremony, getting drunk and hysterical at the reception, or deciding to wear white just to spite the bride. However, stepping on someone’s veil, especially when it’s clipped into their hair, is a surefire way to not get spoken to at dinner, or invited back for the renewal.

34. Their hearts will go on

A wedding over the water might sound like the most romantic thing in the world, but it definitely comes with risks. Namely, the bride falling in the water in a dress that they probably spent 1000s of pounds on, and potentially taking the entire bridal party with them. Thankfully, the best men’s instincts were good enough to grab the ladies as the pier collapsed, or this could have been a really soggy wedding.

35. Artsy!

It’s normal for the best men to have a bit of a laugh on the big day, and that can include some pretty inventive ideas when it comes time to take the pictures. Depending on your view, this is either the funniest way you could think of to immortalise the groom’s upcoming nuptials, or it’s incredibly tacky. Let’s just hope none of them were actually following through on what they were acting out.

36. Travel in style

At the end of every classic romantic movie, there’s a scene where the happy couple ride off into the sunset to start their lives together, usually whilst riding some kind of idyllic vehicle. Usually, that means a vintage car or a horse and carriage, but this couple bizarrely opted for sitting in the bucket of a digger…. on a sofa for some reason.

37. That poor, poor dress

If a wedding has one enemy, it’s mud. However, this bride is clearly wearing wellies, so she was obviously prepared. Maybe she cancelled the first dance in favour of a first quad bike ride, or maybe she just wanted to make sure she got her use out of the dress before hanging it up for good.

38. Bet you money she fell

There’s nothing more romantic than a beach wedding… in theory. Sun, sand, bare feet and glowing skin, followed by a sunset walk along the beach and some kind of fruity drink. The reality is more likely to be this: falling into the freezing cold water, realising that sand is basically just mud with a different chemical composition, and not being able to get it all out of your hair for weeks.

39. The cake says it all

Getting married is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, but you’d never know that from looking at this cake topper. While it can be cute to make mutual jokes about the ole ball and chain and your upcoming married life, this sort of joke could also make everyone at your wedding uncomfortable while they try to figure out just how joking you actually are.

40. Cheeky!

Some weddings are super fancy affairs, while some are more casual. If you want to figure out what kind of wedding party this is, just look at their shoes, they’re wearing flats! Just kidding, the fact that they all agreed to pretend to get their dresses stuck in their undies is a much better indication of how seriously they’re all taking the big day.

41. When you double book your wedding day and Halloween party…

What do you do when you have a wedding ceremony at four PM but there’s a zombie breakout at noon? You carry on of course! Either that, or this bride just wanted a ceremony that was as spooky as it was spectacular. I wonder what their first dance song was – Thriller?

42. Do you think he said the wrong name?

Plenty of couples fight on their big day, due to the heightened emotions, early start and very little time set aside to eat, let alone relax. However, most brides don’t take off their heels in order to kick their new husband into the water, no matter what they do to spoil the event.

43. Relationship goals

People often joke about who really wears the pants in any given relationship, but this cake topper is a pretty significant indication. Right down to the fact that the groom has to hold the bride’s flowers, since she’s too busy carrying him around. Or maybe, she’s going to throw him into a crowd of bridesmaids along with the bouquet?

44. Got to work off that slice of cake

Most weddings are glamorous affairs, but ivory white dresses, overflowing bouquets and silver trays of fancy food aren’t everyone’s idea of a good time. For some, there’s no better way to celebrate newly minted nuptials than by ploughing through mud, crawling under rope bridges or scaling huge wooden poles.

45. Not so sure about the Converse

Have you ever heard the phrase “dragged to the alter”? Well, it’s definitely true in this case. Not only does the picture make it seem like the groom is not too thrilled to be getting married, but his footwear makes it clear that he’s ready to run at the first given opportunity. Maybe he’s fleeing because there seem to be two brides in the group?

47. Catering: Done

Food is one of the most important parts of a wedding, especially when it comes to guest satisfaction. However, not every wedding needs a three-course meal or even a fancy buffet – some people are perfectly happy with square burger patties and tiny pickle chips. The bride certainly seems happy at least!

48. The facial expressions are perfect

For any bride and groom, the ramp-up to the vows tends to be the most stressful part of a wedding, with the first toast being the time when everyone can kick back and start celebrating. However, popping the champagne can apparently be fraught with trouble, leading to explosive consequences but very memorable wedding pictures.

49. Accurate!

Out of all the inventive best men photoshoots on this list, this one might be the most creative. It definitely takes the idea of a Bridezilla to the next level, since this bride could crush all the best men under her heel with one final crunch. I wonder how long it took her to find a dress that would fit?

50. They said she could only get married once she’d grown up…

They say on your wedding day you stand a little taller, simply knowing that you’re about to start your new life with the person you love most in the world. This is definitely true of this bride, who is glowing so much that her bridesmaids seem positively short in comparison.