Why did the melons plan a big wedding?

Behind the Groan

Why the Melons Cannot Elope

To elope means to run away and get married, usually without a large planned ceremony. “Can't elope” sounds much like “cantaloupe,” the name of a melon. The setup's big wedding makes sense once eloping is ruled out, while the fruit characters point toward the sound-alike. Say “cantaloupe” naturally as one word; listeners can then separate it into “can't elope” for themselves.