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Wedding receptions follow a script: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. While the familiar plan is lovely, there’s a huge opportunity to inject more joy and personality into the festivities. Why not consider fun wedding games from around the world? Not only will they bring something unique to your big day, but they’ll also create memorable moments for genuine connection. Here are some of the most unique wedding traditions from different cultures that you can include in your celebrations.

1. Philippines & Cuba: The Money Dance

In the money dance tradition, wedding guests gift the newlyweds with cash as they dance. In the Philippines, guests pin money onto the couple’s clothing to wish them prosperity, while in Cuba, the male guests pin money to the bride’s dress for a chance to dance with her. This custom also serves to help the newlyweds financially.

You’re not charging your wedding guests if you integrate this tradition into your big day, but the money aspect of it can seem transactional. Ensure your guests are aware that it’s not mandatory. You can also give it a modern twist. For example, create a “wishing tree” where guests can contribute to your honeymoon fund. They can pin or hang money with a written wish, making the activity more interactive.

2. Germany: The Log Sawing

Baumstamm Sägen, or log sawing, is a German wedding custom that involves the newlyweds working together to saw a log in half using a large, two-person saw. It symbolizes the first obstacle they overcame as a married couple.

You can take the traditional route and do it with your partner, but you can also open the activity to your guests. Set up a “couple’s corner” where pairs can try it out, or have the wedding party compete in teams to saw several logs.

3. Sweden: The Kissing Game

In this Swedish tradition, if the bride leaves the room, women can sneak kisses on the groom’s cheek, and vice versa. In some cases, the guests will line up to kiss the remaining spouse. It’s a lighthearted custom that’s perfect for the fun-loving crowd.

The kissing game is a fun game for bold couples. While it’s traditionally gender-segregated, many modern couples have changed the rules so that friends can playfully participate regardless of their gender. Ask your wedding host to announce it to create hilarious, photo-worthy moments.

4. India: The Shoe Stealing Game

In Joota Chupai, or the shoe-stealing game, the bride’s female relatives steal and hide the groom’s shoes during the ceremony. The groom’s side can try to prevent the theft. The bride’s side sets a price for the shoes, and the groom must negotiate until he retrieves them. In some cases, the wedding may be called off if the groom can’t offer the ransom set by the bride’s side.

This playful battle between families represents the groom’s acceptance of his bride’s family as his own. You can turn this tradition into a fun wedding game for your guests with a reception-wide scavenger hunt. The bride’s family and friends can hide the groom’s shoes, and the groom’s side must find them or pay a playful ransom, like a group dance-off.

5. Venezuela: The Crazy Hour

La Hora Loca, or the Crazy Hour, is a high-energy segment during a Venezuelan wedding reception that reignites the party after the day’s more solemn parts. It’s an hour of wild, carnival-like partying, complete with fun props.

Coordinate with your DJ to surprise guests late in the evening. Ask them to create a vibrant, fast-paced playlist for the hour. You can also hand out Hora Loca kits with masks, glow sticks and noisemakers to your guests.

6. Peru: The Cake Pull

In Cintas de la Torta, also known as the cake pull or ribbon pull, single women each pull a ribbon attached to the base of the wedding cake. One of the ribbons is tied to a charm, often a ring, and the guest who pulls it is believed to be the next to marry. It’s a fun alternative to the bouquet toss.

A more modern take on this custom is to add charms to all the ribbons attached to the cake. Each trinket can have a different meaning, such as a heart for love or a four-leaf clover for good luck. You can also ask all your single guests to participate. To avoid ruining your main cake, use a separate cake for this wedding game.

Why Go Global With Your Wedding Reception Games?

Many couples want an authentic, fun-filled celebration, even if it means deviating from the traditional wedding formula. International wedding games provide a unique solution. They provide ways to relax, have fun and create meaningful memories with your guests.

Unique wedding traditions can also add a layer of storytelling to your reception. For example, if a member of the couple is marrying far from their homeland, choosing a custom from their country is a great way to honor their roots. Meanwhile, future spouses who love to travel can highlight their passion by selecting wedding games from the destinations they’ve visited together.

If you’re having a destination wedding, incorporating a local tradition or two into your reception lineup is a great way to truly embrace the location. They’ll naturally encourage mingling between different groups of your nearest and dearest.

How to Add Fun Wedding Games From Other Countries to Your Reception

Here are some tips to help you choose the best international games for your wedding and how to smoothly pull them off:

• Think of your guests: A rowdy game is great for a party crowd, but a symbolic, solemn tradition may be the better choice if your nearest and dearest are more family-focused.
• Consider the venue and timeline: Does it need outdoor space? A large dance floor? Plan games to fill in natural lulls during your reception and maintain the high energy.
• Share the game details clearly: What does the custom symbolize, and why did you pick it? What are the rules? Ensure that your wedding host can clearly explain all the details to your guests.
• Offer fun prizes: Motivate your guests to participate with rewards, such as gift certificates, unique keepsakes or consumable treats.
• Brief your photo and video team: Inform your photographer and videographer of how the wedding game will unfold, so they can anticipate the event and capture the best moments.

Create a Wedding Celebration That’s Uniquely Yours

Your wedding day is the beginning of your story as a married couple. The traditions you choose are part of the first chapter, written with your friends and family. Whether you honor your heritage with customs from your culture or embrace your adventurous side with wedding reception games from other countries, choose ones that feel authentic to you. Fill your day with moments of shared fun. Remember, you’re not just hosting a party — you’re creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.