A summer wedding outdoors is one of the loveliest occasions there is — and with the right games, the reception turns into a celebration guests will talk about for years. Wedding drinking games are chosen with care: charming, suited to every generation, and always with the couple at the centre of attention. Here you'll find the best drinking games for a summer wedding with full rules — from the champagne reception to the lively party in the evening.
What makes a good wedding drinking game? A sociable game that fits the festive mood and celebrates the couple without embarrassing them — usually a guessing, betting or group-participation game for the whole wedding party. The best ones are charming games that bring every generation together, where the loser takes a small sip (fizz or a non-alcoholic option works just as well).
💡 By the way: that's exactly why we built the wooden mini skis — together with a glass and a binding, they become the original ski you wear around your neck. More on that below ↓
Games centred on the couple
Who knows the couple best?
The wedding classic: ahead of time, a short questionnaire about the couple is put together ("Where was your first date?", "Who unloads the dishwasher more often?", "What was the name of your first pet together?"). Guests write down their answers, and the couple reveals the right ones. For every wrong answer, the guest takes a small sip; for every correct one, the couple does. Whoever gets the most right becomes "the couple's best friend" — and toasts with them.
The shoe game
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser: the bride and groom sit back to back and swap one shoe each, so everyone is holding one of their own and one of their partner's. The host asks questions like "Who's the better cook?" or "Who said 'I love you' first?" — both raise the shoe of the person they think the answer is about. If the answers don't match, the wedding party drinks. A game that teases the couple with plenty of affection.
Two truths about the couple
The best man and maid of honour take turns telling three anecdotes about the couple — two are true, one is made up. Guests guess which one is the lie. Whoever guesses wrong takes a sip. A charming game that brings out lovely stories from the couple's life together.
An emotional party reel showing what the Swigski does … – @apresallstars
Good to know: the wooden mini skis only reveal their real charm once you add a glass and a binding — that's what turns them into the original ski you wear around your neck.
Sociable games for all the guests
Wedding bingo
A game that runs quietly alongside the whole reception: bingo cards list typical wedding moments ("Someone cries happy tears", "The couple kisses", "A child dances on the dance floor", "The best man gives a speech"). Whoever spots a moment ticks it off — the first full line shouts "Bingo!" and everyone at the table toasts together. Sharpens the eye for the loveliest moments.
The marriage bet
A charming game for the table: everyone predicts small events of the evening ("When will the cake be cut?", "Who will catch the bouquet?"). Whoever guesses right toasts; whoever gets it wrong takes a sip. Sparks conversation at the tables and runs completely on its own.
The congratulations toast
Each table takes a turn proposing a short toast to the couple — the most creative one (chosen by applause) gets to hand out a sip, and everyone else toasts along. A game that puts good wishes centre stage and creates plenty of lovely moments.
How the games fit the wedding
At a wedding, the right sense of tact matters most, because several generations often celebrate together — from grandparents to children. The games should therefore be charming and affectionate, celebrating the couple rather than putting them on the spot. It's best to check tasks and questions with the best man and maid of honour beforehand, so nothing that might embarrass the couple slips in. Watch the timing too: light, sociable games like "Who knows the couple best?" and the shoe game fit well at the champagne reception or between courses, while the livelier drinking and party games are better saved for the evening, once the celebration loosens up. One important point: always offer non-alcoholic options too — at a wedding, fizz, a spritzer or a non-alcoholic cocktail work just as well for the "sip", so every single guest can join in. With this mix of charm, good timing and consideration, the games become the heart of an unforgettable summer wedding. You can read how to fill the dance floor with the Shotski afterwards and keep the mood high in its own guide — and how the champagne reception becomes an Après-Ski bar for a sociable start to the evening is covered in the matching article.
Good to know: the wooden mini skis only reveal their real charm once you add a glass and a binding — that's what turns them into the original ski you wear around your neck.
Tips for wedding drinking games
- Charming, not embarrassing: choose games that celebrate the couple, and check tasks with the best man and maid of honour beforehand.
- Think of every generation: include sociable games that older guests and children can join in with too.
- Mind the timing: light games at the reception, lively party games only in the evening.
- Plan for non-alcoholic options: fizz, a spritzer or non-alcoholic cocktails are equally good alternatives to a sip.
- Capture the memories: a photo corner and a guest book catch the loveliest moments.
As the group grows, the Shotski simply grows with it via the extension set — four modules are the base, and every additional pair adds two more spots.
Even more drinking game inspiration
You'll find more game rules among the best drinking games and the drinking games without props. For a garden party, try the drinking games for garden parties, and for your own bar, the garden bar drinking games.
FAQ
Which drinking games suit a wedding?
Charming games centred on the couple like "Who knows the couple best?", the shoe game and "Two truths about the couple", plus sociable games like wedding bingo, the marriage bet and the congratulations toast.
What is the shoe game at a wedding?
The bride and groom sit back to back, swap one shoe each, and at questions like "Who's the better cook?" raise the shoe of the person they think the answer is about. If the answers don't match, the wedding party drinks.
How do I make sure the games don't get embarrassing?
Choose charming games that celebrate the couple rather than put them on the spot, check tasks and questions with the best man and maid of honour beforehand, and pay attention to the right timing.
Which games work for every generation?
Sociable guessing and observation games like "Who knows the couple best?", wedding bingo and the marriage bet bring older guests and children into the fun too.
Can the games be played without alcohol?
Yes. At a wedding, fizz, a spritzer or a non-alcoholic cocktail are equally good alternatives to a sip. That way every single guest can join in.
Which drinking gadget suits a wedding?
For the champagne reception, an original wearable Miniski that everyone can use to toast the couple, and for the evening party, a Shotski for the shared moment.
Related articles:
The best drinking games ·
Drinking games for garden parties ·
Garden bar drinking games