Fun Reception Idea: The Shoe Game

When we spotted this photo of a bride and groom holding up their shoes and having a blast, we had to get the story behind the photo:

Photo Credit: Katelyn James Photography

In the picture, photographer Rebekah Hoyt and her husband, Matt, are playing “The Shoe Game."

Never heard of it? Here’s how it works: During your reception, after you’ve enjoyed some dinner, dancing, and drinks, place two chairs back-to-back on the dance floor for the bride and groom. Remove both of your shoes, then trade a shoe with your new spouse so that you’re holding one of each. Then, have a designated person ask a series of questions about the two of you and your relationship (i.e.. “Who will be doing most of the cooking?” "Who said 'I love you' first?"). After each question, hold up the shoe of the person you think is the best answer to the question.

Photo Credit: Katelyn James Photography 

Rebekah describes how to game played out at her wedding:

“My sister, Rachel, read the questions at our wedding. She asked, 'Who is the better driver?' Both Matt and I held up Matt's shoe. Then she asked, 'Who has been in more car accidents?' and we both again held up Matt's shoe. She knew the irony of this, and because we were both so confident on our answers both times, it made everyone laugh.

Sometimes there will be disagreements; questions like, 'Who is the better dresser?' (I think Matt and I both answered ourselves! Ha!) or, 'Who is the better kisser?' The fun part about it is that you can't see what the other person is answering, so many times there is so much laughter and, as the bride, you aren't sure if he answered the same as you or the opposite!

The key is that whoever is creating and asking the questions needs to know the bride and groom so they can ask questions that are specific to them and will create fun reactions.

The point of the game is really just another way for your guests to get to know you a bit better, but most of all, it’s for laughs and comic relief. As silly as this sounds, when Matt and I drove away after our sparkler send-off, one of the first things we talked about in the car was the shoe game! We asked each other what we had answered for certain questions, and talked about the funniest reactions. The best part was that we didn't know the questions ahead of time, which really added to the fun for us as well!”

Here’s the list of questions that Rebekah’s sister, Rachel, wrote for her and Matt. Adapt this list to fit you and your fiancé!

1. Who is older?
2. Who has more siblings?
3. When you first met, who made the first move?
4. Who is the better driver?
5. Who has been in more car accidents?
6. Who studied the hardest in school?
7. Who got better grades in school?
8. Who is smarter?
9. Who is more creative?
10. Who is better at keeping surprises?
11. Who will be doing the cooking?
12. Who is more adventurous?
13. Who is more likely to get injured?
14. Who is more likely to get sunburned?
15. Who is more likely to be running late?
16. Who is the better dresser?
17. Who is better looking?
18. Who said I love you first?
19. Who starts the argument?
20. Who is first to say “I’m sorry?”
21. Who wears the pants in your relationship?
22. Who spends more money?
23. Who is going to pay the bills?
24. Who will be in control of the remote?
25. Who will be most likely to wake up grumpy?
26. Who is more likely to get lost?
27. Who is more likely to ask for directions?
28. Who is messier?
29. Who has the smelliest feet?
30. Right now, who do you love more than anyone in the world?

Tell us: Will you try "The Shoe Game" at your reception?

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein