Have you heard of the Newlywed Game? This popular activity is all about quizzing the couple. From their favorite food and drink to their real first impressions of each other, it delves into a variety of topics and is a great way to spice up any wedding-related event. While it is most commonly played at the bridal shower, you can also enjoy it at the couple’s engagement party, at the bachelorette party, or even during the wedding reception.
If you’re thinking about playing it with the newlyweds, speak to them in advance to make sure they are comfortable doing this at any of their events.
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What Is the Newlywed Game?
Though the Newlywed Game is often played at engagement parties, bridal showers, and even wedding receptions today, that’s not where it originated. The original iteration was actually a television show: The Newlywed Game premiered on ABC in 1966 and was initially hosted by television personality Bob Eubanks1 and was a play on The Dating Game. The show featured four couples who were married for less than a year, then took the wives off stage while husbands answered questions based on how they thought their spouses would respond; the wives then returned to the stage and gave their answers. Couples who had the same responses were awarded points.
The show has continued to air on and off over the years, but it’s now most commonly played as part of wedding events. At a bridal shower, for example, the groom might come towards the end of the event and play against his bride-to-be. At a wedding reception, the newlyweds might answer questions before opening up the dance floor or cutting their cake. Ultimately, when you choose to play is up to you!
It’s important to note that origins of this game were very focused on heterosexual couples, but it’s a game that any couple can play and can be easily customized to any pair.
How to Play the Newlywed Game
There are different ways to play the Newlywed Game, so before planning to play it a wedding event, make sure you decide on your process. For instance, you may choose to ask the couple all of the questions and have them come up with answers on the fly. However, this approach can be tricky and slow since the couple will need time to think.
With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of how to play with some advance planning.
Step 1: Prep Ahead of Time
Send the couple your list of questions, from funny to sentimental, to answer about one another. Request that they send you their responses separately, without discussing them with one another! You can hold on to the answers until the big event when all is revealed.
