Wedding Trivia Questions and Answers for the Reception Tables

One hundred questions about weddings themselves, with a 20-question sheet that each table can mark.

Question 1 of 100

See all 100 with answers
In the 1500s and 1600s English weddings served a bride's pie. What kind of dish was it?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

Scored round: 20 questions, no time limit.

Print covers the next 20 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with any school, exam board or quiz show. Question bank last checked September 20, 2026.

How it works

These 100 wedding trivia questions ask about weddings, not about the couple, so every guest starts level. They are trivia questions about weddings from the flame-yellow Roman veil to a 1947 royal dress bought with ration coupons, each with its answer and source.

What the five topics ask

Where the customs come from (21 questions) has the sixpence in the shoe, the banns and the anvil priests of Gretna Green. Weddings around the world (22) goes from the chuppah to thirteen coins and a sawn log. Anniversary gifts by year (20) runs from leather to oak. Weddings in history (19) covers royal and White House weddings and the famous marches. Wedding words (18) traces bridegroom, trousseau and usher.

A sheet for every table

Choose a Topic, press Print question sheet for its next 20 questions and copy one for each table. Keep Print answer key with whoever reads the answers out, and let the tables mark their own sheets.

Tips
  • Questions about spirits, dreams or who marries next say 'according to tradition'. Read those words aloud, so nobody argues folklore as fact.
  • Hand Anniversary gifts by year to the table with the longest marriages. Half of its 20 questions are hard.
  • With children at the table, start on the customs or the words topic. Together they hold 10 of the 13 easy questions.

Questions and answers

Are these questions about the bride and groom?

No. Every question is about weddings in general, so the same set works at any reception, rehearsal dinner or anniversary party. For questions about the couple, the bridal shower question game has cards where guests guess and the bride gives the real answer.

How hard are the questions?

We mark 13 easy, 48 medium and 39 hard, and the levels are our estimate for a table of adult guests. Every question has four choices, so a table can talk its way toward a hard answer. History and anniversaries are the hardest topics.

Where do the answers come from?

Each answer was read on September 20, 2026 in the Wikipedia article or Wiktionary entry linked under it. Anniversary questions use only the years where the American and British gift lists agree. Costs, marriage statistics, living people and records are left out.

Can guests play on their phones instead of paper?

Yes. A guest taps a choice and presses Check answer to see the explanation and where it was checked. For a contest between tables with no printer, Scored round asks 20 questions and totals the score by topic when the round ends.

All 100 questions with answers

Where the customs come from 21

  • A charivari, or shivaree, once greeted some newlyweds. What was it? Answer: A noisy mock serenade on pots and pans. Source: Wikipedia: Charivari
  • A posy ring, a lovers' gift in earlier centuries, carries what? Answer: A short inscription. Source: Wikipedia: Posy ring
  • According to tradition, a vein runs from the ring finger straight to which part of the body? Answer: The heart. Source: Wikipedia: Vena amoris
  • According to tradition, the maiden who found which object baked into the bride's pie would be the next to marry? Answer: A glass ring. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding cake
  • According to tradition, what does catching the bride's bouquet mean? Answer: You will be the next to marry. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding superstitions
  • According to tradition, why did bridesmaids once dress just like the bride? Answer: To confuse evil spirits. Source: Wikipedia: Bridesmaid
  • According to tradition, why was a bride carried over the threshold of her new home? Answer: To keep evil spirits from reaching her through her feet. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding superstitions
  • At an ancient Roman wedding the bride wore a veil called the flammeum. What color was it? Answer: Deep yellow, like a flame. Source: Wikipedia: Veil
  • Before a church wedding the banns are read aloud. On how many separate occasions? Answer: Three. Source: Wiktionary: banns
  • The first well-documented diamond engagement ring was given in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austria. Who received it? Answer: Mary of Burgundy. Source: Wikipedia: Engagement ring
  • From 1754, English couples too young to marry without consent ran to Gretna Green, just over the border in which country? Answer: Scotland. Source: Wikipedia: Gretna Green
  • Groomsmen were once called bride-knights. According to tradition, the role goes back to which old practice? Answer: Marriage by capture. Source: Wikipedia: Groomsman
  • The hard white icing on a wedding cake is called royal icing. Which queen's white wedding cake is said to have given it the name? Answer: Queen Victoria. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding cake
  • In Britain the meal served after a wedding ceremony keeps which name, whatever the hour? Answer: The wedding breakfast. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding breakfast
  • In Britain, a young woman would sleep with a piece of wedding cake under her pillow. According to tradition, what would she see? Answer: Her future husband in a dream. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding cake
  • In Irish tradition, on which date may a woman propose to a man? Answer: February 29. Source: Wikipedia: Bachelor's Day (tradition)
  • In parts of Europe, a man who turned down a leap day proposal had to buy the woman twelve pairs of what? Answer: Gloves. Source: Wikipedia: Bachelor's Day (tradition)
  • In the 1500s and 1600s English weddings served a bride's pie. What kind of dish was it? Answer: A savory pie. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding cake
  • June, long a favorite month for weddings, is named for Juno. Juno was the Roman goddess of what? Answer: Marriage and childbirth. Source: Wikipedia: Juno (mythology)
  • The tradesmen who married runaway couples at Gretna Green became known as what? Answer: Anvil priests. Source: Wikipedia: Gretna Green
  • The wedding rhyme that starts 'Something old, something new' ends with which coin in the bride's shoe? Answer: A sixpence. Source: Wikipedia: Something old

Weddings around the world 22

  • A croquembouche is served at weddings in France and Italy. What is it made of? Answer: Choux pastry puffs bound with caramel. Source: Wikipedia: Croquembouche
  • A Jewish couple stands under a chuppah during the ceremony. What is a chuppah? Answer: A canopy. Source: Wikipedia: Chuppah
  • A korovai has great symbolic meaning at weddings in Ukraine, Russia and Bulgaria. What is it? Answer: A bread. Source: Wikipedia: Korovai
  • A mangala sutra is tied on the bride at many Hindu weddings. What is it? Answer: A necklace. Source: Wikipedia: Mangala sutra
  • An Egyptian zaffa leads the couple to the celebration. What is a zaffa? Answer: A musical procession. Source: Wikipedia: Zaffa
  • At a German Polterabend, held the night before a wedding, what do guests break for luck? Answer: Porcelain. Source: Wikipedia: Polterabend
  • At a Scottish wedding the couple may share a drink from a quaich. What is a quaich? Answer: A shallow cup with two handles. Source: Wikipedia: Quaich
  • At the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony the groom breaks something with his right foot. What is it? Answer: A glass. Source: Wikipedia: Jewish wedding
  • The Chinese wedding symbol called double happiness is made in what way? Answer: By writing the character for joy twice, side by side. Source: Wikipedia: Double Happiness (calligraphy)
  • The four laavaan hymns are sung at the wedding ceremony of which faith? Answer: Sikhism. Source: Wikipedia: Anand Karaj
  • How do the bride and groom usually enter the church at a Swedish wedding? Answer: They walk down the aisle together. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding customs by country
  • In a Filipino ceremony the wedding cord is draped over the couple in which shape? Answer: A figure of eight. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding cord
  • In a North Indian baraat, the groom's wedding procession, what did the groom traditionally ride? Answer: A mare. Source: Wikipedia: Baraat
  • In the German custom of Baumstamm sägen, what do the bride and groom do together? Answer: Saw through a log. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding customs by country
  • In the Hindu rite of saptapadi the couple makes vows while taking how many steps? Answer: Seven. Source: Wikipedia: Hindu wedding
  • In the Korean pyebaek, the groom's parents throw jujubes and chestnuts at the bride. What does she catch them in? Answer: Her wedding skirt. Source: Wikipedia: Pyebaek
  • Las arras are given at weddings in Spain, Latin America and the Philippines. What are they? Answer: Thirteen coins. Source: Wikipedia: Las arras
  • The lovespoon, a carved wooden gift of romantic intent, is a traditional craft of which country? Answer: Wales. Source: Wikipedia: Lovespoon
  • On an Irish Claddagh ring two hands hold a crowned heart. What does the crown stand for? Answer: Loyalty. Source: Wikipedia: Claddagh ring
  • Wedding favors of Jordan almonds are often packed in groups of how many? Answer: Five. Source: Wikipedia: Jordan almonds
  • What is a ketubah? Answer: A Jewish marriage contract. Source: Wikipedia: Ketubah
  • What is missing from a traditional Quaker wedding? Answer: An officiant. Source: Wikipedia: Quaker wedding

Anniversary gifts by year 20

  • A coral wedding anniversary marks how many years of marriage? Answer: 35. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • A couple married in June 1996 reaches its pearl anniversary in which year? Answer: 2026. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • A crystal wedding anniversary marks how many years of marriage? Answer: 15. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Forty years of marriage is known as which anniversary? Answer: Ruby. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • How many years pass between a couple's ruby anniversary and their diamond anniversary? Answer: 20. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • In the Commonwealth realms, a couple can first ask for an anniversary message from the monarch in which year of marriage? Answer: The 60th. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • In which decade did an American jewelers' trade association publish an expanded list of anniversary gifts? Answer: The 1930s. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Naming wedding anniversaries for silver and gold has been recorded since the 1500s in which part of Europe? Answer: The Germanic countries. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • On the traditional gift list, which material marks a third wedding anniversary? Answer: Leather. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • On the traditional list, an 80th wedding anniversary is named for which tree? Answer: Oak. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Sixty years of marriage is known as which anniversary? Answer: Diamond. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Ten years of marriage is traditionally marked with which metal? Answer: Tin. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Twenty years of marriage is known as which anniversary? Answer: China. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Which flower is linked with a first wedding anniversary? Answer: Carnation. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Which flowers are linked with a 50th wedding anniversary? Answer: Yellow roses with violets. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Which gem marks a 45th wedding anniversary? Answer: Sapphire. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Which gem names the 30th wedding anniversary? Answer: Pearl. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Which green gem marks a 55th wedding anniversary? Answer: Emerald. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Which material is the traditional gift for a fifth wedding anniversary? Answer: Wood. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary
  • Which metal marks a 70th wedding anniversary? Answer: Platinum. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding anniversary

Weddings in history 19

  • At her White House wedding in 1906, Alice Roosevelt cut the cake with what? Answer: A military sword. Source: Wikipedia: Alice Roosevelt Longworth
  • The Bridal Chorus, known as Here Comes the Bride, comes from an 1850 opera by which composer? Answer: Richard Wagner. Source: Wikipedia: Bridal Chorus
  • During the Second World War, British 'utility' wedding rings were limited to gold of how many carats? Answer: 9. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding ring
  • The first documented royal bride to wear white was Philippa of England. In which year did she marry Eric of Pomerania? Answer: 1406. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding dress
  • Henry VIII of England married for the first time in 1509. Who was the bride? Answer: Catherine of Aragon. Source: Wikipedia: Wives of Henry VIII
  • How old was Marie Antoinette when she married the future Louis XVI of France in 1770? Answer: 14. Source: Wikipedia: Marie Antoinette
  • In 1810 Napoleon married Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria without being in the room. What is such a wedding called? Answer: A proxy marriage. Source: Wikipedia: Proxy marriage
  • In 1844 who became the first US president to marry while in office? Answer: John Tyler. Source: Wikipedia: Julia Gardiner Tyler
  • In place of a tiara, Queen Victoria wore a wedding wreath made of which flowers? Answer: Orange blossoms. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
  • Isabella of Castile married Ferdinand of Aragon in 1469 in which Spanish city? Answer: Valladolid. Source: Wikipedia: Catholic Monarchs of Spain
  • Mendelssohn wrote his Wedding March in 1842 as music for which Shakespeare play? Answer: A Midsummer Night's Dream. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
  • Pachelbel's Canon, often played as the bride walks in, was first scored for a bass line and three of which instrument? Answer: Violins. Source: Wikipedia: Pachelbel's Canon
  • The Prince of Denmark's March, a favorite wedding trumpet tune, was long credited to Henry Purcell. Who wrote it? Answer: Jeremiah Clarke. Source: Wikipedia: Prince of Denmark's March
  • Princess Elizabeth's 1947 wedding ring was made from a nugget of gold mined in which country? Answer: Wales. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten
  • Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, married Philip Mountbatten in November 1947 in which church? Answer: Westminster Abbey. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten
  • Queen Victoria married Prince Albert at the Chapel Royal of St James's Palace in which year? Answer: 1840. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
  • Which US president married Frances Folsom in the Blue Room of the White House on June 2, 1886? Answer: Grover Cleveland. Source: Wikipedia: Frances Cleveland
  • Who proposed when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert became engaged in October 1839? Answer: Victoria proposed to Albert. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
  • With Britain still under rationing in 1947, how did Princess Elizabeth pay for the fabric of her wedding dress? Answer: With ration coupons. Source: Wikipedia: Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten

Wedding words 18

  • A boutonnière is the flower worn on a lapel at a wedding. What does the French word mean? Answer: Buttonhole. Source: Wiktionary: boutonnière
  • A bride's trousseau is the clothing and linen she collects for married life. The French word is a diminutive of trousse, meaning what? Answer: Bundle. Source: Wiktionary: trousseau
  • Anniversary comes from the Latin for 'to turn' joined to annus. What does annus mean? Answer: Year. Source: Wiktionary: anniversary
  • The earliest surviving written use of the term 'best man' dates from 1782. In which dialect was it recorded? Answer: Scottish. Source: Wikipedia: Groomsman
  • In the French spelling, which word names a woman who is engaged to be married? Answer: Fiancée. Source: Wiktionary: fiancé
  • In the United Kingdom, the linen and clothing a young woman saved for married life went by which name? Answer: The bottom drawer. Source: Wikipedia: Hope chest
  • In the word bridegroom, the second half began as the Old English guma. What did guma mean? Answer: Man. Source: Wiktionary: bridegroom
  • To be betrothed is to have given your troth. What does the old word troth mean? Answer: A pledge of faithfulness. Source: Wiktionary: troth
  • The tuxedo takes its name from Tuxedo Park, a village in which US state? Answer: New York. Source: Wikipedia: Tuxedo
  • The verb wed comes from the Old English weddian. What did weddian mean? Answer: To pledge. Source: Wiktionary: wed
  • Wedding ushers show guests to their seats. The word usher goes back to a Latin word for which job? Answer: Doorkeeper. Source: Wiktionary: usher
  • What does a flower girl scatter down the aisle in a wedding procession? Answer: Flower petals. Source: Wikipedia: Flower girl
  • What does it mean to elope? Answer: To marry suddenly and in secret. Source: Wikipedia: Elopement
  • What is an epithalamium? Answer: A poem or song written for a wedding. Source: Wiktionary: epithalamium
  • What is the chief bridesmaid called when she is married herself? Answer: The matron of honor. Source: Wikipedia: Bridesmaid
  • Which term names wealth paid by a groom or his family to the family of the bride? Answer: Bride price. Source: Wikipedia: Bride price
  • The word honeymoon has been recorded in English since which century? Answer: The 1500s. Source: Wikipedia: Honeymoon
  • The word matrimony is built on the Latin word for which family member? Answer: Mother. Source: Wiktionary: matrimony
How this list was compiled

Written for this site; nothing was copied from another list. Every question, wrong choice and explanation is our own wording. Each answer was checked on 2026-09-20 against the English Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org) or English Wiktionary entry (https://en.wiktionary.org) named and linked beside the question: the page text was fetched that day and the sentence that states the fact was read before the question was kept. Every extra claim in an explanation was checked the same way. Folklore is asked as folklore: a question about spirits, dreams or who marries next says 'according to tradition', and the answer is what the custom holds, not a claim that it works. Anniversary questions follow the traditional gift table in the Wedding anniversary article, and only years where its United States and United Kingdom columns name the same gift are asked (tin, for the tenth, is on both). Historic weddings are asked as dated facts about people who have died. Left out on purpose: what weddings cost, how long marriages last and every other statistic that changes by year or by survey, living people, records such as youngest or largest, shop and brand names, and anything about a couple's own story, which belongs to a game the host writes. No question repeats word for word in the site's other grade, crowd, subject or occasion trivia packs as they stood on 2026-09-20; the four anniversary and word questions those packs already ask (the silver and paper anniversaries, the golden jubilee and the first meaning of confetti) were left out here. Levels are our estimate for a table of adult guests: easy is common knowledge, hard is for the history reader. Licence: own work