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 marry next. 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 in-laws toss dried dates and chestnuts into the bride's lap. What do they stand for?Answer: The children the couple may have. 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
Traditionally, how many Jordan almonds go into a wedding favor?Answer: Five. Source: Wikipedia: Party favor
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
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
The term 'best man' first survives in writing from 1782. In which dialect was it recorded?Answer: Scottish. Source: Wikipedia: Groomsman
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 that a groom or his family pays 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 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.
Read the full guide
Five topics, from the sixpence to the sawn log
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 round under Start from, play a set, press Print for its questions and copy one for each table. Tick With answer key for whoever reads the answers out, and let the tables mark their own sheets.
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.
Which wedding topic is the hardest?
Weddings in history, level with the anniversaries topic: 10 of its 19 questions are hard, by our estimate for a table of adult guests. Every question has four choices, so a table can talk its way toward an answer.
Can guests take the quiz on their phones instead of paper?
Yes. A guest taps a choice 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.