Filipino Wedding Games - Traditions, Modern Twists, and Crowd-Pleasers for Every Reception
Planning your wedding program in the Philippines can feel overwhelming. This guide brings together the best Filipino wedding games, classic traditions and modern alternatives, complete with Emcee spiels, timing tips and equipment notes. Everything is organized by vibe and difficulty so you can pick games that fit your style, audience and timeline.
How to use this guide
- Choose a program length, then mix 1 to 3 icebreakers, 1 high-energy game and 1 romantic or cultural moment.
- Keep things inclusive. Always invite participation and allow guests to opt out.
- Assign a point person. A professional host or coordinator keeps the energy high and the flow smooth.
Table of Contents
- Classic Pinoy Traditions
- Icebreakers to Start the Program
- High-Energy Barkada Games
- Romantic and Wholesome Alternatives
- Cultural and Dance Pieces
- Budget vs Supplier-Powered Options
- Program Flow Templates
- Equipment and Setup Checklist
- Safety, Consent and Inclusivity
- Prize Ideas
- FAQs
- Book Trusted Suppliers
Classic Pinoy Traditions
Money Dance or Sabitan ng Pera
What it is
Guests pin or tape bills on the couple while dancing. It symbolizes support and good fortune.
How to run
- Announce the tradition and invite willing guests to line up.
- Open with a short blessing from a parent or ninong or ninang.
- Play 2 to 3 upbeat love songs. Cap at 6 to 8 minutes.
Emcee cue
“Mga ninong at ninang, pamilya at kaibigan, kung nais ninyong basbasan ang bagong kasal, sama-sama tayong sumayaw at magpaabot ng pagmamahal.”
Etiquette tips
- Provide safety pins or double-sided tape and a small pouch for bills.
- Assign two attendants to assist and to keep the couple comfortable.
- Invite non-cash gestures for guests who prefer not to pin money, for example handwritten notes.
Playlist picks
- Classic OPM love songs, modern acoustic remakes, instrumental waltz for a formal tone.
Bouquet and Garter Toss, plus Modern Alternatives
If you prefer a low-contact or more inclusive option, try:
- Anniversary Dance, last couple standing wins the bouquet.
- Couple’s Trivia Raffle, unmarried guests join a draw after a short quiz.
- Bouquet Pass, to a meaningful recipient like a grandmother or the couple who traveled farthest.
Icebreakers to Start the Program
Newlywed Shoe Game
Place two chairs back to back. The couple holds one of each shoe, then answers prompts by raising the shoe that fits.
20 ready-to-use prompts
- Who said I love you first
- Who made the first move
- Who is the better cook
- Who wakes up earlier
- Who is more likely to cry at movies
- Who plans date nights
- Who is more kuripot
- Who is more galante
- Who takes longer to get ready
- Who is the better driver
- Who snores louder
- Who loses the house keys
- Who starts the tampo
- Who says sorry first
- Who is the foodie
- Who loves road trips more
- Who is more likely to adopt a pet
- Who sings in the shower
- Who is the MVP in household chores
- Who will suggest one more round of milk tea
Emcee cue
“Sagot ay sapatos. Walang pikon, puro tawa at kilig lang.”
Bring Me, Wedding Edition
Guests race to bring items to the host. Keep it classy and practical.
Sample Bring Me list
- Mint or candy in a blue wrapper
- A receipt dated today
- A selfie with lolo or lola
- Red lipstick
- Something borrowed
- A baby photo from a wallet
- A handkerchief with initials
- A boarding pass on a phone
- A coin older than the couple
- A flower petal
Tip
Assign a scorer or use a quick QR form to track winners.
Trip to Jerusalem, Kid-Friendly Version
Use 6 to 10 chairs in a circle. Keep rounds short, add gentle forfeits like a selfie with the couple rather than eliminations. Great for mixed ages.
High-Energy Barkada Games
Hep Hep Hooray-Style Showdown
Guests clap and chant on cue. Last one standing wins.
How to run
- Form two lines of 6 to 10 players.
- Use upbeat background music and a wireless mic.
- Eliminate with smiles and cheers, not dares.
Emcee cue
“Kapag narinig ang Hep Hep, clap. Kapag Hooray, hands up. Handa na ba kayo?”
Longest Line or Team Relay
Give teams ribbons, scarves or napkins. The goal is to make the longest continuous line or complete a relay with simple tasks.
Relay ideas
- Pass the wedding bell without using hands
- Dress a teammate with a sash and boutonniere
- Balance a book while walking to the DJ booth
Romantic and Wholesome Alternatives
Anniversary Dance
Invite all couples to dance. The host dismisses pairs by years together until the longest married couple remains, then gifts the bouquet.
Emcee cue
“Kung higit sa limang taon na kayong nagsasama, manatili sa dance floor.”
Pass the Love Letter
Place envelopes with short prompts under selected chairs. Guests read sweet notes or well wishes for the newlyweds. Collect letters as keepsakes.
Couple Trivia and Table Quizzes
Create a 10-item quiz about your love story. Let tables submit answers using a QR code. Display a live leaderboard on the LED screen for fun suspense.
Cultural and Dance Pieces
Tinikling-Inspired Entrance or Intermission
Book a cultural troupe to perform and to guide a simple guest participation round. Keep the sticks low and the tempo friendly.
Family Participation
Invite lolo and lola to share a one-liner blessing or to join a slow dance. Provide sturdy chairs and clear pathways for comfort.
Budget vs Supplier-Powered Options
| Option | Best for | What you need | Est. cost in PHP |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Icebreakers | Intimate receptions, tight timelines | Printed cue cards, small prizes, a confident friend to host | 0 to 1,000 |
| Emcee-Led Game Block | Medium to large guest lists | Professional host, cue sheets, wireless mic | 5,000 to 25,000 plus |
| Band or DJ Game Integrations | Dance-heavy program | Live band or DJ with game stingers and timers | 8,000 to 40,000 plus |
| LED Screen and Visuals | Big ballrooms, table quizzes | LED wall, operator, QR slides, leaderboard | 10,000 to 60,000 plus |
| Photobooth Challenges | Photo-loving crowd | Photobooth with props, scavenger list | 5,000 to 18,000 plus |
Rates vary by city, season and package inclusions.
Program Flow Templates
30-Minute Game Block
- 3 minutes, warm welcome and house rules
- 10 minutes, Shoe Game
- 7 minutes, Bring Me sprint
- 8 minutes, Money Dance or Anniversary Dance
- 2 minutes, prize drop and transition to dinner or speeches
60-Minute Game Block
- 5 minutes, intro and acknowledgment of sponsors
- 12 minutes, Icebreaker pair, Shoe Game then Quick Table Quiz
- 15 minutes, High-energy game, Hep Hep Hooray or Relay
- 10 minutes, Romantic moment, Anniversary Dance
- 8 minutes, Money Dance or cultural intermission
- 10 minutes, Raffle and photo op
90-Minute Game Block
- 10 minutes, grand entrance and warm up
- 20 minutes, Icebreaker trio, Shoe Game, Bring Me, Trip to Jerusalem
- 20 minutes, High-energy feature, Relay with finals
- 10 minutes, Cultural piece, Tinikling segment
- 15 minutes, Money Dance
- 15 minutes, Raffle, awards and group photos
Equipment and Setup Checklist
- 2 wireless microphones with fresh batteries
- Background music and game stingers
- Cue sheets for host, DJ and coordinator
- Timer or countdown on the DJ laptop or LED wall
- Safety pins, tape, small pouch for Money Dance
- Printed rules and scorecards
- Small prize basket, gift bags and ribbons
- Clear space for games, stable chairs, water for players
Safety, Consent and Inclusivity
- Invite, never pressure. Offer opt-out lines for shy guests.
- Avoid games that single out body type, marital status or age.
- Keep floors dry and clear, especially for relay and dance segments.
- Check with the venue about confetti, balloons and stick use.
- Keep games short. Energy dips when rounds drag beyond 10 minutes.
- Use clean music edits. Avoid explicit lyrics for family audiences.
- Prepare alternatives for pregnant guests and seniors.
Prize Ideas
- Budget friendly, chocolate bars, coffee sachet set, keychain wine openers, face masks
- Mid tier, scented candles, tote bags, mini plants, artisanal cookies
- Premium, gift certificates, bluetooth speakers, photo session voucher
FAQs
What are the most popular Filipino wedding games for receptions
Shoe Game, Bring Me, Hep Hep Hooray and the Money Dance remain crowd favorites. Many couples add an Anniversary Dance for a wholesome moment.
How long should wedding games take
Aim for 30 to 60 minutes in total, split into short segments that keep the energy moving.
What are wholesome alternatives to the garter and bouquet toss
Try an Anniversary Dance, a trivia raffle or a meaningful bouquet pass.
What equipment do we need for high-energy games
Two wireless mics, clear background music stingers, stable chairs, a timer and space to move.
Can we run games without embarrassing guests
Yes. Use opt-in formats, avoid dares and keep humor kind.
What prizes work best
Small but useful items win smiles. Think coffee kits, candles, tote bags and gift vouchers for premium rounds.
Book Trusted Suppliers
Ready to lock in a smooth program
- Find a professional Host or Emcee near you
- Compare quotes from Bands and DJs
- Book Photobooths
- Hire a Coordinator to run your game flow
Your wedding should feel like you. Use this guide to build a program that is fun, welcoming and uniquely Filipino. Kilig guaranteed.
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