Hep Hep Hooray-Style Party Game for Weddings (How-To & Rules)

Hep Hep Hooray is a high energy party game that gets everyone laughing without awkward dares. The mechanic is simple clap on Hep Hep and raise hands on Hooray. With clear rules and a lively host, it becomes a quick highlight that is safe for all ages.

Goals

• Break the ice after dinner or before the dance set
• Create fast laughs with no pressure or physical contact
• Keep rounds short so energy stays high

What you need

• 1 wireless mic for the host and a backup
• DJ or band stingers at medium volume
• 6 to 16 volunteers per round or two lines of players
• Clear play area with non slip floor and space for photos
• Small prize basket for winners

Setup

1. Host explains the two cues Hep Hep and Hooray
2. Players form a straight line or two facing lines
3. Photo team positions for frontal and side shots
4. DJ plays an upbeat instrumental loop

Basic rules

• When the host points and says Hep Hep the player must clap once at chest level
• When the host says Hooray the player raises both hands up with a big smile
• Wrong action slow reaction or double moves mean elimination
• The last player standing wins

Round structure

1. Warm up demo with the couple for 15 to 20 seconds
2. Practice run for all players with slower tempo
3. Official round with normal tempo
4. Final speed up for the top three to decide the winner

Timing guide

• Host intro and mechanics 45 seconds
• Practice run 30 seconds
• Main round 1 to 2 minutes
• Finals 30 to 60 seconds
• Awarding and photo 45 seconds
  Total 4 to 6 minutes per segment

Variations

Line vs line showdown
Two teams face each other. The host alternates left and right so both sides stay alert. Winner is the last person or the side with more survivors at the horn.

Couple captain mode
Each team has a captain from the couple. Captains can save one teammate once per round by doing the correct move for them.

Table champions
Each table sends one player. This spreads participation across the room and creates friendly rivalry.

Music drop twist
DJ pauses the music randomly. If a player moves during silence they are out. Great for finals.

Fairness and safety

• Keep the floor dry and tape down cables
• Do not push or tap players to hurry
• Avoid teasing about age or status
• Keep distance from stage edges and LED screens
• Eliminate with smiles and applause never with shaming

Host spiels

• Walang pikon puro tawa at good vibes
• Kapag Hep Hep clap once kapag Hooray hands up
• Ready tayo players look at me and listen for the cue
• Palakpakan natin ang ating natitirang tatlo
• Congratulations you brought the barkada energy

DJ or band cues

• 4 beat count in before each round
• Short whoosh or clap stinger for correct moves
• Light losing sound for eliminations keep it friendly
• Final drum roll for the winner then a quick victory riff

Scoring and prizes

• Simple last person standing wins
• Optional second prize for best crowd reaction
• Prize ideas chocolate bars mini plants tote with snacks or a gift card

Photo and video cues

• Wide shot of the formation during practice
• Close ups of faces at the speed up moment
• Reaction shot of the crowd with hands up on a big Hooray
• Winner holding prize with the couple

Sample run sheet

• 00 00 Host intro and quick demo with the couple
• 00 45 Form two lines confirm photo angles
• 01 15 Practice round start slow
• 01 45 Main round moderate tempo
• 03 15 Finals speed up and music drop twist
• 04 30 Award winner photo and thank you

Accessibility options

• Seated version hands only no clapping for guests with mobility limits
• Lower volume on stingers near elder tables
• Clear visual cue cards with Hep Hep and Hooray printed in large text
• Allow pass option for shy guests without calling them out

Common mistakes and fixes

• Too slow and draggy keep rounds under two minutes
• Confusing commands give one cue at a time no double words
• Players crowd the host mark a soft boundary with small floor tape
• Mic feedback turn the host slightly away from the speaker stacks

Integrations with your program

• Use it as a reset after a long raffle or before group photos
• Pair with a Bring Me mini round for prize variety
• Close the segment by handing the winner to the DJ for a quick dance break

Checklist before you start

• Mic tested and backup ready
• DJ stingers loaded with volume checked
• Clear floor and taped cables
• Prize on stage left for quick handoff
• Photo team briefed on practice and finals cues

End on a high note by thanking all players and the cheering tables. With crisp rules kind humor and upbeat music Hep Hep Hooray turns into a quick burst of joy that fits perfectly in a Filipino wedding program.