Your Ultimate Guide to Gatecrashing Wedding Tradition in Singapore
In Singapore, the wedding day starts with a fun tradition known as gatecrashing. The groom and his groomsmen must overcome tests and challenges to "fetch" the bride from her home.
Gatecrashing is not just about challenges and games; it symbolizes the groom's effort and willingness to marry the bride, showcasing his dedication and love.
We'll walk you through everything you need to know about Gatecrashing, from game ideas to important do's & don'ts.
What is Gatecrashing?
Gatecrashing in Singapore is a series of tasks and games organized by the bridesmaids that the groom and his groomsmen must complete before he can see his bride. These activities are usually playful, funny, and sometimes slightly embarrassing, designed to entertain the bridal party and guests. It's a lighthearted way to start the wedding day and create memorable moments.
Planning for the Gatecrash Games
1. Theme: Often, the bridesmaids choose a theme for the games, which can be anything from the groom’s favorite hobbies to romantic gestures. Themes can make the games more cohesive and fun.
2. Games: The games should be fun, challenging but doable, and respectful. Here are 15 fun & safe game ideas. Common themes include:
- Sweet and Sour: The groom may be asked to declare his love in sweet words, then eat something sour or spicy as a test of his resilience.
- Quiz about the Bride: Testing the groom’s knowledge of his future wife, from her favorite color to her childhood memories.
- Physical Challenges: Such as performing a dance, singing a song, or even a yoga pose. The goal is to entertain and prove the groom’s determination.
- Crafting a Love Poem: On the spot, to express his feelings toward the bride.
3. Budget: Remember that props and materials for the games can cost money. The groom & groomsmen also need to give out angbaos (red packets) during the games. Set a budget that’s comfortable for everyone.
Do's & Don'ts
- Do keep it fun and respectful. The games should not be too embarrassing or uncomfortable for the groom and groomsmen.
- Don’t make it too difficult. The point is for the groom to succeed eventually, not to prevent him from seeing the bride.
- Do consider the groom’s personality and limits. For example, don't feed things that may make the groom puke later at the wedding. Don't make him sweat too much.
- Don’t forget the timing. Allocate enough time for fun, but keep the schedule on track to not delay the rest of the day’s events. You can download our wedding day itineraries for lunch banquets and dinner banquets - they all include time for gate crashing.
After the Gatecrashing
Once the groom has successfully completed the challenges, he typically presents a red packet (Ang Bao) to the bridesmaids. This is seen as a token of appreciation for the bride's friends and signifies the closure of the gatecrashing segment.
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