Ground rules first
A dare list works because everyone trusts it. Agree a few rules before the first drink and the rest of the weekend runs itself.
- The groom has one vetoHe can refuse one dare for any reason, no questions asked.
- Nothing painful, risky or illegalNo injury, driving, heights or breaking a venue's rules.
- Strangers are not propsNever dare anyone to harass, film or embarrass someone outside the group.
- Drinking stays optionalMake sure there are dares that do not involve alcohol.
- Photos stay in the groupUntil the groom says otherwise.
Easy dares, any time
Good for the first hour, when nobody has quite warmed up.
- Speak in a made-up accent until the next round arrives.
- Wear the sash inside out until somebody notices.
- Give a short walking-tour commentary about the street you are standing on.
- Order the next round using only questions.
- Ask the group to rate the groom's outfit out of ten, and accept the lowest score with a bow.
- Swap hats with the best man for one round.
Out-and-about dares
Best in a bar or on the street, with the group watching from a distance.
- Compliment each bartender in a different style: poet, sports commentator, nature documentary.
- Get a waiter's recommendation for the strangest local snack, and eat it.
- Teach the group a local phrase he has to use in his next three sentences.
- Pose for a group photo in a heroic stance in front of a landmark.
- Ask a stranger for directions to a place that is clearly in sight, and thank them like it saved his life.
- Call his mum or a favourite aunt on speaker to thank her for raising such a fine groom (if she is happy to be called).
Group forfeits
Everyone plays, and the groom benefits when the group loses.
- Last to put a finger on the table when the best man shouts “now” does the next dare.
- Quiz the group on facts about the groom; every wrong answer buys him a drink of his choice.
- Whoever loses the next round of any game wears the sash for ten minutes.
- Everyone writes one dare on a card; the groom draws one at each bar.
- Bet on the next goal, lap time or shooting score; the loser performs a short speech.
- Everyone must speak only in third person until the next stop.
- The groom picks the next bar and everyone else has to wear the same silly hat there.
- Whoever checks their phone first at dinner hands it to the best man for the rest of the course.
Tip: Print the dares on cards or keep them in a sealed envelope. A dare feels fairer when it comes from the pile, not from the best man's mood.
How to use the list
Don't run all twenty in one night. Hand out three or four easy dares at the start, add the out-and-about dares as the evening opens up, and keep the group forfeits for the long stretch in the middle. Save the best ones for a moment with an audience, such as a toast or a group photo.
Props that help
- Dare cards
- Forfeit dice
- Dare spinner badge
- Groom sash
- Silly hats
- Drinking games
Plan the weekend around the city
Dares work better when they match the place. See how the same ideas play out in two cities, with more to come.