The Bonding

As my friends, family, and fiancée assembled the favors for our wedding, I worked on slicing up strips of paper bearing icebreaker questions for each table at the reception. Though this post is technically Part 4 of my wedding saga, it functions well as a standalone post because the list of questions is so extensive that I simply can't justify adding it anywhere else.

Below is the full list of icebreaker questions and statements intended to bring out the more creative, thoughtful, and geeky sides of our wedding reception guests. Feel free to use these for any of your non-profit needs (though I'm happy to accept a cut of the profits if you use them any other way).

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Name three things that people would need to be familiar with to understand you.

What’s one question you wish people would ask you more?

What’s the coolest/funniest t-shirt or movie poster design you’ve ever seen?

Name one of the most memorable advertisements you’ve ever seen or heard.

What’s the most elaborate party or celebration you’ve ever attended/hosted?

Name one of the most ridiculous luxury items you’ve ever seen.

Name one of your favorite costumes you’ve ever worn.

Tell us a story about one of the worst restaurant experiences you’ve ever had.

Are there any fictional villains you love to hate? Baddies so evil they’re awesome.

Has anything ever made you laugh so hard you couldn’t stop?

What’s the most impressive feat of skill or strength you’ve ever seen in real life?

Describe one mind-blowing action sequence from a work of fiction you know.

Name one fact you’ve learned that completely changed your perception of reality.

What would you do for a Klondike bar?

Fill in the blank: “Kids these days don’t know enough about _____________.”

What’s your dream retirement?

List a few of the most absurd or unfortunate product names you’ve ever heard.

What do you know now that you wish you knew then?

List one or two bizarre or impractical household inventions that actually exist.

Fill in the blank: “Chuck Norris has only been defeated once: _____________.”

Tell us about the best pair of shoes/slippers/boots/sandals/etc. you’ve ever owned.

What’s one word or phrase you use frequently that you picked up from someone else?

If you could’ve been born in any other time period, when would you have liked?

What’s the most drastic thing you’ve ever done to try to win someone’s affection?

Got any favorite plays or musicals?

The crafty Croctopus corners his crock of collectables in Coral Capers.

What’s the most pointless argument you’ve ever been involved in?

Name one sequel or prequel you’ve always wanted to see released?

Name something popular whose popularity you completely don’t understand.

What’s your favorite decade of music, and why?

Are there any technologies you wish had never been invented?

Got a favorite fast food joint?

List a few of the most obscure ice cream flavors you’ve ever heard of.

Do you collect anything? If so, what?

What’s your dream job?

If you could have any law immediately put into effect, what would it be?

What’s your favorite memory of playing a card or board game?

Describe the most unusual food you’ve ever eaten.

Identify one word that ought to be stricken from the English language.

Fill in the blank: “I could’ve majored in ______ for all the time I spent on it in school.”

Is there anything you loved to do when you were younger that you can’t stand now?

Ever meet anybody famous?

What sci-fi technology would you be most excited to have in real life?

Ever seen any live concerts?

Name one achievement you’re proud of that others might raise an eyebrow at.

Tell us a story about a hilarious/embarrassing case of mistaken identity.

Which do you prefer: remakes or reboots?

Name one thing you inevitably expose someone to if they hang around long enough.

Describe the hardest or most unfair game you’ve ever played.

Name something outrageously expensive you regret paying for.

What’s the most clever surprise you’ve ever pulled off?

What’s the longest you’ve ever stayed awake?

Has there ever been a movie or performance you walked out on?

What’s your favorite chewing gum?

Name two fictional characters who would make dysfunctional college roommates.

What’s one major life decision you’ve made that you would never change?

Do you listen to any music that might surprise people who know you?

Have you ever competed in a competition or a tournament?

When was the last time you wrote a letter? Like, a letter.

Fill in the blank: “They just don’t make ____________ like they used to.”

What’s better to have: brothers, sisters, both, or neither?

If someone made a documentary of your life, who (living or dead) should narrate?

Name something you took for granted until you left your home/town/state/country.

What’s the last work of fiction that provoked a strong emotional reaction from you?

If you were a superhero, what superpower would you most want to have?

Name a type of clothing/material you’ve worn before that bothers you.

If you could do one thing with no negative consequences, what would it be?

What’s the worst facial hair or hairstyle you’ve ever worn?

Talk about something you’ve read that was unexpectedly thought-provoking.

You’re a fictional hero—what’s your weapon of choice?

What’s the creepiest idea for a pet you’ve ever heard of?

Name one dessert so good it might make a spouse jealous.

List a few words or phrases that would make awesome band names.

What’s one thing you’re curious to know about someone nearby?

What physical feature or characteristic would you love to have naturally?

Do you know any other languages or dialects than the one you’re using now?

In combat situations, fictional or real, what role do you most often play?

Are there any songs that frequently get stuck in your head?

Name something unbearably cute.

What’s one type of accessory or clothing that is clearly characteristic of your style?

What specific dance or style of dance do you enjoy most?

Did you have a favorite childhood breakfast food?

What’s the ugliest animal you’ve ever seen?


[Translation from the Webdings: "Can you read this?"]

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Stick around; I finally get married in Part 5.