Unveiling The Mystery: The True Meaning Of "Icing" At Weddings

Icing is a drinking game or prank that involves hiding a bottle of Smirnoff Ice and requiring the person who finds it to drink its contents immediately, usually by taking a knee and chugging it. The trend, which was particularly popular in the early 2010s, has specific rules, including that the drink must be hidden rather than handed to the person, and that if the person already has an Ice on them, they can reverse the game onto the person who tried to ice them. While the game was originally intended for bros, it has since evolved to include all genders. Icing has also been used to refer to a brush-off or cold shoulder, or to refer to a death. In the context of weddings, icing refers to the trend of surprising the bride or groom with a Smirnoff Ice during the ceremony or reception, which they must then chug.

Icing the bride or groom during the wedding ceremony

Icing the bride or groom at a wedding has become a trend on social media platforms like Instagram. It involves hiding a bottle of Smirnoff Ice somewhere for the bride or groom to find. When they do, they must get down on one knee and drink the entire bottle. While this drinking game is typically associated with college parties and frat houses, some couples have chosen to include it in their wedding celebrations.

The origins of icing

Icing someone is a drinking prank that became popular around 2010, although its exact origins are unclear. A website called Bros Icing Bros is credited for popularising the trend, which was initially associated with frat houses and college parties. The site featured videos and photos of people getting Iced and included rules for how to play the game. While the site no longer exists, the trend it helped create has endured.

Icing at weddings

The decision to include icing the bride or groom during the wedding ceremony is a matter of personal preference and should reflect the couple's style and the vibe they want for their wedding. Some people view it as immature or inappropriate for a wedding, while others find it funny and a fun addition to the celebrations. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide if they want to include icing in their wedding ceremony.

Tips for icing the bride or groom

If you plan to ice the bride or groom during the wedding ceremony, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Make sure the couple is on board with the idea. Surprising them with a bottle of Smirnoff Ice may not be well-received, especially if they are not expecting it.
• Be mindful of the timing. Choose a moment when the couple is likely to be relaxed and open to the idea, such as during the garter toss or when they are dancing.
• Be creative with your hiding spot. The key to icing is to hide the bottle well, so the bride or groom has to search for it. This adds to the fun and surprise of the game.
• Consider the couple's drinking preferences. If they are not fans of Smirnoff Ice, you could adapt the game to include their favourite drink instead.

Icing the bride or groom during the reception

Icing is a drinking prank where someone hides a bottle of Smirnoff Ice, knowing that their target, in this case, the bride or groom, will find it. The target is then required to get down on one knee and chug the entire bottle. It's important to note that the hiding spot should be creative and unexpected, adding to the surprise element of the prank.

Planning the Prank:

• Choose the Right Moment: Timing is crucial. Look for a suitable opportunity during the reception when the bride or groom is likely to be moving around and can be surprised. This could be during the first dance, cake cutting, or any other activity that allows for a stealthy approach.
• Prepare the Smirnoff Ice: Ensure you have a bottle of Smirnoff Ice ready and hidden until the right moment. You can keep it chilled beforehand so that it's refreshing for the target when they take a knee to chug it.
• Enlist Help: Consider recruiting a few close friends or members of the wedding party to assist with the prank. They can help distract the bride or groom, creating the perfect opportunity for you to hide the Smirnoff Ice in an unexpected place.
• Know Your Crowd: It's important to assess the couple's personality and the overall vibe of the wedding. While some couples may enjoy a lighthearted prank, others may prefer a more elegant and traditional reception. Make sure the prank aligns with their sense of humour and the atmosphere they want to create.

Executing the Prank:

• Stealthy Approach: When the moment arrives, quietly approach the bride or groom and hide the Smirnoff Ice in a creative spot. You can place it under a chair, behind a prop, or even tape it to the bottom of a table—the more unexpected, the better!
• Capture the Reaction: Ensure someone is ready to capture the moment on camera. The target's reaction, as they realise they've been iced, will be priceless. Encourage the photographer or videographer to capture the entire sequence, from the moment they spot the bottle to the chugging and their expression afterward.
• Encourage Participation: If the bride or groom seems hesitant, encourage them to join in on the fun. Explain the rules of Icing and how it's a lighthearted prank to add some extra joy to their special day.
• Respect Their Wishes: While most people take the prank in good humour, always be respectful of the couple's wishes. If they choose not to participate or seem uncomfortable, gracefully exit the prank and assure them that you only intended to add some extra fun to the celebrations.

Icing the bride or groom during the first look

The "first look" is a wedding tradition where the couple sees each other for the first time after they've changed into their wedding attire but before the official ceremony begins. It is usually a private moment between the couple, captured by a photographer, before they part ways to get ready for the ceremony.

"Icing" is a drinking game where someone hides a bottle of Smirnoff Ice and if another person finds it, they have to get on one knee and chug it.

Combining these two concepts, "Icing the bride or groom during the first look" would involve the bride or groom hiding a bottle of Smirnoff Ice and surprising their partner with it during their first look. While this could be a fun and lighthearted moment for the couple, it is important to consider the potential cons of doing something like this during the first look.

For example, the first look is often a highly emotional and intimate moment for the couple, and introducing a drinking game element might detract from the seriousness of the moment. Additionally, as the first look typically happens a couple of hours before the ceremony, it might not be the best time for the couple to be drinking, especially if they are trying to pace themselves or keep their drinking in check.

Furthermore, the first look is often a special moment that the couple cherishes through photographs and videos, and chugging a bottle of Smirnoff Ice might not be the most elegant or photogenic activity.

However, if the couple is up for it and it aligns with their wedding vision, "Icing the bride or groom during the first look" could be a unique and memorable way to incorporate some fun and surprise into their wedding day. It could add an element of playfulness and spontaneity to the first look, making it even more special and unique to them.

Ultimately, the decision to "Ice the bride or groom during the first look" should be made by the couple based on their preferences, comfort level, and the overall tone they want to set for their wedding day.

Icing the bride or groom while they're getting ready

"Icing" is a drinking game that involves hiding a bottle of Smirnoff Ice and surprising someone with it. If the person being iced runs into it or finds it, they have to get on one knee and drink it right away. The game gained popularity around 2010, and there was some suspicion that it was an elaborate marketing campaign by Smirnoff, but the company denied this.

If the couple is up for it and the guests are the right age group, icing can be a hilarious addition to the day. It can be a great opportunity for some priceless photos and videos, especially if the couple has a good sense of humour about it.

Overall, whether or not to ice the bride or groom while they're getting ready depends on the couple's personality and culture, as well as the vibe they want for their wedding. It can be a fun surprise, but it's crucial to ensure it aligns with their wishes and won't cause any embarrassment or added stress.

Icing the bride or groom during the garter toss

"Icing" is a drinking game where someone hides a Smirnoff Ice drink for their friends or roommates to find. When the drink is found, the person who found it has to get down on one knee and drink it immediately. The game has been played at parties and weddings.

However, some people may view icing during the garter toss as inappropriate or immature, especially in a formal wedding setting. It may be seen as pressuring the bride or groom to drink when they are already trying to manage their alcohol intake. Additionally, the drink may be warm by the time it is consumed, which could be unappetizing.

Ultimately, the decision to include icing during the garter toss should be made by the bride and groom, considering their comfort level and the vibe they want to create at their wedding. It can be a fun and memorable moment, but it may not be suitable for all weddings, especially those with a more formal or traditional atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions