Couples are increasingly incorporating proposition bets, or "prop bets," into their wedding celebrations as a way to engage guests and add an interactive element to traditional ceremonies. Originally popularized in sports betting, prop bets now allow attendees to wager on various aspects of a wedding, from the length of the couple’s first dance to the timing of emotional speeches.
Alan and Karen Miller of New York City introduced prop bets at their June 2025 wedding in New Rochelle, New York. With around 175 guests in attendance, the couple provided customized betting cards that invited guests to predict everything from which family member would deliver the longest toast to how many outfits the bride would wear during the day. Karen Miller, 38, said the idea was intended to create a more engaging atmosphere during the reception's quieter moments, noting that traditional cocktail hours can sometimes feel stagnant. Approximately 60 guests participated, and the Millers shared the correct answers and winners on social media after the event. The top scorer received a modest prize in the form of a $20 Amazon gift card.
Wedding planners across North America have observed a growing interest in this trend. Julia Drachenberg, based in Kelowna, British Columbia, said prop bets encourage guests to become more involved by drawing on their personal knowledge of the couple, such as predicting whether an emotional groom might tear up during speeches. Similarly, Cassie Horrell, a Pittsburgh-based wedding planner, reported a notable uptick in couples incorporating prop bets into their weddings over the past year as part of a larger movement toward more guest-focused and interactive experiences.
Stacy and Greg Stahl of St. Louis have long enjoyed making informal prop bets at friends’ weddings. After nearly a decade of casual wagering on details like ceremony length or who would recite vows first, they launched "Betting on the Wedding," a mobile app that formalizes the activity for a wider audience. The app, which costs a one-time fee of $49.99, allows guests to place bets before and during the event, track their standings on a live leaderboard, and receive notifications about results afterward. The Stahls report that more than 25,000 couples have utilized the platform, contributing to significant business growth that Greg Stahl described as "triple-digit year-over-year revenue."
Prop bets can also extend beyond the wedding day itself. At the May 2025 wedding of Peyton and Olivia Holloway in Shorter, Alabama, guests began placing wagers during the rehearsal dinner. Peyton Holloway, 24, who works as a deputy sport manager for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, created custom bet cards that included predictions on the number of Taylor Swift songs played and the duration of the couple’s first kiss—a bet that delightfully came in just under 6.5 seconds, much to the amusement of family members.
As prop betting gains traction, it reflects a broader shift toward creating memorable and participatory wedding experiences, blending tradition with innovative entertainment approaches.