Invited to a wedding in Poland? Expect a bread-and-salt welcome, a room that chants “gorzko!” until the couple kiss, a party that runs late into the night and, often, a second day of celebrations. Here is what guests should know.
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Smart and elegant: suits and cocktail or evening dresses. Avoid white, and dress modestly for the church ceremony.
A card with money in an envelope (koperta), often with flowers or a bottle of wine. Wedding registries are uncommon.
Usually from an afternoon ceremony until late at night or early morning, often followed by poprawiny the next day.
Wszystkiego najlepszego!: All the best!
Couples often hand-deliver invitations, and guests may reply in person; otherwise reply as the invitation asks.
Many Polish weddings begin with a Catholic church ceremony (ślub), often on a Saturday afternoon, while others are civil ceremonies. In a church wedding the couple usually stand at the altar with two witnesses rather than a large bridal party. When the couple leave the church, guests often sing “Sto lat”, the song that wishes someone a hundred happy years, and then form a line to congratulate them, give their wishes and hand over their gift. Customs vary between regions, villages and cities, and between families.
At the reception venue, the couple’s parents traditionally welcome them with bread and salt (chleb i sól), often with a small glass of vodka or wine. The bread is a wish that the couple will never go hungry, and the salt is a reminder that married life will bring hard moments to face together. The couple taste the bread and salt, and the party, known as the wesele, can begin.
A Polish wedding reception is known for plentiful food served throughout the evening, music and dancing that often continues into the early hours. Some couples open the dancing with the polonez, Poland’s stately national processional dance. Every so often, guests chant “gorzko, gorzko!” (“bitter, bitter!”), and the couple kiss to make things “sweet” again. Around midnight, many weddings hold oczepiny, a ritual that once marked the bride’s change from her maiden wreath to a married woman’s cap. Today it is usually playful: the bride may throw her veil and the groom his tie, often with party games. Many weddings continue the next day with poprawiny, a more relaxed gathering for family and close friends.
Polish weddings are often family occasions, and families with younger children are frequently welcome, but check the invitation. Receptions run late, so plan an early exit or a quiet corner for the youngest guests. Many venues are hotels, which can make a long night easier.
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If a colleague invites you, an envelope with money and a card is the usual gift, sometimes with flowers. Colleagues often give together.
Usually a card with money in an envelope, often with flowers or a bottle of wine. It is handed to the couple when guests congratulate them.
It means “bitter!”. Guests chant it during the reception, and the couple kiss to make things “sweet” again.
A second day of celebration after the wedding, usually more relaxed and for family and close friends.
