Wedding in Poland

In Polish culture, weddings are preceded with engagement celebrations. Those are usually small parties held for the closest family members of the groom and the bride and are meant to get the two families meet and get to know each other better.

In the past, the engagement ceremony was the time when the future bride received a ring from her beloved partner before the entire family gathering in a very official way, which resembled to some extent the wedding ceremony itself. In recent years, however, that official note has been largely abandoned and a ring is delivered when the future groom pops the question for the first time in a more private setting. The family gathering is just a nice way of informing the family members about the mutual decision once it has been made.

Wedding is being prepared for months. The groom’s family collect money for beverages and the music band. The bride’s family is responsible for the wedding reception.

The bride and the groom are wearing some special clothes on their wedding day. She is wearing a white wedding dress and he is wearing a black suit.

In the past there was a tradition of buying the bride from her parents before wedding.The groom had to give some presents to bride’s parents in order to marry her.

Before the church ceremony, the engaged couple is given a blessing from their parents.

When the couple gets into to the car and they are on their way to the church neighbours, their friends, and other people prepare so called „gateways”. In order to be able to pass such gateway the best man, who is driving with the young couple must negotiate with the gateway’s guards how much he must pay to be able to pass it.

At the end of the Mass, the newlyweds leave the church. As a sign of love young couple release two white doves, and the other guests throw rice, flower petals or small coins. The groom and the bride must collect them carefully and then they receive congratulations from their parents and other guests.

After the wedding ceremony all guests are invited to the reception, where the parents of the bride and groom greet the newely weds with bread and salt.

Then, the young couple breaks the glass for good luck and the groom carries his sweetheart over the threshold.

After the first meal the newlyweds are invited to perform the first dance.

Then the wedding cake is cut by the newlyweds and distributed to the guests .

At midnight, the Unveiling ceremony (so called Oczepiny) takes place .The bride throws a veil, and the groom throws a tie (with closed eyes ). It is believed that a woman and a man who catch these two things will soon get married. They also organize other funny games.

Next day after reception party,  there is a follow-up party the day after the wedding (poprawiny). This is held at the same place as the reception party or at the home of one of the newlyweds' parents.

The End