Looking for wedding traditions in Poland? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Polish wedding traditions – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, traditional clothing, food and drink, and more.
Weddings are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.
To help you explore Polish traditions, this article is organized into:
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Unique Polish Wedding Traditions
Polish weddings are vibrant celebrations filled with rich traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. Here are some unique Polish wedding traditions:
- Polka Dance: The polka is a lively dance that is often performed at Polish weddings. Guests gather on the dance floor to participate in this energetic dance, characterized by quick steps and upbeat music. The polka is a symbol of joy and celebration, and it brings guests together to celebrate the newlyweds’ union.
- Bread and Salt Welcome: Upon arrival at the wedding reception, the newlyweds are greeted by their parents with bread and salt. The bread symbolizes prosperity and abundance, while the salt represents the couple’s ability to overcome life’s challenges. The parents offer the bread and salt as a token of their blessings and well-wishes for the couple’s future together.
- Wedding Games and Challenges: Polish weddings often feature games and challenges designed to entertain guests and bring good luck to the newlyweds. One popular game involves the bride and groom competing to see who can break a plate first. It is believed that the person who breaks the plate will be the dominant partner in the marriage.
- Money Dance (Czepek): During the wedding reception, guests may participate in a traditional dance called the “czepek,” also known as the money dance. Guests pin money onto the bride’s veil or dress in exchange for a dance with her. The money collected is used to help the couple start their new life together.
- Sharing of the Bridal Veil: In some regions of Poland, it is customary for the bride to share her bridal veil with unmarried women at the wedding reception. The unmarried women take turns dancing with the bride while holding onto her veil. It is believed that this tradition brings good luck to the unmarried women and helps them find a husband.
- Poprawiny (Second-Day Celebration): After the wedding reception, it is common for Polish couples to host a “poprawiny,” a second-day celebration with close family and friends. The poprawiny is a more intimate gathering where guests can enjoy food, drinks, and music while continuing the wedding festivities.
Traditional Polish Wedding Attire
Polish weddings are steeped in tradition and cultural heritage, reflected in the attire worn by the bride, groom, and wedding party. Here’s a glimpse into the traditional Polish wedding attire:
- Bride’s Attire: The bride typically wears a white gown symbolizing purity and innocence. Traditional Polish bridal gowns often feature intricate lace detailing, embroidery, and flowing silhouettes. A veil, known as “welon,” may be worn to cover the bride’s face during the ceremony, symbolizing modesty and reverence.
- Bridal Headpiece: Along with the veil, the bride may wear a floral crown or wreath, known as “wianek,” on her head. The wianek is often made of fresh flowers and herbs, symbolizing fertility, purity, and the beauty of nature. It adds a touch of natural elegance to the bride’s ensemble.
- Groom’s Attire: The groom traditionally wears a formal suit or tuxedo in dark colors such as black, navy blue, or charcoal gray. A white dress shirt, tie or bowtie, and polished dress shoes complete the ensemble. In some regions, the groom may also wear a traditional Polish folk costume, known as “stroj ludowy,” to honor his cultural heritage.
- Bridal Party Attire: Bridesmaids often wear coordinated dresses in complementary colors, chosen by the bride. These dresses may feature simple yet elegant designs, such as A-line or empire waist silhouettes, and may be accessorized with floral bouquets or shawls.
- Groomsmen’s Attire: Groomsmen typically dress in attire similar to the groom, either formal suits or traditional Polish folk costumes if preferred. Their attire complements the overall aesthetic of the wedding party, maintaining a cohesive and polished look.
- Accessories and Jewelry: Polish brides may accessorize their wedding attire with heirloom jewelry passed down through generations. This jewelry often includes pieces made of gold, pearls, or precious stones, adding a touch of elegance and sentimentality to the bride’s ensemble.
How to Say “Best Wishes” in Polish?
In Polish, to express “Best Wishes,” especially in a wedding context, you can say:
“Najlepsze życzenia!”
This phrase conveys warm wishes and blessings for happiness and success. It’s commonly used to extend congratulations and good wishes on special occasions like weddings.
Need more wedding wishes? Here is our full article on Wedding Wishes in Other Languages.
Polish Wedding Gifting Etiquette
Gifting is an important part of Polish wedding culture. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do’s in Gifting
- Give an Odd Number of Flowers: When visiting a home, it is customary to present the hostess with an odd number of flowers, unwrapped. Gerberas are preferred, while red or white flowers like roses and carnations should be avoided.
- Offer Hard Liquors, Liqueurs, Gourmet Coffee, or Perfume: These items make excellent gifts for a Polish wedding. Avoid overly expensive gifts, as they might embarrass the recipient.
- Consider Cash in Red Envelopes: Giving money in red envelopes is a common and appreciated gift at Polish weddings. Aim for an amount that ends in eight for good luck and prosperity, and remember to write your name on the envelope.
Don’ts in Gifting
- Avoid Expensive Gifts: Overly expensive gifts may embarrass the recipient and are generally not recommended.
- Don’t Give Red Roses or White Flowers: Gerberas are the preferred flowers, while red or white flowers like roses and carnations should be avoided.
- Don’t Bring Household Appliances or Vacuums: These types of practical gifts are typically given by the families of the bride and groom, not by friends.
- Avoid Anything Too Personal or Intimate: Stick to more general, thoughtful gifts like traditional Swedish crafts or a nice bottle of wine.
Bread and Salt Ceremony (Chleb i sól)
Similar to the bread and salt welcome, the bread and salt ceremony is a traditional Polish custom where the newlyweds are presented with bread, salt, and sometimes a shot of vodka upon entering the wedding reception venue. The bread symbolizes prosperity, the salt represents the difficulties the couple may encounter in life, and the vodka is offered as a token of hospitality and shared joy.
Grand Entrance with Parents (Wesele)
During the grand entrance to the wedding reception, the bride and groom are often accompanied by their parents. The parents walk behind the couple as they make their way into the reception hall, symbolizing the support and guidance they provide to the newlyweds as they begin their married life.
Midnight Supper (Poprawiny)
After the wedding reception, some Polish couples host a “poprawiny,” a second-day celebration with close family and friends. The poprawiny typically includes a midnight supper with traditional Polish dishes, music, and dancing. It’s an opportunity for the couple to extend the festivities and spend more time with loved ones.
Conclusion
Celebrating weddings in Poland goes beyond vows and rings. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions.
Weddings are imbued with cultural richness and meaningful rituals. Enhance the festivities with an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift. So, here’s to a traditional way of celebrating weddings!
Sophie is an etiquette coach who has the rare ability to make the intricacies of etiquette approachable and fun. She travels around the world coaching families, individuals, corporates and independent schools. Sophie has honed her craft without losing her easy-going charm.