Guides · International weddings · 7 min read
Going to a wedding in Poland – or hosting guests from abroad at yours? Here is what happens, when, and why, from a band that has played more than 500 Polish weddings.
In short: a Polish wedding is long, generous and full of shared rituals. Expect a welcome with bread and salt, plenty of toasts and singing, several hot meals, a packed dance floor until dawn and, sometimes, a second party the next day. Here is each tradition in turn.
When the couple arrive at the reception, their parents greet them with bread and salt – a wish that they never go hungry and can face life's hardships together. It is usually followed by a toast.
"A hundred years" – the Polish song for wishing someone a long life. Guests sing it to the couple, often more than once. You will pick up the tune by the second chorus.
"Bitter, bitter!" Guests chant it, usually after a toast, claiming the drink is bitter. The couple has to kiss to make it sweet. It can happen many times during the night.
A Polish wedding rarely ends with one dinner. Expect a main meal followed by hot courses served later in the evening and again after midnight, plus a cake and a dessert table. Pace yourself.
Vodka is a traditional part of many Polish weddings, though wine and cocktails are just as common now. Nobody minds if you toast with something else.
After the first dance, the dance floor opens and stays busy for hours. Polish guests of all ages dance – grandparents included. At many weddings a live band plays the first part of the night and a DJ takes over later.
A traditional part of the reception after midnight, originally marking the bride's passage to married life: the veil is removed and the couple throws the veil and tie. It used to include games for guests. Today, many couples keep it short and modern, or skip it entirely. If it happens, a good host will explain to international guests what is going on.
In many countries a wedding reception ends before midnight. In Poland it often lasts until 4 or 5 am. If you are a guest, plan your energy and transport. If you are the couple, mention it in the invitation or on your wedding website.
The day-after party. Typically a more relaxed gathering for close family and friends, with leftovers from the wedding, more music and plenty of stories from the night before.
The most common gift is money in a card, handed to the couple during the wishes after the ceremony. Many couples ask guests to bring wine, books or a charity donation instead of flowers.
At international weddings we host in English and Polish and briefly introduce each tradition, so every guest knows when to raise a glass, sing along or head to the dance floor. Read more about our bilingual wedding band service.
Usually until the early hours. A reception often starts in the late afternoon and goes on until 4 or 5 am, with several meals served through the night.
A traditional part of the reception after midnight, originally marking the bride's transition to married life. Today it is often short and modern, and many couples skip it.
'Bitter, bitter!' Guests chant it, often after a toast, until the couple kisses to 'sweeten' the drink.
Money in a card is the most common gift, often alongside flowers or a bottle of wine. Many couples also ask for small charity donations or books instead of flowers.
Read next
The music of a Polish wedding, step by step: from welcome toast to the last danceRead more → Planning an international wedding in Poland: music, hosting and traditionsRead more →