Wedding - Tradition

Usually before the wedding polish grooms and brides take part in a bachelor or hen party. The groom and his friends usually visit a few pubs and have some drinks. The bride and her fiends typically either go out or stay in her house for a session of drinks or light meals.

A wedding ceremony might take place either in a church (religious) or in the magistrate (civil wedding). Nowadays most couples decide for concordat wedding - the Catholic wedding ceremony, which includes also the civil ceremony.

The marriage is usually celebrated in Saturday afternoon. The groom comes to take the bride to the church; he is accompanied by his parents and his witness. The grooms are blessed by parents - according to tradition they receive the permission from them and are told about the responsibilities of the marriage. Then the grooms, parents and witnesses leave for the church where the other relatives and friends are waiting. In the past bride was led by her father, nowadays the young couple usually goes to the altar together. The grooms say themselves "I do", exchange alliances and rings. After the ceremony the grooms receive best wishes and flowers (sometimes gifts).

Before they go to the party room the guests throw the rice on them (sometimes coins which must be gathered by the grooms) - it is the custom that must bring them prosperity.

Then the grooms go to the photographer and the guests go to the party. When the grooms come back they are welcomed at the door by their parents with bread – the traditions says that the parents are hoping that their children will never hunger or be in need and with the salt - they are reminding the couple that their life may be difficult at times, and they must learn to cope with life's struggles.

The champagne is served, the guest sing the popular song "Sto lat" ("May you live one hundred years"). Everyone proceed to the tables. At the beginning some hot dishes are served. The party begins after grooms’ “first dance”. It is generally leaded by a professional organizer and the live music is played by the band.

At midnight, it is time to take off the bride’s veil, which signifying the end of her maidenhood and her transition to a married woman. The unmarried young women gather in circle and dance around. The bride having eyes closed throws the veil when music stops. The girl who will catch the veil is the one who should get married soon. According to tradition the groom throws his tie. Then the wedding cake arrives and the couple cut together the first part. The party continuous, it finishes in the morning. The guests go home to sleep for a while and come back at late afternoon for dinner.

After the party the young couple goes for their honeymoon.

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