The Ultimate Guide to Polish Wedding
Are you dreaming of an unforgettable event that leaves all your wedding guests in awe? Would you like to see tables full of delicious food, an open bar included in the price, and a dance floor full until dawn? Brides and grooms invest a lot of time and effort to ensure that everyone talks about their special day for years to come. Imagine your family and friends remembering Polish wedding traditions such as the welcome with bread and salt, the afterparty on the second day, the strong taste of vodka, and Polish chicken soup that cures hangover. Perhaps a traditional highland band would be more to your taste? Or games that will make everyone participate and laugh?
Some wedding traditions are universal, such as a toast and speeches, throwing a veil or a bouquet to a crowd of single women, or a sophisticated wedding cake that the bride and groom slice together. The bride looks dazzling in a wedding dress when walking down the aisle with her father – who does not dream of that? Poland may not seem an obvious destination for a wedding or 'wesele’, as the Polish call it, but with the great outdoors, elegant venues, and still competitive prices, you may give it a go!
Do I really want to have a traditional Polish wedding party?
That is totally up to you! Your guests may be served traditional Polish pork chops, herring, and pierogi, but you may stick to the menu you and your wedding guests are more used to. The venues in Poland will cater to all tastes and budgets, and you can have modern fusion cuisine in a romantic manor house. It is crucial that the newlyweds are happy, and the patrons will go the extra mile to make it happen.
If you wonder whether the wedding reception will meet your English-speaking guests’ expectations, rest assured – the level of English literacy in Poland is very high. There are English-speaking wedding planners, DJs, and a certified translator who will ensure that all paperwork is in order at the Registry Office and that your wedding ceremony will be understood by all.
And there is an important part of many couples’ wedding plans – money. On average, a wedding in Poland costs between GBP 10k-20k, and that includes five meals, a band or DJ, a photographer, drinks for everyone, decorations, car hire, official fees, etc. So why not give it a serious thought?
How to organise a wedding ceremony in Poland?
Find a venue
There are hundreds of amazing venues, and you need to navigate your way through them. The bride and groom may have something specific in mind. If you have been dreaming of a princess-style wedding, go for a stately house. If you love the views, choose a place on top of the mountain, such as Dwór Skibówki in Ustroń or Karolowy Dwór in Wisła. If you prefer to stay close to an airport, perhaps a place such Reyterada near Rzeszów may be ideal.
Find a band or a DJ
No wedding experience is complete without music. It is a make it or break it of any wedding wherever you are, so you need to choose wisely. If you opt for a live band, make sure they have a repertoire in English. It may be wise to give them a list of your songs in advance. You may also opt for a DJ who will be able to provide the latest hits as well as the old favourites. It works perfectly when the DJ is also a Master of Ceremonies who will help you to entertain the guests, will help you stick to the agenda (with traditional Polish food being served every two hours, this skill may come in handy), and will be a go-to person for all questions and issues. DJ Rafał has extensive experience in helping English-speaking brides and grooms to ensure everybody has a fantastic time.
Paperwork
Once you have the venue and music booked, make sure you let the local Registry Office know. A Saturday in the summer may be a busy one for the Registrar, so book early to get the best slot. It is particularly important if the marriage ceremony takes place outside the local town hall. A month before the wedding, the bride and groom must go to the Registry Office and present all necessary documents, such as the certificates of birth and certificates of no impediment. All paperwork must bear the official seal of a certified translator and interpreter – otherwise, the official will not be able to process it. Some Registrars require the presence of a sworn translator, as they are called in Poland during the visit and at the ceremony. It may seem over the top, but the Registrar must ensure the marriage is legal and valid. You can find a list of translators on the website of the Polish Ministry of Justice.
Conclusion
Whether you choose typical Polish traditions or stick with the more familiar ones, it is a fact that wedding parties in Poland are unforgettable. It may seem like a challenge to survive a Polish wedding, but it will certainly be an event to remember.
What next?
Serving as an interpreter and witnessing two people promising to love and care for each other for the rest of their life is a true privilege. As I live in the mountains, it also comes with an amazing view. If you are looking for a great place for your wedding, I am happy to help you to organise it. Please drop me an email to dorotawalker@gmail.com or arrange a video call.
Article for information purposes.