The document summarizes key aspects of traditional Polish weddings. It describes the attire of the bride and groom, with the bride wearing a white wedding gown and the groom in a black suit. It notes that weddings are an important event for Polish families. Traditional weddings involve extensive preparations, including custom clothing, wedding rings, renting a venue, hiring a band, and more. Key events include a civil ceremony, church ceremony, exchanging of rings and vows, and a reception called a "wesele," where toasts are made and dancing occurs into the night.
2. WEDDING’S DRESS
The young and beautiful bride all dressed in a white tailor-made
wedding gown. The handsome bridegroom, acting a bit awkward "- t's
his first wedding, after all - dressed in a black suit, complemented by
the white, starched shirt with an exciting bow-tie. Just look at those
highly polished expensive leather shoes, worn for the first time, to
appreciate the gravity of the event!
3. A wedding is on occasion cherished by the Polish families - for many
Dads and Mums being the peak of their parenthood. Who would
believe that the little Kate that used to sit on her Dad's knees and play
with his moustache, and the plump William, that used to collect
butterflies and pin them on the walls, annoying his mother, are now
getting married.
4. Still, a vast majority of Poles will chose a traditional wedding with
long preparations including the tailor-made clothes for the bride's and
the groom, the golden wedding rings, renting of a suitable venue, an
expensive menu, completed often by an especially hired music band.
5. There is also a white limousine or even a horse carriage followed by a
number of less expensive vehicles filled with family and friends taking
the young couple to the civil ceremony. The visit to the church follows
where, what is perceived as the "real marriage" takes place. Wedding
vows are read by the priest: "Do you, Kate, take William, for your
wedded wife?" It is an exalted moment, and saying no is not an option.
6. Once the rings are exchanged, a kiss seals the holy union, while the
family and the friends cheer. Once the priest receives his reward, the
now officially married couple moves with their following to the place
where the real fun, the wedding reception and the wedding party takes
place. The Polish name for this event is "wesele," which can be roughly
translated as a "happy occasion," which it is for some,
if not for all.
7. The bride and the bridegroom reside behind the table, the guests
depending on their relation to the family and their importance are being
seated. The food is already waiting, but before that, it is time for the
traditional kiss delivered by the young couple. The guests holding their
glasses filled with cold champagne intone "Bitter, bitter" indicating that the
taste is not up to the standards until they see the groom kiss the bride.
Once this is done, the room erupts in cheer and laughter.
Now the real fun can begin.
8. The traditional toasts follow. Eating and drinking continues
throughout the evening interrupted by an occasional, drunk choir.
As a rule, the Poles do not have a very big song repertoire, and for
some reason, it consists mostly of outdated folk songs that most of
them know since childhood.
9. The temperature is rising. The band starts to play Polish favorites..
If you want, you can ask the band to play a song of your choice, but
it will cost you. The young couple starts the first dance and the rest
follows. The choice of music is fairly eclectic, depending on the
band's repertoire and the wishes of the family.