Most people are accustomed to how Polish weddings go. Although it might seem normal to some, they can indeed be quite intense. The fact that they can last a good twelve hours or more can be overwhelming for some. After all, this isn't common everywhere. Add to this the kilograms of food laid out on the tables, wild dancing until dawn, and the alcohol that often flows freely. Let’s not forget the emotions that accompany the day for both the newlyweds and their guests.
How to Survive a Polish Wedding? "They're Hardcore. Be Prepared!"
It's no surprise that a small guide on how to survive a Polish wedding, especially for foreigners, has been created. A handful of tips were recently shared on Pat Pisarski's Instagram profile. The author mentions not only the wedding itself but also how to prepare physically. However, it's not about training.
Here are five tips on how to survive a Polish wedding. And the word 'survive' is key here because Polish weddings are hardcore. Be prepared!
- said Pat at the beginning.
How to Survive a Polish Wedding? "Learn to Drink Like a Pole"
Get Some Sleep: Weddings last until 4 or 5 in the morning, and you'll be dancing all night. So, make sure you have the energy for it.
Introduce Yourself: If you don't speak Polish and find yourself among Poles, you’ll need to explain yourself. If someone is your age or younger, you can say: "Hi, I’m Pat. I don’t speak Polish. Nice to meet you". If someone is older, you need to show respect, so say it like this: "Good day. My name is Pat. I don’t speak Polish. Nice to meet you".
Learn to Drink Like a Pole: The most important phrase you need to know is "na zdrowie" (cheers). I have two more tips here. First, pace yourself, trust me! And second, if you don’t drink, say you’re on medication or driving. For Poles, drinking together is an opportunity to bond.
Make Friends with Uncles and Brothers-in-Law: Soon enough, you’ll all be speaking the same language.
Bring a Gift for the Hosts: A decent bottle of whisky or a tin of cookies or chocolates will work. Traditionally, people also bring an envelope with money to cover the cost of food, drinks, accommodation, etc.
In the comments, other foreigners who have experienced Polish weddings shared more tips. Some agreed with the author’s suggestions. Others pointed out that "if you don’t want to drink, don’t. Poles are not animals". It's worth adding that weddings with minimal or lower-strength alcohol, such as wine, drinks, or beer, and even completely non-alcoholic weddings are becoming increasingly popular.
