The Ultimate Guide To Polish Wedding Vodka

Polish weddings are known for their festivities, including endless vodka shots, games, music, and dancing. One of the most iconic traditions is the vodka ceremony, where two shot glasses, one filled with vodka and the other with water, are presented to the newlyweds. They must choose their glass, with the premise being that whoever drinks the vodka will be the leader in the marriage. This ritual is often accompanied by bread and salt, symbolising prosperity and the bitterness to come. While the specific brands may vary, from Zubrowka to Krupnik, the abundance of vodka is a staple at Polish weddings, contributing to the lively and joyous atmosphere.

Choosing a vodka brand

Price and Taste:

Firstly, determine your budget. Vodka can range from inexpensive to premium options, and the price doesn't always reflect the quality. Some people argue that it's difficult to distinguish between "cheap" and "nice" vodka, so choosing a well-known, mid-priced brand can be a safe bet. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, Smirnoff, New Amsterdam, Seagram's, and Burnett's are popular choices. However, some commenters disagree with Smirnoff, suggesting that it's not a good choice due to its taste and the hangover it may cause.

Mid-Range Options:

If you're willing to spend a little more, there are several mid-range options that offer good value for money. Tito's, Absolut, Skyy, and Finlandia are recommended by vodka drinkers and are known for their smoothness and taste. These brands are widely available and offer a good balance between quality and price.

Premium Choices:

If budget is not a constraint and you want to indulge in a premium vodka, there are some elegant choices. Ketel One, Grey Goose, and Belvedere are considered top-notch options by bartenders and vodka enthusiasts. These vodkas are known for their smoothness, refined taste, and quality. While they come at a higher price point, they can elevate your wedding drinks and are worth considering if you want to treat your guests to something special.

Guest Preferences:

It's also important to consider the preferences of your guests. If you know that some of your guests are vodka enthusiasts, you might want to opt for a higher-end brand. On the other hand, if your guests are not regular vodka drinkers, a mid-priced option might be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the overall drink preferences of your guests. If they tend to prefer cocktails, mixed drinks, or drinking vodka with soda, a versatile mid-range vodka might be the best choice.

Amount Needed:

Lastly, consider the quantity you will need. Calculate the expected number of guests and their average consumption. You don't want to run out of vodka during the celebration, so it's advisable to buy more than you think you'll need. Vodka is often the first liquor to run out, so it's wise to purchase a larger quantity of this spirit.

The vodka ceremony

The ceremony involves filling two shot glasses with vodka and water before the wedding ceremony begins. This is done out of view of the couple and their guests, so no one knows which shot glass contains which liquid. At the end of the ceremony, the glasses are presented to the couple, and the premise of the game is explained: whoever drinks the vodka will be the leader in the marriage. The glasses are shuffled, and the couple chooses a glass. Their friends and family count them down, and they down the contents. The drinks' effects give away who chose vodka immediately.

This ceremony is a great photo opportunity and can be adapted by switching out the vodka for gin, white rum, tequila, or any other clear liquid.

Drinking etiquette

When the newlyweds arrive at the reception venue, they are welcomed by their parents with bread, salt, and two shots of vodka. The couple must drink the vodka in one go and throw the glasses behind their backs. If the glasses break, it is a sign that the couple will have a long and happy life together.

During the meal, alcohol is not usually consumed, but once the main course is finished, vodka is brought out. Each table setting typically includes a small shot glass, and the table is set with a large bottle of vodka, which will be frequently replaced throughout the night. It is customary to take shots together and participate in toasts, such as "gorzko, gorzko, gorzko" ("bitter, bitter, bitter"), which calls for the bride and groom to kiss.

It is important to note that drinking is a significant part of the celebration, and guests will be expected to drink vodka throughout the night. If you do not wish to drink, it is advisable to have a good excuse, such as pregnancy. The pressure to drink can be intense, and it is considered part of the bonding experience.

To help with the absorption of alcohol, it is customary to eat fatty foods, such as Polish tapas, which are served after the main course. These small snacks, like pork lard or herring, are perfect for accompanying vodka and will help you stay sober longer.

The second day of the wedding, or "Poprawiny", is less formal, but drinking continues with more vodka or beer. It is customary to drink on the second day to "correct" or "improve" upon the previous day's festivities.

Food pairings

Food is a central part of a Polish wedding. The wedding party starts with a dinner, with the first course being a broth, typically rosół, a traditional Polish chicken noodle soup. The second course consists of various meats and potatoes. After the main course, servers bring out endless side dishes and tapas, including potato salads, kopytka (similar to Polish gnocchi), herring, pickles, green salads, meat rolls, and more.

The food served at Polish weddings is typically very fatty, with dishes like pork lard or herring. This is intentional, as the fat helps guests pace themselves with the large quantity of vodka consumed throughout the celebration.

In addition to the main dinner, guests will also find a beautifully decorated table with various breads, traditional meats such as kabanosy (cured jerky sticks), sliced meats, meat and vegetable pieces in a clear gelatin mold, smalec (a fatty lard spread), butter, nuts, fresh fruit, and more.

At midnight, a giant tray holding a flaming wild pig is brought out. The fire is extinguished with a natural extinguisher, and the meat is sliced into large pieces for guests to enjoy.

Around 1 or 2 am, a warm cup of red borscht (barszcz czerwone) is served with a small croquette on the side.

On the second day of the wedding, poprawiny, guests are served yet another meal, starting again with soup, followed by more meat, potatoes, and side dishes.

Post-wedding celebrations

The second day of celebrations includes more vodka drinking, as well as beer. Guests are served another meal, starting with soup, followed by more meat and potatoes, and other side dishes. There is also more dancing, with guests feeling more relaxed and comfortable after having interacted with other guests the day before.

The post-wedding celebrations also include games and activities such as musical chairs, the removal of the garter, and hoisting the groom on the shoulders and throwing him into the air. At midnight, there is often another special ceremony called "oczpeny", which is a rite of passage for the bride. During this ceremony, the bride's mother or the bride herself removes the wedding veil, cuts the bride's hair, and places a special wedding cap on her head, symbolizing her new role as a wife and homemaker. This is followed by more games and competitions that last well into the next morning.

Polish wedding celebrations are known for their abundance of food and drinks, lively music, and joyful atmosphere. The post-wedding celebrations on the second day continue the festivities, allowing guests to further enjoy the couple's special day and create lasting memories.

Frequently asked questions