Planning your wedding in Poland? Whether you're a local bride or an international couple enchanted by Polish charm, welcome to a world where centuries-old beliefs still sneak their way into your perfectly curated Pinterest board. Yes, we're talking about wedding superstitions — the good, the weird, and the ones your babcia will insist on (with a knowing look).
Here’s your essential guide to the most-loved, still-followed Polish wedding traditions and superstitions — with a few modern twists and giggles along the way.
💍 Marry in a Month with an “R” (Avoid May at All Costs!)
It’s not just a saying — it’s gospel in many Polish families. Marry in a month with the letter “R” (like marzec, czerwiec, wrzesień) and you’re set for happiness. But May? Big no-no. In Polish culture, May is considered cursed for weddings. Even planners will quietly nod and say, “It’s not the best idea…”
💡 Tradition Hack: September (wrzesień) is a top pick — golden leaves, cozy vibes, and a calendar-approved “R”.
👀 The Groom Shouldn’t See the Bride… or Her Shoes!
Sure, the “no peeking at the dress” rule is global. But in Poland, some grandmas go further — the groom shouldn’t see the bride’s shoes either. It’s believed she might “run away” if he does. Superstitious? Maybe. Hilarious? Definitely.
👠 Fun twist: Leave the shoes a surprise. Add a secret message or wedding date under the sole for a sweet reveal later.
🌧️ Rain on Your Wedding Day? You Lucky Thing.
Polish wisdom says: Rain means wealth and a fresh emotional cleanse. So if your perfect outdoor ceremony meets a drizzle, don’t panic — it’s tradition working in your favor.
☂️ Pro tip: Bring a chic transparent umbrella. Bonus: those moody rain-kissed photos? Stunning.
🥖 Bread, Salt & Vodka – The Polish Welcome Trio
This isn’t just hospitality — it’s deeply symbolic. After the ceremony, parents welcome the couple with bread (prosperity), salt (life’s challenges), and vodka (joy, obviously).
Then comes the ultimate test: one shot is water, the other is vodka. Whoever gets vodka “rules the house”. Cue gasps, giggles, and maybe some gentle cheating…
🎉 Tradition Level: 100/100. Still present at most Polish weddings today.
💰 Let It Rain (Coins, Not Confetti)
Instead of rice or petals, guests shower the newlyweds with coins for luck and fortune. It turns the venue steps into a mini treasure hunt — with kids often racing to “help” collect them.
🪙 Modern twist: Use personalized wedding coins with your initials. They're cute, meaningful, and a great photo-op!
👡 Left Shoe Magic: Coin of Fortune
The bride should tuck a coin in her left shoe — for lifelong financial luck. Whether it’s a 1 grosz or a lucky silver piece, it’s a beloved old-school charm.
💡 Quick Tip: Secure it with tape or insole. Rich in luck, not in blisters.
💥 Glass Breaking Ceremony – Loud, Proud, Lucky
After the bread and vodka, the couple smashes their glasses behind them. The number of shards = number of happy years. So yes, go big — but watch your aim.
🚫 Plastic cups don’t count. This one’s all about drama (and sweeping up afterward).
🎭 Oczepiny: Midnight Madness & Veil Farewell
At midnight, the bride’s veil is removed — symbolizing her transition from miss to missus. Enter: oczepiny, a wild hour of games, contests, and surprise performances.
🪩 Want a modern vibe? Swap awkward games for a flash mob or heartfelt speeches. Keep the energy, lose the cringe.
📅 Day of the Week: Yes, It Matters!
Pick your date wisely:
- Monday – Health
- Tuesday – Wealth
- Wednesday – The Best Day (seriously)
- Thursday – Losses
- Friday – Sufferings
- Saturday – Common but “meh”
- Sunday – Traditionally reserved for church, not parties
🔥 Planning rebels love Wednesday weddings. Venues are cheaper, vibes are better, and traditions say it’s the luckiest.
🔴 Red Underwear? You Bet.
According to an old belief, red underwear protects against bad luck and the evil eye, especially for the bride. Bonus: it symbolizes passion and fire.
❤️ It’s your little wedding day secret — bold, lucky, and very cheeky.
🎁 Bonus: A Real Couple’s Twist
Last fall, I photographed Kasia and Tomek’s wedding near Gdańsk. They followed every superstition to the letter — down to the veil swap and the shoe coin. Did it rain? Yep. Did they care? Not at all. Their umbrella photos are now framed in their home. They swear the old magic worked.
FAQ: Polish Wedding Superstitions
Is it really bad luck to marry in May in Poland?
Yes — many Poles still believe May weddings bring misfortune.
Why do couples throw coins or break glasses?
Coins symbolize prosperity; broken glass = years of happiness.
Should I wear red underwear on my wedding day?
If you’re superstitious (or just into tradition), yes. It’s said to protect and bless the marriage.
Final Thought
You don’t have to follow every tradition — but sprinkling in a few can make your Polish wedding feel timeless, meaningful, and full of love. Besides, who wouldn’t want a lucky coin in their shoe or a battle over vodka shots?
Whether you’re planning your big day in a rustic Polish village or a rooftop in Warsaw, these old beliefs are here to bless your new chapter — or at least give your guests something to talk about.
Let's Capture the Magic (and the Madness)
Whether you're throwing coins or dodging May weddings, your story deserves to be captured with all its quirks and beauty. I’m a wedding photographer who lives for emotion, tradition, and wild dance floors at midnight.
📸 See real wedding stories in my portfolio
💍 Explore tailored photo packages for your day
📬 Let’s plan something unforgettable together
Let’s create wedding art that dances between superstition and soul.
Share this story
