Wedding Traditions

Question

Dress Code

Answer

Hungarian weddings are a formal affair, so get ready to show us your best dress, or suit! We won't hold it against those who bring an extra pair of kicks to throw on once the party gets started!

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The Red Dress

Answer

When the clock strikes midnight, the bride is whipped away for a quick wardrobe change into into a traditional outfit known as “the red dress” or menyecske ruha, signalling her life as a “new woman” - ready to get the party started!

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The Money Dance

Answer

After the wardrobe change comes the bridal dance, also known as the “money dance” or menyecsketánc in Hungary, is a long-standing Hungarian wedding tradition, involving everyone at the party. Traditionally, this is where the groom would announce that the bride is 'for sale' and collect money in a cauldron or bucket from guests willing to “pay” for the privilege of dancing with the bride (usually only for a few seconds of spinning her around). The last to dance with the bride would be the groom. Traditionally, this was a way of providing the couple money for their new life, but nowadays, it is more symbolic but always a highlight of any Hungarian wedding. So keep some spare change in your pockets and get your dancing shoes ready!

Question

Midnight breakfast

Answer

Hungarian weddings are an all night affair with lots of dancing and music. To give you that extra energy to keep going into the night, there is traditionally a “midnight breakfast” served in the wee hours of Hungarian stuffed cabbage (töltött káposzta). If you didn’t get enough to eat during the reception, here’s your chance to make up for it.

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Ceilidh

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While not a typical Hungarian tradition, we will be sharing our love of Ceilidhs with you, having both had special memories of it during our time in Glasgow, Scotland. Rooted in Gaelic culture, the term "ceilidh" means "social gathering" whereby people of all ages and backgrounds are brought together for an evening of spirited dance and entertainment. Don't worry if you're not familiar with the steps, you'll be guided the whole way! So, dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for an evening of laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.