Highlander Wedding in Poland – not only in the mountains, not only for highlanders

Highland Wedding – A Celebration of Tradition, Music and Heart

Do you love the mountains and dream of a wedding filled with colour, music, laughter and authentic tradition? Maybe one of you has roots in the Tatra region and wants to honour that by throwing a wedding full of highland folklore? Whether you’re from Podhale, the lowlands or abroad – a Góralskie Wesele (Highland Wedding) can be brought to life almost anywhere. All you need is passion, a solid plan, and… a proper highlander band!

Highland music – the heartbeat of the wedding

Music is the heartbeat of any wedding – but in a highland one, it’s even more than that. A góralska kapela (highlander band) isn’t just there to play; they’re tradition-keepers, entertainers and storytellers rolled into one. Their fiddles play in perfect fifths, and their singing will have your guests dancing – and tearing up – within moments.

A good band accompanies the couple from the parental blessing all the way through to the final day of the celebration. They lead games, sing humorous folk songs and invite everyone to join in. The best bands blend traditional melodies with a modern twist, keeping things authentic yet exciting.

Highland-inspired decorations

You don’t need a wooden chalet in the mountains to feel the highland spirit – you just need the right decor and atmosphere. Think Zakopane-style patterns, embroidered fabrics, and natural textures. Some charming touches include:

• wooden benches and tables,
• sheepskin throws,
• wildflowers in jugs,
• lace and folk-embroidered tablecloths,
• lanterns and candles.

Want to go further? Skip the sweet table and serve a spread of oscypek cheese and regional treats instead. And if the weather’s kind, why not take the celebration outdoors – under a timber shelter or by a bonfire?

Traditional highlander wedding outfits

If you’re planning a highland wedding, the outfits are more than just costumes – they’re symbols of identity and pride. The bride can wear a white dress with regional embroidery, or go full folk with a floral skirt, white blouse and hand-sewn corset.

Complete the look with a flower crown, red coral beads and traditional kierpce shoes. During the cepiny (a key moment in the wedding), the crown is replaced with a scarf – marking the bride’s symbolic transition.

The groom typically wears a white shirt, embroidered woollen trousers, and a feathered hat – which later becomes a key part of the wedding games.

Guests are welcome to go full folk, but even a small touch – a red shawl, a string of beads, or a highland hat – helps create a vibrant, unforgettable atmosphere.

Highland wedding customs

This is where the real magic happens. A Highland Wedding is a multi-day celebration full of unique rituals. Some highlights:

• Wypytowiny – a humorous, moralising speech by the best man before the couple confirms they’re ready for marriage. Expect jokes and teasing questions.
• Blessing by the parents – a touching moment full of symbolism and prayer.
• Separate journeys to the church – the couple travels separately and only appears together at the wedding, ideally arriving by carriage (and maybe being cheekily stopped by friends at “bridal gates”).
• Cepiny – the bride’s flower crown is replaced with a scarf, and the groom “loses” the feather from his hat, which he must buy back from the bridesmaids.
• Drużbiarsko gościna – a special party just for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, usually held after the main celebration.

All of this takes place to the sound of folk songs – it’s worth handing out songbooks to guests unfamiliar with them. In winter, add a torch-lit sleigh ride; in summer, maybe a scenic horse and carriage journey through the countryside.

Highland flavours – rustic, hearty, unforgettable

The food at a highland wedding tells its own story. Think generous portions, local flavours and no-nonsense comfort. Must-haves include:

• sour cabbage soup with ribs (kwaśnica),
• grilled oscypek cheese with cranberry,
• homemade lard with onion,
• roast piglet,
• potatoes with sour milk,
• freshly baked bread,
• and of course – plum brandy (śliwowica) and regional liqueurs.

This rustic menu leaves a lasting impression – often more so than fancy fusion dishes.

Highland Wedding – raw joy, true tradition

A Highland Wedding isn’t just a theme – it’s an experience. You can’t fake it halfway – you have to dive in with your whole heart. It’s pure joy, wild spirit and deep-rooted tradition, shared by everyone present, from the first folk tune to the final toast.

Even if you’re miles away from the mountains, you can still capture that soul – with honesty, openness to tradition and love for the culture. That’s all it takes.

Planning a Highland Wedding from abroad? You don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re living overseas or planning a multicultural celebration, working with an experienced Polish wedding planner can make all the difference. With local knowledge, trusted vendors and a feel for both tradition and international standards, a planner helps you bring your dream wedding to life – smoothly and stress-free.

You’ll get expert help navigating the cultural details, coordinating logistics, and creating a celebration that feels meaningful for you and your guests, no matter where you’re from.

Dreaming of a wedding with soul – filled with highlander charm and unforgettable moments?
Let’s talk – and make it happen, wherever you are.

Keywords: highlander wedding, highlander customs, wedding in the mountains, wedding planning in Zakopane