The Toasts Never Stop 🍾🥂

If you think one toast is enough, think again. Slovak weddings involve a lot of toasting – to love, to happiness, to family, to guests, to the bartender, to the guy who made the cake… you get the point.

Your role? When in doubt, raise your glass and say Na zdravie! (which means “Cheers!”).

Wedding Shots – You Probably Won't Remember How Many You Had 🥃

Slovak weddings are famous for rounds and rounds of shots, often filled with homemade slivovica (plum brandy). Hosts take great pride in ensuring every guest enjoys traditional Slovak hospitality, which means…

• If you finish your shot, another one appears.
• If you say “No, thanks,” you might hear: "Ale veď len jeden! Na zdravie!" (Translation: "Come on, just one! Cheers!")
• If you survive, congratulations – you're now an honorary Slovak.

The Breaking of the Plate 🥄

Right after the ceremony, and after the congratulations the newlyweds will smash a plate on the ground – not because they're clumsy, but because it's a Slovak wedding tradition. The couple must then work together to clean it up, symbolizing cooperation in marriage.

Your role? Clap and cheer like they just won the lottery. And don't be surprised if you see some guests kicking the shards around just to make sure the newlyweds have a bit more "teamwork practice." 😉

The Kissing Tradition – Because One Kiss Is Never Enough! 💋

At a Slovak wedding, guests love to demand kisses from the newlyweds – and they have multiple ways to make it happen!
During dinner, don't be surprised if you hear glasses clinking or someone dramatically shouting: 🗣️ “Polievka je málo slaná, nevesta je nebozkána!” (Translation: "The soup is not salty enough – the bride hasn't been kissed yet!")
Both mean the same thing: time for the newlyweds to kiss – again. This can (and will) happen multiple times, so they better be ready for some impromptu romance!

Your role? If you want to join in, tap your glass or shout the phrase – and watch the magic happen! 💋

The Bride's Official Transformation – Čepčenie 👰🪻

At 23:00, the bride will go through a traditional Slovak ritual called Čepčenie – a quite emotional moment where she officially becomes a wife.
The Čepčenie at our wedding comes from the Liptov region (Anna's home) and is performed only with singing, no music. Folklore is a big part of Slovak history, and this ceremony is one of the most moving moments of a wedding. It will be even more special because the person leading the ceremony and symbolically "cutting off" the bride's maidenhood will be her best friend, Ivana.
But wait, it doesn't end there!
Right after Čepčenie, a traditional wedding dance follows. Everyone will form a big circle around the bride and groom. One by one, guests will take turns dancing with the newlyweds.
There are no rules about who goes next – you simply jump into the circle and "steal" the bride from the previous dancer (if you're a man) or the groom (if you're a woman). It's a fun, chaotic, and energetic dance, so don't be shy – just jump in and go with the flow! The dance is set to traditional Slovak folk music, so expect fast rhythms, twirling, and lots of laughter.

Your role?

• Join the circle and steal a dance with the bride or groom!
• Don't overthink it – there's no order, just jump in when you feel ready.
• Enjoy this unique tradition and experience a true Slovak wedding moment!

The Party Never Ends 🎉

Slovak weddings don't just end until sunrise. They go on all night. Expect more food at midnight, and dancing until the sun comes up.

Your role? Don't leave too early UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!