I believe the most magical thing that happens on a wedding is that the couple’s family and friends get together to celebrate and wish them well in their new life. With the help, love and support, they surround the Bride and Groom in preparation for the biggest day of their lives…
Whilst similar rituals happen in each wedding, there are some differences in each country when it comes to celebrating “I do”.
My memories of my brother`s wedding which was around ten years ago still remains clear as it was just yesterday. As it was my first ever invitation to an English wedding, I was overwhelmed with excitement to see what the similarities and differences were between the Hungarian and the British traditions.
Invitation:
Traditionally in Hungary, the best man personally visits each guest and invites them. In the UK, we received an invitation with a rsvp card. I guess this makes more sense in our busy lives.
Location:
While British wedding venues are usually in hotels, the Hungarians must take place at a courthouse first. Some couples wish to follow it up with a church wedding and to tie the knot with a reception which can be organised wherever they like.
My brother`s wedding reception was in a school where the indoor physical education class usually happens.
Oh yeah!- and no seating plan, only for the top table.
Wedding hours:
Some of the weddings follow the Hungarian tradition where a large group of people are escorting the Bride and Groom to the courthouse or the church. Along the journey, some of the Groom`s friends would “kidnap” the Bride. The Groom has to rescue her before the ceremony. At least this was my experience from the first Hungarian wedding. Not to mention it all starts pretty early, from around sunrise..and finishing at dawn.
On the other hand, Mr&Mrs Wearden`s wedding took place in more suitable hours. We enjoyed a full British breakfast with plenty of time to get ready for the ceremony which started at 1 pm in the same hotel where we stayed overnight.
Finishing time for all the fun was around midnight.
Rolls:
This is the day where we celebrate a happy couple`s love.
Therefore, it is going to be filled with love, emotions and some
opening up speeches from the father of the bride, the Groom and the best man.
Besides, back in Hungary we do not have speeches.
Or even different rolls. Like maid of honour, best man etc.
However we have two witnesses one on the bride`s side and one on the groom`s.
Their role is to sign the register at the courthouse with the couple.
Possibly the most important person at the
wedding is the master of the ceremonies.(Vőfély) who is a professional. (usually not related to anyone at the wedding)
He (always) helps to make sure the day rolls smoothly, takes tasks, makes people laugh, and organise and set up games.
Yes! we have some really
naughty but funny games which have to be played by the bride and groom.
Food and Drink:
This part was the most surprising thing for me.
The wedding we attended not long ago had a three-course meal and later on a buffet. An open bar isn’t given in the Uk which
I get why…Hungarians love to treat themselves with food. Therefore large meals on the table with an open
bar on every wedding is a crucial thing. Probably, better for the guests than for the couple who pays 🙂
Gifts:
I did put a good amount of time and effort to create the perfect wedding gift for a lovely couple. It was my first wedding
gift I have ever done as we do not give boxed gifts. Our tradition is about a game.
This is how it works: Each male guest (nowadays girls also) queue up and drop some big cash into a pot, and then they are allowed to dance with the bride for a short amount time. Why do we have this game? It helps the couple to start their new life
together in their first home or either pay for their honeymoon.
The feeling of this beautiful day hasn’t reduced even slightly. People still talk about it, sharing photos, and telling each other
about their day at the Villa.(including me).
Summarizing this experience at my boyfriend`s sister wedding(Becky) with one word would
be hard.I stepped in front of the family with mixed feelings. I had fear because of their opinion of me, but I also had an open heart with full of love for them! I enjoyed belonging to a family even if it was for a short time, as my family are so far from me.
Now I know that the next time I attend a British wedding to make sure I take some tissues and wear waterproof mascara as they are filled with romance and concentrate on sensitive touches.
Thank you once again for having us Mr&Mrs Wearden! Wishing you all the love, health and happiness for your new adventure.
