Americanized traditional Slovak wedding (Reading, Pittston: weddings, retired, best)

[ktheakston]

My fiancee and would like to do a somewhat traditional Slovak wedding in '08.He's pureblood and I think it would be a funtime for all. Looking for a dress pattern,ceremony,preacher,general info and....yes, a polka band.

[I LOVE PA!]

Hey, I think this sounds like a great idea! I am of the slovak decent, sorry I don't have any dieas but I wish you all the luck! I think the polka band sounds GREAT! God Bless and good luck!

[PAman]

Depending on where you are, you may be able to find a slovak church, if you need a priest who can speak it, that may cause a bit of a bind, but there's gotta be one out there somewhere in pennsylvania, even if hes a retired one. Polka bands? You are certainly in the right state for one of those. Be careful though, many of the bands in PA are of the "polish" style(YES, there are different styles, believe it or not, if you need more info on a polka band, PM me,because I can probably direct you in the way of several good bands who play the "slovak style", it also seems like plenty of other people around here on the forum are polish or german or the european like and may be able to help you, i wont waste forum space with my polka and heritage interests unless people ask me to).

[Baltic_Celt]

This wedding resource site should give you some info, as well: Weddings and wedding planning! Wedding dresses, engagement rings, wedding cakes and more., with all sorts of local resources.

Congratulations & good luck... VV

[Bagldot]

I have the name of a Slovak Priest - I'll send to you in a PM, so please check.

What part of Pennsyvlania are you in?

[South Range Family]

A slovak wedding? All you need is Stuffed cabbage, pyrohi, haluski, and lots of beer. Send me an invitation.

[HomeAgainInWestPittston]

I always loved the Bridal Dance. In my family, the mother of the bride removed the brides veil and the mother-in-law ties on her babushka in its place, signifying she's a married woman now.

The Maid of Honor sits in a chair and collects money for dances with the bride. As yopu are finished dancing, you form a circle aroun the bride. When all are done, the groom (who was removed fromt he room) is allowed back in and has to try to break through the crowd to get to the bride. Only after he throws his wallet into the apron (signifying - it's all hers anyway) is he allowd to take his bride away.

I've seen those dances get pretty rough at the end - especially if all the guys have had more brew-shkies than halushkies.

It's great fun though. Best wishes on your upcomming marriage.


Linda

[Bagldot]

I love that too!!! I tried to convince my folks that I wanted that at my wedding, (I'm 75% Slovak), but being as the wedding was in NJ, they didn't think the Jersey crowd would understand it

[KatWag]

I was married in a Slovak church in Reading. Saints Cyril and Methodius on South 6th Street.

I think your wedding plans sound great. When I was a little girl, mass was in Slovak every morning and several masses on Sunday. But as the older generation passed on it seemed like fewer and fewer spoke the language.

Best of luck to you. I hope you have a wonderful wedding.

[dullnboring]

Originally Posted by HomeAgainInWestPittston

I always loved the Bridal Dance. In my family, the mother of the bride removed the brides veil and the mother-in-law ties on her babushka in its place, signifying she's a married woman now.

The Maid of Honor sits in a chair and collects money for dances with the bride. As yopu are finished dancing, you form a circle aroun the bride. When all are done, the groom (who was removed fromt he room) is allowed back in and has to try to break through the crowd to get to the bride. Only after he throws his wallet into the apron (signifying - it's all hers anyway) is he allowd to take his bride away.

I've seen those dances get pretty rough at the end - especially if all the guys have had more brew-shkies than halushkies.

Whoa! Childhood flashback!

I went to a wedding in Northern Cambria (called Spangler at the time) an area where I have lots of family) when I was a little kid and remember these things (minus the babushka, though that may have happened too) and just assuming all weddings were like this considering this was the first wedding I ever went to. I have a question though. Is this a Slovak tradition or a Polish one? I had always been under the impression that the wedding I went to was a Polish one but I could have very well been wrong.