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Invited to a Hungarian wedding? These are the things you should be aware of
A wedding is one of the most special moments in a couple’s life. There are many customs and traditions associated with the big day. We have already introduced some of the old Hungarian traditions in our previous articles. Now we will get you acquainted with the typical schedule of a Hungarian wedding. So the next time you are invited to a Hungarian friend’s wedding, there will be no surprises.
In our article
First look photo session — 30-60 mins
If the couple does not want to risk postponing the photo shoot, they often schedule it for the very beginning of the event. This way you do not have to leave their guests during the reception.
Waiting for guests — 1 hour
This is when the guests arrive. The in-laws and distant relatives get to know each other a bit and have a chat before the ceremony and dinner. The bride does not attend this part so that she can be first seen in her dress at the ceremony. The groom and family welcome the guests. This can give the bride extra time to get ready.
Civil ceremony — 30-60 mins
Civil ceremonies are usually short at the Hungarian wedding. After saying ‘yes’ and exchanging the rings, the vows are also quintessential elements. However, things may vary. The officiant will prepare a personalised speech. Usually, the civil ceremony including the procession takes half an hour.
Church ceremony — 30-60 mins
A church ceremony is slightly longer than a civil ceremony. The length of the ceremony depends on the church and priest. It usually takes 40-50 minutes. This fact should be taken into consideration if you have to travel to a more remote location for each service.
Congratulations — 30-60 mins
The length of the congratulations depends mainly on the number of guests. It usually takes one and a half minutes per guest, family and couple. If there is no bridal dance at the Hungarian wedding, this is also the time for the presentation of gifts.
Photography — 1 hour
The length of the photo session also depends on the number of guests. The couple takes photos both with the entire crowd and in smaller groups. The newlyweds often divide the guests into pre-planned groups, and the master of ceremonies will assist the bride and groom in that.
Dinner plus games — 2-3 hours
During the Hungarian wedding dinner, all guests are seated and served various traditional dishes. Since there are different games for the couple during dinner, it is a good idea to combine these activities. Depending on the number of courses and games, you should allow 2-3 hours for this activity.
First dance — 15-30 minutes
The dance is usually a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes. However, after this the guests can dance with the wife and husband. The style of dance is a personal choice.
Cake — 30 mins
Cutting and dividing the cake takes at least half an hour. It is said that the member of the couple whose hand is higher up when cutting the first slice of cake will make all the decisions during the marriage. It can also extend the duration of the programme if the guests can choose from a selection of flavours when it is a multi-layer cake.
Bridesmaid dance — 30-60 mins
During the bride dance, everyone can invite the bride to dance. Usually, couples and families are asked to do it at the same time to speed up the process. Usually, if there is a large crowd of guests, the bride is not kept waiting for more than half a minute.
Midnight meal and party at a Hungarian wedding
This is no longer a compulsory programme. Some guests may leave earlier while others have specific diet restrictions. However, those who stay can expect the good times to roll on until dawn.
If you missed it:
Have you heard about these Hungarian wedding traditions?
FAQ: Hungarian wedding schedule and traditions
How long does a typical Hungarian wedding last?
A traditional Hungarian wedding usually lasts from early afternoon until late at night or even dawn. While the core programme (ceremonies, dinner, dances) takes around 8–10 hours, the celebration often continues with a midnight meal and party for those who stay.
How far in advance should you start planning a wedding in Hungary?
Most couples begin planning 9–12 months in advance, especially for spring and summer weddings, as popular venues and key service providers tend to book up early.
Is it common to have both a civil and a church ceremony in Hungary?
Yes. Many Hungarian couples choose to have both a civil and a church ceremony, often on the same day. The civil ceremony is legally required, while the church ceremony is optional and depends on personal or religious preferences.
What role does the master of ceremonies play at a Hungarian wedding?
In many Hungarian and Central European weddings, the master of ceremonies is responsible for guiding the programme, announcing key moments, coordinating guests, and keeping the schedule on track. Their role is especially important at larger or multilingual weddings.
When do guests usually give gifts at a Hungarian wedding?
Gifts are commonly given during the congratulations segment or, if there is a traditional bridesmaid (bride) dance, at that time. In modern weddings, monetary gifts are more typical than physical presents.
Is the midnight meal still a must at Hungarian weddings?
No. While the midnight meal is a well-known tradition, it is no longer obligatory. Some weddings skip it due to guest numbers, dietary needs, or scheduling, while others treat it as a relaxed continuation of the celebration.
Source:
The authoress of this article missed out two important aspects of a Hungarian wedding in Hungary. The food will be horrible and nearly everybody will be drunk.
Yep, agree with Kati. Also makes for a very long day with all the travelling about to different venues. Plus, not sure whether it’s just the family weddings we went to, but they love to say how many people attend. It’s a big family so it seems important for them to try and outdo each other! Think there’s a lot of jealousy involved.