This Polish Wedding Toast Predicts Who Wears the Pants in Your Marriage

This Polish inspired wedding ritual decides “who’s the boss” with a sneaky shot of vodka

 

Brace yourself – that shot glass you're holding might be filled with water, but it might be straight vodka. This playful wedding toast won’t just loosen you up on the dance floor, it also decides who’s really in charge in your marriage! Sto lat!

 

Known by some as the "Polish Vodka & Water Shot Ritual," this game of chance is inspired by drinking games seen at Polish, Russian, and other Eastern European weddings.

 

At the reception, you and your partner are each given a shot glass of clear liquid – one with vodka, and the other with water. Whoever ends up with the vodka is predicted to be the “boss” of the marriage. (Or at least the boss of the reception dance playlist…)

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One of the most-fun Polish wedding reception games around! Great for a casual multicultural celebration, or add a fun twist to your formal party.  (Photo: sonyachny / Adobe Stock)

 

 

How to include the "Vodka or Water Shot" tradition in your wedding day

 

You’ll need some help from friends and family to play this game. After you and your partner arrive at the wedding reception, your loved ones will bring out a tray with two identical shot glasses of liquid, or place them on the table in front of you. You’ll each choose a glass, and then your friends and family will prompt you to drink. 

 

When it’s time, tap your glasses and take a swig! 

 

It’s as simple as that. Whoever ends up drinking the vodka is the honorary “boss” of your marriage – or at least the wedding night.

 

This fun toast is a great addition to a multicultural wedding or vow renewal. And is an easy icebreaker for your reception, as loved ones join in the fun. It also makes for a fun alternative to a traditional unity shot ceremony or unity toast during your wedding ceremony, and pairs well with a bread-breaking or bread and salt ceremony (to soak up the alcohol).

 

 

Most couples (and their wedding guests) love the Polish vodka vs water shot game because it’s: 

 

• Gender-neutral (great for same-sex weddings too)
• Inexpensive
• Interactive
• Lighthearted and fun
• Easy clean up
• Multicultural
• No choreography or set-up required
• A great photo or video opportunity

 

Watch below: Polish wedding game: Water or Vodka?

 

 

 

 

 

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Variations for non-drinking couples (and those who pre-game too hard)

 

If you’re not drinking on your wedding day, don’t worry! You can still include this Polish inspired game, with a nonalcoholic twist:

 

Use a clear soda like Sprite in place of the alcohol (let it go flat first so the bubbles don’t give it away), or a non-alcoholic vodka alternative (zero-alcohol liquor substitutes often used in mocktails). 

 

Prank toasts like this one can also be done with: apple juice in place of whiskey or hard cider; dark colas in place of dark rums; pomegranate juice or grape juice in place of red wine; or ginger ale in place of champagne. 

 

Using a non-alocholic alternative is a great way to include this funny cultural tradition without the buzz.

 

Find more inspiration here: Dry Wedding Drinks: Non-Alcoholic Wine, Beer, and Spirits for Your Ceremony and Reception

 

 

However you decide to include this fun Polish wedding toast, it’s sure to get folks talking.

 

Sto lat! Горько! Cheers!

 

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More Wedding Ideas from American Marriage Ministries

 

• Easter Wedding Ideas Inspired by Traditional Polish Kashubian ‘Jastrë’ Ceremonies
   
• Eastern Orthodox Wedding Ceremony Traditions & Symbolism
   
• Avoiding a Terrible Wedding Toast -- What *Not* To Do
   
• The secret to a perfect wedding officiant speech (with examples)
   

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