Weddings in Albania — three days, three generations, hundreds of guests

Albanian weddings can run 300–500 guests and three days. Friday is the bride's family party, Saturday the groom's, Sunday the joint celebration. Each region has its own dances, songs and dress.

Northern (Geg) elements

• The bride wearing a heavily embroidered red wedding dress.
• The groom's party arriving with a flag (flamuri) and gunshots fired in the air.
• Polyphonic songs in some Lab pockets even in the north.

Southern (Tosk) elements

• The bride being veiled and unveiled in a public ceremony.
• Iso-polyphony singers performing throughout.
• Communal lamb-on-the-spit feast.

Should you accept an invitation?

If invited as a foreigner: yes, absolutely. Bring an envelope (€50–€100 is fine), prepare to dance the valle in a circle, and don't plan anything for the next morning.