Greece is a country rich in history, culture, and tradition. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the sun-soaked islands of the Aegean, Greek customs have been passed down through generations, creating an array of meaningful rituals that continue to this day. Among these, Greek wedding traditions stand out as some of the most vibrant and heartfelt celebrations you'll ever experience.
If you've been invited to a Greek wedding or are simply curious about these beautiful customs, you're in for a treat. They are vibrant celebrations filled with symbolism, dancing, feasting, and community.
In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about Greek wedding traditions. Whether you’d like to know about the perfect date to plan the event or understand the symbolic significance behind each ritual, you’ll find it all below.
Greek Wedding Traditions: Choosing the Wedding Date
Planning a Greek wedding starts with selecting the perfect date, a decision not taken lightly in Greek culture. Traditional families pay close attention to the religious calendar and cultural beliefs when setting their wedding date, ensuring they time the celebration perfectly.
In Greek tradition, certain times of the year are considered less favourable for weddings, with other dates known to bring the happy couple good luck. Although these occasions can take place whenever the bride and groom choose, tradition states that there are certain times of the year that are better than others.
Fasting periods such as the Great Lent and religious dates are often avoided by many Greeks planning their special day. These are reserved for reflection and preparation, meaning that weddings aren’t typically planned during this time.
Tuesdays are also considered to be an unlucky day in Greek superstition as many associate this time with the Fall of Constantinople, making it an unpopular choice for a wedding.
However, those in pursuit of the best time for a Greek wedding will find plenty of other dates that are perfect for the special occasion. January is known for being a fresh start and a lovely time for a winter wedding, especially in mainland Greece. Whereas the spring and autumn months offer vibrant flora and fauna, pretty autumnal colours and pleasant temperatures, providing the perfect backdrop for wedding photography.
Sundays also remain the most traditional and popular day for Greek Orthodox weddings. This symbolises a new beginning for the couple and is traditionally favoured among many Greeks.
No matter when you choose to plan a Greek wedding, the dates ultimately depend on the family’s preferences and religious beliefs. Meaning that today Greek weddings can take place at various times throughout the year and are often determined by personal preferences.
Greek Wedding Traditions: Before the Wedding
Weddings often require a lot of preparation and planning and traditional Greek celebrations are no exception. These events often start long before the actual ceremony, with pre-wedding traditions remaining a prominent part of symbolism and community involvement.
The Koumbaro/Koumbara Selection
One of the first steps in Greek wedding preparations is selecting the koumbaro (male) or koumbara (female). This is similar to a best man or maid of honour, but with much deeper religious and cultural significance.
The chosen person is often a close friend or relative who will play an important role throughout the wedding ceremony and the couple's married life. They typically purchase the wedding crowns (stefana) and usually serve as godparents to the couple's future children.
The Bed-Making Ceremony (To Krevati)
The bed-making ceremony often requires relatives and friends to gather at the couple's future home to make their marital bed. They toss money, rice, rose petals, and even fertility symbols like almonds onto the bed for good luck.
Young children are also sometimes rolled across the bed to bless the marriage with fertility. The whole ritual is accompanied by music, dancing and celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere while blessing the couple's future life together.
Greek Wedding Traditions: During the Wedding
The Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony is a deeply symbolic, spiritual experience that typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Keep reading to learn more about what happens during this beautiful occasion.
Candle Lighting
Once the Greek wedding ceremony begins, the bride and groom are each given white candles (lambades), which are held throughout much of the service. These candles symbolise the light of Christ and the couple's willingness to receive God's light into their marriage.
The Joining of Hands
The joining of hands at a Greek wedding is when the priest joins the right hands of the bride and groom, symbolising their union. This handclasp remains throughout much of the ceremony, representing their commitment to each other.
The Crowning (Stefana)
Perhaps the most iconic moment in a Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony is the crowning. The koumbaro or koumbara exchanges the wedding crowns (stefana) three times between the heads of the bride and groom before placing them.
The crowns are then connected by a white ribbon, symbolising the glory and honour bestowed on them by God and their status as king and queen of their new household.
The Common Cup
Another popular Greek wedding tradition is the common cup. After readings and prayers, the couple shares wine from a common cup, representing the sharing of life's joys and sorrows.
The Ceremonial Walk (Isaiah Dance)
Greek weddings also sometimes include the ceremonial walk, which is led by the priest. The couple circles the altar three times, taking their first steps as a married couple. This "Dance of Isaiah" symbolises the eternal journey they are beginning together.
Greek Wedding Traditions: The Closing Ceremony
When Greek weddings come to an end, there are more meaningful rituals that are often carried out. This allows the couple to seal their union and bless their future together. These usually include the following.
The Removal of the Crowns
After the ceremonial walk, Greek weddings sometimes require the priest to remove the stefana from the couple's heads with a blessing for a long and happy life together. These crowns become treasured keepsakes that many display in their homes as a reminder of their special day and sacred vows.
The Final Blessing
As Greek weddings come to a close, the priest then offers final prayers and blessings for the newly married couple. He will separate their joined hands, showing that nothing but death can break their union. This powerful moment represents the permanent nature of their marriage bond.
The Receiving Line
As the Greek wedding ceremonies conclude, many traditions require the newlyweds to stand at the church exit to receive congratulations from their guests. Attendees often shower the couple with rice or koufeta (sugar-coated almonds) as symbols of fertility and sweetness in their new life together.
Greek Wedding Traditions: The Wedding Reception
Greek wedding festivities will often continue long after the ceremony has ended. Once the couple has married, the attendees will then head to the wedding reception to continue the joyful celebration, this can sometimes stretch into the early hours of the morning.
Traditional Greek Dancing
No Greek wedding reception is complete without dancing! Guests and the newlyweds often spend much of the evening celebration performing traditional dances that consist of guests throwing or pinning money to the couple, smashing plates and enjoying live traditional music. This is an excellent way to bring the families together while celebrating this special union.
The Feasting
Greek wedding receptions are renowned for their abundant food and drink. With traditional plates served and a huge feast for the whole wedding party, this is the time to indulge in the mouthwatering cuisine. These dishes are also often accompanied by wine and ouzo, an excellent time to toast to the newlyweds.
Breaking of the Plates
While less common in modern Greek celebrations, the tradition of breaking plates during particularly enthusiastic moments of dancing has ancient roots. Today, this is often replaced with throwing flowers or napkins onto the dance floor to express joy.
Greek Wedding Traditions: What are the Symbols of Good Luck?
There are also symbols of good luck in many Greek wedding celebrations. They often incorporate numerous items that are believed to bring blessings and good fortune to the newlyweds.
Koufeta (Sugar-Coated Almonds)
Sugar-coated almonds are perhaps one of the most important wedding favours in Greek culture. Always given in odd numbers (usually five or seven) which are indivisible, they symbolise the couple's precious and unbreakable union. The bitter almond and sweet sugar coating represent the bitter and sweet aspects of marriage, while the white colour symbolises purity.
The Number Three
You'll notice the number three appearing throughout Greek wedding ceremonies. Whether they are circling the altar in threes or the priest blesses the crowns three times, the number is an important part of traditional Greek customs. The number three is linked to the Holy Trinity which is rooted in the Orthodox Christian traditions.
Pomegranates
Often used in Greek wedding décor, pomegranates symbolise fertility, abundance, and good luck. Sometimes, the bride will smash a pomegranate at the threshold of her new home, wishing for many children and good fortune.
Evil Eye (Mati) Protection
The Evil Eye can be spotted throughout much of Greece, with tourists often bringing home souvenirs with the Mati on. Many Greek weddings incorporate the small blue eye charms or symbols to protect the couple from the "evil eye" or jealousy. These sometimes appear on wedding favours or are subtly incorporated into the bride's outfit.
What Should You Wear to a Greek Wedding?
If you're attending a Greek wedding, you’re likely wondering what to wear. To help you dress for the occasion, here's what to expect.
For Women
Church Ceremonies
Modest attire is appropriate for the church when attending a Greek wedding. Female guests often cover their shoulders and wear skirts or dresses that are at least knee-length. If the wedding is taking place on a hot day, an excellent choice for many is a light scarf or pashmina to cover the shoulders if needed.
Evening Receptions
Women attending the evening reception of a Greek wedding often opt for cocktail dresses or elegant evening wear. Greeks often dress quite formally for weddings, especially in urban areas like Athens.
Summer Island Weddings
For destination weddings on Greek islands, elegant but comfortable clothing is appropriate. Consider the venue; for example, a beachside reception will be less formal than a hotel ballroom.
Similar to a lot of traditional weddings, guests usually avoid wearing all-white outfits, as this is often reserved for the bride. Guests will also opt for colours rather than all black attire as this is sometimes associated with mourning.
For Men
Church Ceremonies
Men attending a Greek wedding will usually opt for a suit and tie for a church service. The ceremony often requires guests to look smart and well dressed, with suits proving the most popular choice.
Evening receptions
For those attending a Greek wedding evening reception, dark suits are common. However, if the celebration is taking place in the summer or on an island, lighter colours and linen fabrics are a great choice.
For Children
Children attending Greek weddings are often dressed somewhat formally, with boys in suits or smart trousers and shirts, and girls in pretty dresses. They play an important role in the celebrations and are warmly included in all aspects of the day.
Summary
Greek weddings are beautiful celebrations that blend ancient traditions with Orthodox Christian ceremonies and modern festivities. From the symbolic crowning ceremony to the lively dancing at the reception, these occasions honour both the couple’s union and their cultural heritage.
Whether you're planning your Greek-inspired wedding or preparing to attend one as a guest, understanding these traditions allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
We hope that after reading this article, you now know more about what to expect from these vibrant occasions. If you’re planning a wedding in Greece, wherever you choose for your wedding day, Olympic Holidays can arrange a civil ceremony and a beautiful Greek Island setting to delight you and your guests. Contact the team today to start planning your special day in this stunning part of Europe.