Greek weddings are amazing cultural experiences. Historically they brought together entire villages and communities in celebration, and as such there are lots of unique and rich traditions which make up the festivities.
If you’ve been invited to a Greek wedding, and you’re not too familiar with the rituals and customs involved, we’ve written this handy guide to what to expect when attending a Greek wedding...
The Location
As the Greek Orthodox Sacrament of Marriage can only be performed in a Greek Orthodox venue, the ceremony will almost always be held in a Greek Orthodox church. The reception is more open, however the venue would ordinarily be one large enough to cater to hundreds of guests as Greek weddings traditionally involve entire communities.
Browse Large Wedding Venues here.
The Attire
If you’re wondering what to wear to a Greek wedding, there’s a few key things to keep in mind. First of all, as the ceremony will be in a religious venue, whatever you wear will need to be relatively formal. Guests will likely be well turned-out, in smart suits for men or a formal dress or suit for women.
However, it’s also worth considering the weather. Greek couples favour either Spring or Summer weddings, so you’ll want to find an option which is suitable for warmer conditions. If you’re in doubt, the couple will be able to provide guidance on a dress code if it isn’t included on your invitation.
The Ceremony
A Greek wedding ceremony usually lasts around 45 minutes. Being a religious service, the ceremony is usually a respectful event.
However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to enjoy some of the historic rituals which make up a Greek wedding. For example, the ‘crowning’ of the bride and room with special crowns called Stefana. These represent the blessing of God upon the marriage. There is also the custom of seating all the bride’s guests on the left, which gives a Greek wedding ceremony a very traditional feel.
The Reception
In contrast to the ceremonies, Greek wedding receptions are usually very lively affairs! There will be fun, drinking, dancing and a tremendous feast for you to get stuck into. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet a lot of new people, as the community feeling brings together a diverse group of guests for you to mingle with!
Food
Greek cuisine is delicious, so it’s no surprise that there is always fine dining at a Greek wedding! Typically, lamb is a symbolic food of celebration, however chicken, seafood, and delicious mediterranean vegetable dishes are all potential menu options.
In addition to the savory choices, the Greek wedding cake is a delightful sweet treat! The classic version of the cake is made with honey and symbolises the enduring commitment which the couple now shares. An almond cake with custard and fruit is the more modern choice of most couples.
Drink
There tends to be lots of alcohol at a Greek wedding, wines, cocktails and spirits are the most common drinks. However, it is important to make sure that you don’t get too carried away! In Greek society getting drunk in a social situation is considered a major faux-pas.
Entertainment
One of the most famous customs at a Greek wedding is the money dance. This is when guests either pin money on the bride’s dress whilst she does a special dance, or shower the money over the couple. This symbolises good fortune and prosperity.
There is also lots of communal dancing, as well as traditional Greek music, again adding to the feeling of community and togetherness which Greek weddings foster.
Whether you're attending a Greek wedding or want to find out more about other traditions, you can find more articles like this one here.