Greek Wedding Traditions and Etiquette – Complete Guide

Looking for wedding traditions in Greece? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Greek wedding traditions – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, traditional clothing, food and drink, and more.

Weddings are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.

To help you explore Greek traditions, this article is organized into:

Unique Greek Wedding Traditions

Greek weddings are steeped in ancient traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. Let’s explore some of the unique rituals that make Greek weddings truly special:

• Krevati: Before the wedding ceremony, the bride’s bed is made with fresh linens and adorned with flowers and symbolic items, such as olive branches for peace and fertility. This tradition, known as “krevati,” symbolizes the bride’s transition to her new life as a wife.
• Stefana: During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom wear crowns, known as “stefana,” which are joined together by a ribbon to symbolize their union. The crowns are blessed by the priest and exchanged three times between the couple, representing their commitment to each other and their shared journey in marriage.
• Circling the Table: After exchanging vows, the newlyweds participate in a ritual called the “crowning,” where they circle the altar or a small table three times, while family members shower them with rice and petals. This symbolic act represents the couple’s first steps together as husband and wife, guided by the love and support of their families.
• The “Dance of Isaiah”: A lively dance known as the “Dance of Isaiah” is performed during the wedding reception. The bride and groom hold hands and lead the dance, followed by their bridal party and guests. This joyful tradition symbolizes the couple’s commitment to lead each other through the challenges and triumphs of married life.
• Breaking of Plates: In some regions of Greece, it’s customary for guests to break plates or glasses during the wedding reception as a symbol of abundance and good luck. The loud sound of breaking dishes is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to the newlyweds.
• Money Dance: During the reception, guests pin money onto the bride and groom’s clothing as they dance, symbolizing their support and best wishes for the couple’s financial future. This tradition, known as the “money dance” or “koumbari dance,” helps the newlyweds start their married life with a little extra financial support from their loved ones.
• The Cutting of the Wedding Cake: Greek wedding cakes, known as “koufeta,” are often made with layers of honey and almonds, symbolizing sweetness and fertility. The bride and groom cut the cake together, sharing the first slice as a symbol of their unity and commitment to each other.

Traditional Greek Wedding Attire

• The Bride’s Attire: Greek brides traditionally wear a white or ivory gown, symbolizing purity and innocence. The gown is often adorned with intricate lace, embroidery, and beading, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance. A veil, known as the “stefana,” is worn over the head and shoulders, secured by a crown or headpiece adorned with pearls or floral motifs.
• The Groom’s Attire: Greek grooms typically wear a formal suit or tuxedo in dark colors such as black, navy, or charcoal gray. The suit is often accessorized with a crisp white dress shirt, coordinating tie or bowtie, and polished dress shoes. To honor tradition, some grooms may also wear a ceremonial sword, symbolizing strength and protection.
• The Bridal Party’s Attire: Bridesmaids in Greek weddings often wear dresses in coordinating colors, reflecting the overall color scheme of the wedding. These dresses may feature flowing silhouettes, draped fabrics, and elegant details such as ruching or pleating. Groomsmen typically don suits or tuxedos similar to the groom’s ensemble, maintaining a cohesive and polished look.
• Traditional Embellishments: Greek wedding attire is often adorned with symbolic embellishments that hold cultural significance. For example, brides may wear gold jewelry, such as earrings, bracelets, or necklaces, symbolizing prosperity and blessings for the future. Grooms may accessorize with a boutonniere featuring olive leaves or other natural elements, representing peace, fertility, and longevity.
• Traditional Footwear: In some regions of Greece, brides may wear traditional footwear known as “tsarouchia,” which are ornate leather shoes adorned with intricate embroidery and metallic accents. These shoes add a touch of tradition and authenticity to the bride’s ensemble, complementing the overall aesthetic of the wedding.

How to Say “Best Wishes” in Greek

In Greek, to express “Best Wishes” in a wedding context, you would say:

“Καλές ευχές!” (pronounced: kah-LEHS ef-KHES)

This phrase conveys warm wishes and blessings for happiness and prosperity to the newlyweds on their wedding day.

Need more wedding wishes? Here is our full article on Wedding Wishes in Other Languages.

Greek Wedding Gifting Etiquette


Gifting is an important part of Greek wedding culture. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s in Gifting

• Do Bring a Present: Guests are encouraged to bring a gift to the wedding. Couples often have a wedding gift list where guests can choose items from a specific store. If you prefer not to select a gift, you can give an envelope with money and a special card.
• Consider Experience-based Gifts: Instead of physical items, consider giving experiences like Michelin dining vouchers or skydiving adventures as gifts.
• Personalized Gifts: Personalized gifts such as a customized wedding planner, spa gift certificates, date night subscription boxes, customized name necklaces, cooking class experiences, smart home devices, and personalized artwork are thoughtful options.
• Gifts for the Bridal Party: It is customary to give separate gifts to the bridal or wedding party to appreciate their services. These gifts can be similar for each member or tailored to individual preferences.

Don’ts in Gifting

• Avoid Not Bringing a Gift: It is customary to bring a gift to a Greek wedding, so it is considered inappropriate not to bring one.
• Avoid Overspending: While it’s important to bring a gift, it’s also crucial not to overspend beyond your means. Choose a gift that is thoughtful and within your budget.
• Avoid Not Considering the Couple’s Preferences: When selecting a gift, consider the couple’s preferences and any wedding gift list they may have provided. It’s important to choose a gift that aligns with their tastes and needs

Orthodox Ceremony Rituals

Greek Orthodox weddings involve several unique rituals, including the crowning ceremony (stefana), where the couple wears intertwined crowns to symbolize their union. Another significant ritual is the common cup (the “common cup of life”), where the couple shares a drink of wine from a single cup, symbolizing their shared life together.

Traditional Music and Dancing

Greek weddings are known for their lively music and dancing. Guests often participate in traditional Greek dances, such as the Kalamatianos and Tsamiko, which involve energetic footwork and spirited music played on instruments like the bouzouki and clarinet.

Bridal Shoe Tradition

In some regions of Greece, it’s customary for the bride to throw her shoes to unmarried bridesmaids at the reception. It’s believed that the bridesmaid who catches the shoe will be the next to marry.

Red Egg Tradition

In Greek culture, eggs are a symbol of fertility and new life. At some Greek weddings, red-dyed eggs are distributed to guests as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The eggs may be displayed on the wedding reception tables or given to guests as party favors.

Conclusion

Celebrating weddings in Greece goes beyond vows and rings. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions.

Weddings are imbued with cultural richness and meaningful rituals. Enhance the festivities with an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift. So, here’s to a traditional way of celebrating weddings!