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dpappas87

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I know this is a HUGE question...but i'm thinking of getting married in Greece and I really have no clue where to start. Does anyone have any tips??
 
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If you can afford it, maybe consider getting a wedding planner in Greece who has the connections to venues, flower shops, etc.
 
This might help you get started, and I would also get a wedding planner in Greece!

 
I'm planning my second ceremony (first one was civil with 10 people) in Greece as we speak so both of our families can attend.

There are two ways you can do this. The first way is you do everything yourself (you go to a church and pay for the priest at the church, you find a reception venue and book it, etc...). The second way is to use a wedding venue.

Wedding venues usually provide the music, food, decorations, church, and reception area - it's all inclusive. That said, i have seen the decorations at many of these places and some of them are tacky so you may consider hiring someone to decorate for you if you don't like their decorations. If you work with one of the venues then they will ask you to attend one of the weddings going on so you will know what to expect - they'll bring you in and have you sample the food, show you the church, show you the reception area, and everything else. The new trend in Greece is to have outdoor weddings, so the church will usually be a small one and there will be an alter in front of it.

Something you should know is that you will need to get things put into the newspaper and you will need to send a letter to the priest showing that you haven't previously been married - this letter is only good for 6 months in Greece so don't give it to them too early.

If you're inviting people from Greece, then you should know that invitations are sent 3 months in advance - they don't do save-the-dates followed by a wedding invitation. Greeks put their bank account info on their wedding invitations because they give you money for your wedding, not gifts.

If you do everything by yourself and work with venue then it will be much cheaper than hiring a wedding planner (wedding planners aren't really needed in Greece anyway if you go this route).
 
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I'm planning my second ceremony (first one was civil with 10 people) in Greece as we speak so both of our families can attend.

There are two ways you can do this. The first way is you do everything yourself (you go to a church and pay for the priest at the church, you find a reception venue and book it, etc...). The second way is to use a wedding venue.

Wedding venues usually provide the music, food, decorations, church, and reception area - it's all inclusive. That said, i have seen the decorations at many of these places and some of them are tacky so you may consider hiring someone to decorate for you if you don't like their decorations. If you work with one of the venues then they will ask you to attend one of the weddings going on so you will know what to expect - they'll bring you in and have you sample the food, show you the church, show you the reception area, and everything else. The new trend in Greece is to have outdoor weddings, so the church will usually be a small one and there will be an alter in front of it.

Something you should know is that you will need to get things put into the newspaper and you will need to send a letter to the priest showing that you haven't previously been married - thus letter is only good for 6 months in Greece so don't give it to them too early.

If you're inviting people from Greece, then you should know that invitations are sent 3 months in advance - they don't do save-the-dates followed by a wedding invitation. Greeks put their bank account info on their wedding invitations because they give you money for your wedding, not gifts.

If you do everything by yourself and work with venue then it will be much cheaper than hiring a wedding planner (wedding planners aren't really needed in Greece anyway if you go this route).
How nice! I love second ceremonies and renewing of vows, congratulations!

I have to agree with you, many of my friends have gotten married in Greece and they don't use wedding planners. The whole process is a bit easier and simpler in Greece. Less wait times as well. I love the trend of outdoor weddings, but be careful because summers are getting hotter and hotter in Greece and it might be a better idea to do it in the spring or fall. I wonder if outdoor venues are cheaper, I would assume so but that's something you'd have to research!
 
How nice! I love second ceremonies and renewing of vows, congratulations!

I have to agree with you, many of my friends have gotten married in Greece and they don't use wedding planners. The whole process is a bit easier and simpler in Greece. Less wait times as well. I love the trend of outdoor weddings, but be careful because summers are getting hotter and hotter in Greece and it might be a better idea to do it in the spring or fall. I wonder if outdoor venues are cheaper, I would assume so but that's something you'd have to research!
Thank.

Outdoor venues are all over the place with prices. There are venues on cliffs that overhang the sea, there are venues in the mountains, and in the cities, so location is really going to determine the price.

Here is a site for wedding-γάμος venues-κτήματα (κτήματα γάμου in Greek)
https://www.etoimazogamo.gr/tags/ktimata-gamoy-stin-athina
 
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Thank.

Outdoor venues are all over the place with prices. There are venues on cliffs that overhang the sea, there are venues in the mountains, and in the cities, so location is really going to determine the price.

Here is a site for wedding-γάμος venues-κτήματα (κτήματα γάμου in Greek)
https://www.etoimazogamo.gr/tags/ktimata-gamoy-stin-athina
Hmmm, that makes a lot of sense. I guess you get what you pay for! Especially if there is a great view.

And oh my gosh this website is great and everything is all set up, super boutique. I wonder how customizable these wedding packages are, I know many people are picky. But for me, this sounds great! I don't like the hassle of picking out all of these tiny details. As long as there's good music and food, people will enjoy themselves :)
 

How did your family spend summers in Greece?

I’m curious how many of you spent summers in Greece growing up.

My experience was a little different. My parents both worked full time, so we never packed up and spent entire summers in Greece the way some Greek families did. But I had friends and cousins who seemed to disappear every June and come back just before school started, full of stories about village life, island beaches, family gatherings, and adventures with cousins.

I always found those stories fascinating and sometimes wished I had experienced that myself.

For those of you who did spend summers in Greece, what was it like? Did you stay in a village, a city, or on an island? What did your typical days look like? Are there any traditions, memories, or experiences that still stand out to you today? I'd love to hear your stories!

How was your experience using a virtual concierge at a luxury resort?

Booked a fancy resort for a once-in-a-blue-moon getaway, and they keep hyping up this “virtual concierge” thing like it’s the next big miracle. I’m kinda torn. Part of me loves the idea of ditching phone calls, but part of me worries it’ll feel cold or glitchy, like talking to a chat bot instead of a real human who actually cares if my room smells weird or if I need extra towels. If you’ve used one before, was it helpful or just marketing fluff? I’m trying to figure out if I should trust it or just stick to the front desk.

Do younger generations still follow traditional Greek customs?

Lately I’ve been wondering how much traditional Greek culture is still being carried forward by younger generations, both in Greece and in the diaspora.

I’m not talking only about the big holidays or major family events, but the smaller everyday things too — name days, church traditions, hospitality, family meals, fasting periods, village festivals, coffee rituals, respect for elders, even certain sayings and customs. Do younger Greeks still actively participate in these traditions, or do they mostly happen because parents and grandparents keep them going?

I imagine the answer probably depends a lot on location, family, and lifestyle. Someone growing up in a village might have a different experience than someone in Athens or abroad. I’d love to hear from people of different ages, which traditions have stayed strong, which ones are fading, and are there any that younger generations are bringing back in new ways?

What Does Philotimo Mean to You?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the word, or really, the concept, of philotimo. It’s one of those Greek words that just doesn’t translate neatly into English. I was recently trying to explain it to a non-Greek friend, and I realized how difficult it is to put into words!

I ended up talking about ideas like honor, dignity, courage, generosity, and doing the right thing because it’s simply the right thing to do. I even used some historical examples, including the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae and the spirit of Ochi Day, to try to explain the sense of duty and selflessness that I associate with philotimo.

But I know the concept can also show up in much smaller, everyday ways. How would you explain philotimo to someone unfamiliar with Greek culture? What does the word mean to you personally?

Greek Easter Celebrations in Greece?

I’ve been thinking a lot about Greek Easter lately and realized I don’t actually know what it’s like to experience it in Greece itself.

I grew up with the traditions here, like church services, red eggs, the midnight “Christos Anesti,” and of course the big Sunday feast, but I’m curious how it all feels in Greece. Is the atmosphere different? More intense? More communal?

What are the days leading up to Easter like there, especially Holy Week? Are there specific customs, processions, or local traditions that stand out depending on the region?

I’ve also heard things about candles at midnight, fireworks, and entire towns participating, how true is that?

Would love to hear from anyone who has experienced it in Greece or grew up there. What are the moments that really define Greek Easter for you?
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