Greek Traditions Community

Greek tips to "survive" a Greek wedding

1 - 13 of 13 Posts
B

blopez34

Active member
1. Dress to the nines, heck, to the tens even
2. Know your way around pre-wedding traditions
3. Sit wherever you want
4. "Spit" on the couple
5. There will be a lot of kisses, hugs and wishes
6. So much food, so little stomach space
7. Be prepared for the interrogation if you're single
8. Drink alcohol...and water!!
9. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes along
10. Just have fun

theculturetrip.com

11 Tips To Survive A Traditional Greek Wedding

Congratulations you've been invited to a Greek wedding! Read our tips to know what to expect and how to behave appropriately.
theculturetrip.com theculturetrip.com
 
  • Like
Reactions: nadellii
blopez34 said:
1. Dress to the nines, heck, to the tens even
2. Know your way around pre-wedding traditions
3. Sit wherever you want
4. "Spit" on the couple
5. There will be a lot of kisses, hugs and wishes
6. So much food, so little stomach space
7. Be prepared for the interrogation if you're single
8. Drink alcohol...and water!!
9. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes along
10. Just have fun

theculturetrip.com

11 Tips To Survive A Traditional Greek Wedding

Congratulations you've been invited to a Greek wedding! Read our tips to know what to expect and how to behave appropriately.
theculturetrip.com theculturetrip.com
Click to expand...
In my experience people dress pretty casual for Greek weddings...depending on the venue that is. If the wedding is outdoors and in the summer (which many usually are) I find that Greeks dress pretty casual in comparison to weddings in the US and Canada
 
If you're in Greece, then people dress casual. If you're in the USA, for example, then dress how you're told on the wedding invitations.

Don't talk about the bride's dress - this is will give the bride the mati (bad luck)

If you're in Greece then don't enter the church until the couple enters first (you'll follow behind them)
 
This is a great and funny list LOL!

Here is some actual information about the traditions surrounding Greek Orthodox weddings:

Greek Wedding Traditions

Learn more about Greek wedding traditions and resources from GreekBoston.com
www.greekboston.com www.greekboston.com
 
Ha ha about number 6... So much food... maybe that is why Greek wedding celebrations go on so long! It gives us a chance to enjoy more of the food. :D This is an excellent list, by the way.
 
  • Like
Reactions: seleanor
lalajess said:
Ha ha about number 6... So much food... maybe that is why Greek wedding celebrations go on so long! It gives us a chance to enjoy more of the food. :D This is an excellent list, by the way.
Click to expand...
I went to a wedding in Crete and had some great gamopilafo, which is a traditional Cretan wedding rice pilaf
 
seleanor said:
I went to a wedding in Crete and had some great gamopilafo, which is a traditional Cretan wedding rice pilaf
Click to expand...
I have never had that dish, but I have heard that it is delicious. Do you remember what was in it?
 
  • Like
Reactions: nadellii, seleanor and nm1999
  • Like
Reactions: nadellii
  • Like
Reactions: nadellii
  • Like
Reactions: blopez34
Greek weddings are sooo much fun. All the dancing and delicious food - it's definitely a glorious celebration. I have been to casual Greek weddings and I've also dressed to the nines. I think a lot depends on what the bride and groom decide for the dress code.
 
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Where did plate smashing come from?

When Greeks feel happy and are dancing and have a good time, they've been known to smash plates. I've seen it! It's not just a tourist thing - but they don't do it much because I am sure they won't want to smash their expensive dish wear.

I was just at a wedding and they had purchased plates to smash - so basically they were cheap throwaway plates that actually smashed really well. I almost wonder if they were made for the purpose...

It got me thinking - where did this tradition come from? Does anyone know?

Greek Wedding Traditions Roundup

I am helping someone plan her Greek wedding. I wanted to make a list of all the traditions we need to keep in time for the big day. Did I miss anything?

The Stolisma

The wedding day begins with the ritual of 'Stolisma,' where the bride and groom are prepared separately by their families. It's a moment filled with emotion, songs, and blessings, setting the tone for the day. I had honestly never heard of this. Do people still do it?

The Krevati

An amusing tradition is the 'Krevati' (bed making), where family and friends gather to decorate the couple's future bed with baby items, symbolizing fertility and a happy family life. Money is also often thrown on the bed for good luck and prosperity.

The Crowning (Stefana)

One of the most iconic rituals during the ceremony is the exchange of crowns or 'Stefana.' I believe they need to buy the crowns they want in advance?

Koufeta

No Greek wedding would be complete without 'Koufeta'—sugar-coated almonds given to guests as wedding favors. These bittersweet treats represent the ups and downs of married life and are shared in odd numbers to symbolize indivisibility and shared life.

Greek Naming Traditions?

I have noticed that in Greece, there are some traditions associated with naming their children. Although some Greek families in the United States have done this, many have seemed to lose the traditions.

Does anyone know what some of these traditions are? I am helping a friend name his upcoming child... Here's some of what I have learned:

1. Firstborn daughter names after maternal grandmother
2. Firstborn son named after paternal grandfather
3. Firstborn son named after father

Those are the ones I have figured out. I don't know what is traditional from Greece and what has just been made up amongst Greeks in the US.

Thinking about the Greek way of hospitality...

I thought I would ask your thoughts oh Philoxenia - or the Greek way, or art, of hospitality. I noticed this when I travel in Greece. People are so kind, they often go out of the way for us, when I feel that they don't have to! How can one describe this to someone?

From what I understand, Philoxenia is not merely a practice but a deeply ingrained value within Greek culture that extends far beyond the simple act of hosting. It reflects a genuine, heartfelt welcome to strangers, treating them with the same respect and generosity one would show to a dearly beloved friend. This beautiful tradition, passed down through generations, turns the act of hosting into an art form, embodying warmth, respect, and a profound sense of human compassion. There have been so many stories I can think of...

This thought process was triggered because we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - someone in the village had taken on a Syrian refugee. Is this a Greek hospitality thing? Philoxenia?

Greek Easter Family Traditions

I am curious what your family traditions are for Greek Easter. I know lent hasn't even started yet, but I've started doing some planning to make sure my family has all of its traditions all set. Sometimes it takes me a while to find ingredients for some of the foods I serve, etc.

Of course we spend Holy Week in church. We do our best to fast during Lent, and once Easter comes, it's all about serving our traditional dishes. This year I might spend part of lent in Greece to visit some religious sites.

What do you guys all do?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top