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greggd12

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I was wondering what the Greek wedding traditions are about inviting plus ones to weddings. Is it common to invite plus ones? Is it usually listed on the invitation? And if so, should you only invite a plus one if you are married, or is it okay to invite a girlfriend or boyfriend? This is something that I've always thought about because I'm not married but I would still like to attend the wedding with someone. I also know that many times, if an individual is invited, their family is also invited. Is this the case for Greek weddings?
 
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I was wondering what the Greek wedding traditions are about inviting plus ones to weddings. Is it common to invite plus ones? Is it usually listed on the invitation? And if so, should you only invite a plus one if you are married, or is it okay to invite a girlfriend or boyfriend? This is something that I've always thought about because I'm not married but I would still like to attend the wedding with someone. I also know that many times, if an individual is invited, their family is also invited. Is this the case for Greek weddings?
In my opinion and all the weddings I have been to, my companion/wife was very welcomed,the only problems were the churches were small in Mykonos so we had stay outside, except for the monastery in Ano Mera which can accommodate many people, personally without being too formal unless it is 'strictly by invitation' and seating and dining restrictions and may be they know you are alone!!..a little sensitive but should you decide just ask... even if the first part church and dining/seating are restricted, you can invite your companion to the after wedding celebrations etc.... Whatever you decide enjoy the wedding!We have been to all nighters and they were still going strong at 9am the next day and after breakfasts....and continuing??.... Kalley Mera from Thailand..
 
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I was wondering what the Greek wedding traditions are about inviting plus ones to weddings. Is it common to invite plus ones? Is it usually listed on the invitation? And if so, should you only invite a plus one if you are married, or is it okay to invite a girlfriend or boyfriend? This is something that I've always thought about because I'm not married but I would still like to attend the wedding with someone. I also know that many times, if an individual is invited, their family is also invited. Is this the case for Greek weddings?
In Greece, usually when a family has kids and the kids aren't married, then the invitations are sent to the parents only and it means the family is invited. If the kids are married, then different invitations are sent to each kid. What this means is that if you have a bf/gf then you have to ask the couple if you can bring your bf/gf unless they were invited by the couple.
 
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Very nicely explained....I just opened my opinion!... Kalley Mera!
In Greece, usually when a family has kids and the kids aren't married, then the invitations are sent to the parents only and it means the family is invited. If the kids are married, then different invitations are sent to each kid. What this means is that if you have a bf/gf then you have to ask the couple if you can bring your bf/gf unless they were invited by the couple.
 
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In my opinion and all the weddings I have been to, my companion/wife was very welcomed,the only problems were the churches were small in Mykonos so we had stay outside, except for the monastery in Ano Mera which can accommodate many people, personally without being too formal unless it is 'strictly by invitation' and seating and dining restrictions and may be they know you are alone!!..a little sensitive but should you decide just ask... even if the first part church and dining/seating are restricted, you can invite your companion to the after wedding celebrations etc.... Whatever you decide enjoy the wedding!We have been to all nighters and they were still going strong at 9am the next day and after breakfasts....and continuing??.... Kalley Mera from Thailand..
Yes, that has been my experience as well, usually everyone who is having a Greek wedding is super welcoming. But if you're unsure, it's always OK to ask
 
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In my experience you have to ask if it is okay to bring a plus one in advance, rather than just show up with them. I think if there's a question in your mind, you should ask just to be safe.
 

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I’ve always loved the tradition of celebrating name days. In my family, they’re just as meaningful as birthdays, and sometimes even more fun because they bring everyone together in a different way.

When a big name day comes around, especially one that several family members share, we often turn it into a full family gathering. For example, on a name day like Nick/Nikolas, where there might be multiple people celebrating, it becomes almost like a mini family holiday. Someone hosts, there’s plenty of food, and everyone comes by to wish the celebrants “chronia polla.”

I also like the simplicity of the tradition. Even if there isn’t a big gathering, people still call or send messages to acknowledge the day.

Do you celebrate name days in your family? And are there certain ones that turn into larger celebrations because several people share the name?

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I’d also love to hear whether your experience changed over time, for example, celebrating differently as a child versus as an adult, or noticing differences between village and city celebrations.

For those who no longer live in Greece, do you still mark Apokries in some way, or has it faded with distance?

I’m looking forward to hearing how this tradition shows up for others.

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Since this is the child of a close friend, I’d like to give something a little more meaningful than just a standard gift, but I also don’t want to overdo it. Are religious gifts like an icon, cross, or children’s Bible still common? Would money, jewelry, or something personalized be appropriate?

I’d also be interested to know whether there are certain gifts that are traditionally given by family members or the godparents that I should avoid duplicating.

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Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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