Greek Traditions Community

Attending a non-Greek wedding in Greece

1 - 6 of 6 Posts
redsoxdw_

redsoxdw_

Active member
I am attending a wedding in Greece where the people aren't Greek, and they're also not Orthodox. So, it will be a JP type ceremony on Mykonos...

They are getting married on one of the beaches.

Honestly, it sounds fun - but I am not sure how to dress or what the etiquette is or what to give as a gift! I am putting up a considerable expense to acctually attend this and someone said they weren't expecting gifts, but that just doesn't feel right to me. What do you guys think?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
Well, this is a good one. For dress, I would wear something simple, not formal or casual, but a basic plain dress, any color but not black or white. As for not accepting gifts, I think an envelope with a card containing money would be appreciated. Sometimes saying no gifts is another way of saying, we prefer money. If you can get Greek cash or a money order (not even sure they have them in Greece, but think they'd have something similar), I think that would be appreciated. If you see others at the reception handing the newly married couple envelopes, I'm pretty sure they'd have money in them.

Hope you enjoy it all and kalo taxidi!
 
My daughter just has her wedding in Crete. Almost everyone who came was from the US. They recognized that the expense to attend was considerable and didn’t expect gifts - completely discretionary. If you do decide to get something remember they have to pack it. Maybe an olive wood cutting board or something small to commemorate the destination.

Beach wedding dress is generally casual sundresses unless the specify differently.
 
redsoxdw_ said:
I am attending a wedding in Greece where the people aren't Greek, and they're also not Orthodox. So, it will be a JP type ceremony on Mykonos...

They are getting married on one of the beaches.

Honestly, it sounds fun - but I am not sure how to dress or what the etiquette is or what to give as a gift! I am putting up a considerable expense to acctually attend this and someone said they weren't expecting gifts, but that just doesn't feel right to me. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
I used to live and work in Mykonos... IMO casual linen wear!..Do you know which beach?.. Enjoy your time, let us know how it goes!.... post some pics!... Good day from Thailand and Monsoons.
Here's a wedding video of excellence!
 
Last edited:
Thank you everyone for chiming in. For all of us going we will do the "fancier side of casual" beachy sort of clothing ... I decided to give some money. That was a great insight - they want the gift, they don't want us to feel pressured.

They have both been married before and have an established household - they've told us that they're just happy we are able to go and celebrate with them.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
redsoxdw_ said:
Thank you everyone for chiming in. For all of us going we will do the "fancier side of casual" beachy sort of clothing ... I decided to give some money. That was a great insight - they want the gift, they don't want us to feel pressured.

They have both been married before and have an established household - they've told us that they're just happy we are able to go and celebrate with them.
Click to expand...
Yes chic,cool,beachy, linens, casual....... that's the way!.... normally bare feet too!... Let us know how it turns out... Kalley Mera from Thailand!
 
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

List of Cretan Dances?

I will be attending a Cretan wedding and am curious about the traditional Cretan dances! I know the dances are slightly different and I want to learn some. I don't know the names of the dances so that I can look them up. I did some research, though. Are any of these dances common at these weddings?
  • Pentozali
  • Sousta
  • Siganos
  • Chaniotis
There's a dance the wedding party typically does in Crete. Which dance is that?

Netflix Show about Alexander the Great

I just noticed there was a show about Alexander the Great on Netflix. How is it?

I have been noticing some buzz that it's fairly controversial, but those who are unhappy about it ... I can't tell if they actually know about him, or if they are just upset about how he was depicted.

I am trying to figure out if I want to watch it so your honest reviews are welcome.

I have studied Alexander the Great a little bit and no a bit about his life, so I am sincerely hoping it's worth my time. I am between shows at the moment.

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.

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.

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?
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