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:

Learning about hospitality in Greece

I was trying to explain to some non-Greek friends about hospitality in Greece. I feel like it's next level, but how do you explain it?

Could anyone help me explain any of the following:
  • Traditional welcome gestures in Greece
  • Common household customs when visiting a Greek home
  • Etiquette for showing appreciation to Greek hosts
  • Any specific do's and don'ts that a foreigner should be aware of

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?

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?

Why Greeks Roast a Whole Lamb on the Spit on Easter Sunday?

A quote from excellent posting below!
"John, the author of one of the four Gospels, called Jesus the Lamb of God in John 1:29 and John 1:36. In the story, Abraham had to sacrifice an animal, such as a lamb or a ram, as an important part of the Jewish religion. People offered God restitution for the sins they committed.
However, Christians no longer need to engage in sacrifice because Christ died on the cross for their sins, thus becoming the sacrificial lamb."

Since Pascha, or Easter, is the day when we commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice, we eat lamb in remembrance of this selfless act
https://greekreporter.com/2024/05/0...ast+a+Whole+Lamb+on+the+Spit+on+Easter+Sunday

Getting a Greek costume made?

I'm looking to have a traditional Greek costume made, and I want to ensure that it is as authentic and high-quality as possible.

It's for festival season but I don't know if I am in over my head. This could be anything from the iconic fustanella worn by men to the beautifully embroidered dresses seen in various regions across Greece. I’m open to suggestions on materials, designs, and specific regional styles that would make for a remarkable and authentic piece.

Could anyone here recommend a tailor or a shop—either within Greece or internationally—that specializes in creating traditional Greek clothing? It’s essential that they pay great attention to detail and use high-quality materials to capture the spirit and beauty of Greek traditional attire.

Additionally, if you have any advice on what specifics I should communicate to the tailor to ensure authenticity, or if you know of any resources where I could find patterns or detailed descriptions of traditional costumes, I would greatly appreciate it.
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