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kcixcy

Active member
I am helping someone plan a wedding. We're Greek but living in the United States. Most of her family is from Greece. We are trying to figure out which traditions to honor!

Some thoughts:

- Obviously getting married in the Greek church.
- Have a fun party after that will probably last all night. We'll need an after party, I think.
- To Krevati - the family is pushing for this one to happen, as it is a huge tradition in their family.
- Writing the names of single bridesmaids on her shoes. The bridesmaids write it, right?
- Learning the traditional wedding dance - not everyone knows it.

What else should we do?
 
Are you going to have bobonieres?

Also, have the family go to her house before the wedding and dance/eat while the bride gets dressed.

If you want to make it more like Greece, have the groom wait outside of the church and have the guests wait outside as well. As the bride approaches the groom you play some type of traditional wedding music (it'll depend on where she is from). When the bride gets to the groom, she is handed off to him then the two walk to the alter with the guests following behind them.

When the bride puts on her shoes, her friends/family says "her shoes are too big" and the father of the bride has to put money in the brides shoes to make them fit.. the amount of times they say the shoes are big and how much money is put into the bride's shoes is dependent on the family/friends.
 
Are you going to have bobonieres?

Also, have the family go to her house before the wedding and dance/eat while the bride gets dressed.

If you want to make it more like Greece, have the groom wait outside of the church and have the guests wait outside as well. As the bride approaches the groom you play some type of traditional wedding music (it'll depend on where she is from). When the bride gets to the groom, she is handed off to him then the two walk to the alter with the guests following behind them.

When the bride puts on her shoes, her friends/family says "her shoes are too big" and the father of the bride has to put money in the brides shoes to make them fit.. the amount of times they say the shoes are big and how much money is put into the bride's shoes is dependent on the family/friends.
This is so cool! This tradition was lost in my family when they moved to the United States.
 
Helping someone plan a Greek wedding while living abroad can be exciting but also a bit tricky when balancing traditions. Things like getting married in a Greek church, honoring the Krevati tradition, and teaching guests the traditional wedding dance are so meaningful. To make the day run smoothly and ensure all these cultural details are handled, a professional wedding planer like Depy Ki can be a huge help. They specialize in combining authentic Greek traditions with modern wedding planning, so everyone enjoys the celebration without stress.
 
You’re doing a wonderful job blending Greek traditions with modern celebration ideas. Including the “To Krevati” and writing bridesmaids’ names on the shoes are beautiful symbolic touches. Learning the traditional dance will make the night even more memorable. For elegant wedding transportation, Luxury Rides LLC can help ensure comfort and seamless coordination for your guests.
 

Decorating the Christmas Boat?

I’ve always loved seeing photos of the decorated Greek Christmas boat, but I’ve never actually done it myself. This year I’m thinking of finally giving the tradition a try, and I’d love some guidance from those who grew up with it or still decorate one at home.

How do you choose the size or style of the boat? Do people usually use a wooden model, something handmade, or even a simple paper version? I’m also curious about how it’s decorated, is it mostly lights and ribbons, or are there specific colors and symbols that carry meaning? And where in the house do you typically place it?

I’ve read that the tradition goes back to honoring sailors and welcoming loved ones home for the holidays, which I find beautiful. If anyone has stories, photos, or tips for creating a first Christmas boat, I’d love to hear them.

Engagement Traditions in Greece?

I’m curious to learn more about traditional Greek engagement customs. Are there any specific rituals or celebrations that typically happen when a couple gets engaged in Greece?

I’ve heard of the “arravonas,” which I believe is a formal engagement ceremony where both families meet, and sometimes there’s an exchange of rings and blessings. Do people still do that today, or is it more of a past tradition?

Are there certain foods served during an engagement gathering? Do people bring gifts? And is it usually just close family, or a bigger celebration?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s experienced or witnessed a traditional Greek engagement—whether in Greece or the diaspora. Are there any regional variations? Do any of these customs still carry over into modern times?

Thanks in advance for sharing your stories or family traditions. There are some people in my family who are pretty close to being engaged (fingers crossed!)

Where’s the Best Place in Greece to Experience Apokries?

If I were to go to Greece during Apokries, where should I go? I know it’s celebrated all over the country, but each region seems to have its own unique twist.

I’m torn between wanting to see something authentic and traditional versus something big and carnival-like. Do smaller towns do anything special, or is it best to experience it in a major city?

I’ve heard about flour wars in Galaxidi, the goat-mask dancers in Skyros, and those fire-lit parades in Xanthi, all sound amazing but so different!

If you’ve been in Greece during Apokries, where would you recommend going, and why? Is there a particular village or island where it still feels old-world and local rather than touristy?

What time do Greeks usually eat dinner in the summer?

I was in Crete one summer and noticed something I hadn’t really paid attention to on past trips—people were eating dinner really late. I saw families with kids sitting down to eat around 9:30 or even later. As a natural night owl, I loved it! It fit my rhythm perfectly.

But I’m wondering, is this typical across Greece in the summer? I’ve visited several times before, but usually in the spring or fall, and I never really noticed such late dinners then. This was my first time traveling during peak summer, and everything just felt shifted later, lunch, coffee, even errands.

Do Greeks generally eat later in the summer because of the heat? Is it more of an island thing, or does this happen in the cities too?

Would love to hear what you’ve experienced or grown up with. I’m hoping to go back in August this year!

How to Celebrate Name Days?

I recently heard that name days are a big deal in Greek culture—sometimes even more important than birthdays! My family has never celebrated them, so I’m curious: how do Greek families typically celebrate name days?

Do people throw parties or have a big dinner? Is there a religious aspect to it, like going to church or lighting a candle for the saint? And how do people know when someone’s name day is?

I’d love to hear what kinds of traditions are tied to name days—whether it’s a small gathering with sweets and coffee, or something more elaborate. Do people give gifts, or is it more about the social connection?

Would really appreciate hearing how your family celebrates, especially if you’re keeping this tradition alive outside of Greece!
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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