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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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Do you usually grill at home, go out to a Greek restaurant, or gather with friends and family? Are there certain foods you always make, or is it more about the atmosphere and being together? I’ve seen photos from Greece where entire neighborhoods are grilling outside, which looks amazing.

I’d love to hear what Tsiknopempti looks like for you, whether it’s something big and festive or just a simple meal that still feels meaningful.

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I’ve been curious about how people experience Apokries and what it looks like in different parts of Greece. For some, it seems centered on big public celebrations and costumes, while for others it’s more about smaller gatherings, food, and local customs.

I’m especially interested in the traditions people grew up with. Was Apokries something your family actively celebrated, or did it feel more like a community event? Did you attend costume parties, parades, or specific local festivities? And how did days like Tsiknopempti fit into it for you?

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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In my family, name days were always open-house style, people calling, stopping by, bringing sweets, and it felt very communal. Birthdays, on the other hand, were more low-key.

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I always found those stories fascinating and sometimes wished I had experienced that myself.

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

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