Major differences between Greek and American weddings

[nadellii]

Obviously, the main difference is that Greek weddings are usually held in a Greek orthodox church. But besides many of the religious and cultural factors, there are a few main differences that will probably stick out to any American people. The first is that Greek people do not have groomsmen or bridesmaids. The second, is that the wedding is not only about the couple, but the families as well. In Greek culture, the bride and grooms family are very involved in the wedding and it is considered a joining of their two families as well. Lastly, one of the major differences that I have noticed is that because the ceremony is a religious ceremony, it is not as personalized as American weddings where the couple exchanges vows.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

Obviously, the main difference is that Greek weddings are usually held in a Greek orthodox church. But besides many of the religious and cultural factors, there are a few main differences that will probably stick out to any American people. The first is that Greek people do not have groomsmen or bridesmaids. The second, is that the wedding is not only about the couple, but the families as well. In Greek culture, the bride and grooms family are very involved in the wedding and it is considered a joining of their two families as well. Lastly, one of the major differences that I have noticed is that because the ceremony is a religious ceremony, it is not as personalized as American weddings where the couple exchanges vows.

While there isn't a groomsman or maid of honor, there is the person (or people) who participates in the ceremony by doing the ring part and the crown part of the Orthodox Wedding ceremony. In the United States, this role is often taken by either (or both) the maid of honor and groomsman, unless they aren't Orthodox Christians, then the bride and groom select people outside of the wedding party to do that part.

 

[Smokestestack]

I noticed Greek weddings often go on much later into the night with more dancing, and the food never stops—lots of homemade dishes and plenty of ouzo or tsipouro going around.

 

[bdalqasmal]

I went to my cousin's wedding in Greece last summer and noticed a lot of cool personal details—especially how everyone added their own flair to the outfits and rings. My cousin picked one of those unique mens wedding bands that had a subtle Greek pattern engraved in it. It stood out without being flashy, and everyone kept asking him where he got it.