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efhernandez_

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I was invited to a Greek wedding this summer, but unfortunately I am unable to go because my work schedule is just a bit too hectic. The couple has a registry, which makes me wonder if I should still get a gift even if I'm not able to go to the wedding. Does anyone know what the expectation or custom is for a Greek weddings? The couple is from the United States, but they are both Greek American and having their wedding in Greece. I am super bummed out that I am missed, and I would say that I'm relatively close to the groom, we worked together previously.
 
You can do whatever you want. I doubt the couple will get upset if you decide not to buy them anything.

I just had my wedding in Greece (and I'm from the USA) and some people who didn't show up bought us gifts while others didn't. We really didn't care if people bought us anything or not. What we really liked was getting messages from people who couldn't attend telling us congratulations and wishing us a happy marriage.
 
You can do whatever you want. I doubt the couple will get upset if you decide not to buy them anything.

I just had my wedding in Greece (and I'm from the USA) and some people who didn't show up bought us gifts while others didn't. We really didn't care if people bought us anything or not. What we really liked was getting messages from people who couldn't attend telling us congratulations and wishing us a happy marriage.
Happy years ahead!♥️?....Stini Yasou for your wedding....Tell us more if you feel.... where did you have it?... Fillya from Thailand and Monsoons.....and how....the sea is @force Gail 9 Beaufort!
 
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Happy years ahead!♥️?....Stini Yasou for your wedding....Tell us more if you feel.... where did you have it?... Fillya from Thailand and Monsoons.....and how....the sea is @force Gail 9 Beaufort!
Well, our wedding was set for 7:00pm in the mountains at an venue where we could have an outdoor wedding. The day of the wedding, I got dressed at the venue which happened to be next to the church. My brother and nephew helped me get dressed. At the same time, at my wife's house, they were having fun as she got dressed, and after she was fully dressed, they all danced. Back at the venue where I was getting dressed, I had quite a few family members over and we had a lot of food to eat while I got dressed. The photographers took photos of us all. At 6:30 our guests started showing up. My wife's koubara showed up early and gave me the bouquet to hold (in Greek weddings, the groom holds the bouquet and gives it to the bride when she meets him at the church entrance).... around 7:00pm we heard a lot of cars honking - this means the groom or the bride is approaching the church, and since I was already at the church with my family it could only me that my wife's family was approaching.

My wife arrived at the venue and I'm standing at the church entrance waiting for her at this point. A band goes to the entrance where my wife will come from, they start playing music and they lead her and her family all the way up to the church entrance to me. We walk to the alter (it's outside) and everyone follows behind us. Then the ceremony began.

For the reception, we entered with fireworks showering on both sides of us (this is a Greek thing), we walked straight to the stage, cut the cake, and had out first dance as soon as we cut the cake. Then we ate, my father-in-law gave a short speech, and mirolόi (a song of remembrance for everyone who has passed away) and we danced. The first dance is for family only and the koubaroi.. After we danced, everyone else joined in. In Greece, guests pay for songs to be played for their family, so we danced nonstop because people wanted to tribute songs to their family. This made me very tired because dances are often 15-20 minutes long, so you don't get to rest, and you have to dance each song out of respect for the family that paid for the song. The last song of the night was a zeibekiko (this is how you tell guests that the reception is over) around 4:00am, which the groom has to dance, so I danced zeibekiko and then people started to leave.

video of me dancing zeibekiko
 
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Can you send money or do a direct deposit? I would say money is more expected then gifts but I could be wrong.
 
Well, our wedding was set for 7:00pm in the mountains at an venue where we could have an outdoor wedding. The day of the wedding, I got dressed at the venue which happened to be next to the church. My brother and nephew helped me get dressed. At the same time, at my wife's house, they were having fun as she got dressed, and after she was fully dressed, they all danced. Back at the venue where I was getting dressed, I had quite a few family members over and we had a lot of food to eat while I got dressed. The photographers took photos of us all. At 6:30 our guests started showing up. My wife's koubara showed up early and gave me the bouquet to hold (in Greek weddings, the groom holds the bouquet and gives it to the bride when she meets him at the church entrance).... around 7:00pm we heard a lot of cars honking - this means the groom or the bride is approaching the church, and since I was already at the church with my family it could only me that my wife's family was approaching.

My wife arrived at the venue and I'm standing at the church entrance waiting for her at this point. A band goes to the entrance where my wife will come from, they start playing music and they lead her and her family all the way up to the church entrance to me. We walk to the alter (it's outside) and everyone follows behind us. Then the ceremony began.

For the reception, we entered with fireworks showering on both sides of us (this is a Greek thing), we walked straight to the stage, cut the cake, and had out first dance as soon as we cut the cake. Then we ate, my father-in-law gave a short speech, and mirolόi (a song of remembrance for everyone who has passed away) and we danced. The first dance is for family only and the koubaroi.. After we danced, everyone else joined in. In Greece, guests pay for songs to be played for their family, so we danced nonstop because people wanted to tribute songs to their family. This made me very tired because dances are often 15-20 minutes long, so you don't get to rest, and you have to dance each song out of respect for the family that paid for the song. The last song of the night was a zeibekiko (this is how you tell guests that the reception is over) around 4:00am, which the groom has to dance, so I danced zeibekiko and then people started to leave.

video of me dancing zeibekiko
I haven't forgotten to say a few lines of my appreciation for writing such a magnificent description.... Terrific dancing....I will write more later on.... just that your Zeibetiko tune took me back to middle 90s spending cold winter months in Mykonos.....I was mostly alone in the Taverna in Ano Mera Mykonos where the son of Mayor was rehearsing this tune everyday.....and what a joy it was to listen to.....and then it was the signature tune for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in 2004!..... Yasou apo mena from Thailand and Monsoons!??
 
Can you send money or do a direct deposit? I would say money is more expected then gifts but I could be wrong.
I agree, I would send a gift, but keep it simple. Money or a direct deposit works. This is especially worth it if you're close to the people, like a close family member or close friend.
 
anyone has recently tried ordering from local suppliers through WhatsApp or Instagram?

A few small businesses around Lucknow have been selling directly that way, and the prices looked decent. Also, if you’ve bought in bulk lately, did you face any packaging or shipping issues? Curious to hear how things are in 2024.
 
I couldn’t go to my cousin’s wedding last year, and I still sent a small gift to show I was thinking of them. I picked something simple and personal, like refreshing incense scents for home, which they both liked. It wasn’t expensive, just thoughtful. I think even if you can’t attend, it’s nice to send something small if you’re close to the couple.
 
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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.

How does your family celebrate?

I’d love to hear how everyone here celebrates Christmas in their own Greek way, whether you’re in Greece or part of the diaspora. Every family I know seems to have its own version of the holiday, shaped by region, faith, and generations of habits. Some homes revolve around church and fasting, others around baking marathons and big family tables, and others around quiet gatherings with just a few people.

Do you celebrate on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both? Are there specific foods that absolutely have to be on your table every year? Do you make Christopsomo, melomakarona, kourabiedes, or something unique to your family’s region? I’m especially curious about traditions that came from grandparents or villages that maybe aren’t as common anymore.

If you feel like sharing, I’d love to read about the rituals, foods, church customs, music, or even small personal traditions that make Greek Christmas feel like Christmas to you.

Symbolism of Christopsomo?

I’ve been reading a bit about christopsomo lately and realized I don’t fully understand all of the symbolism behind it. I know it’s more than just a Christmas bread, and that many families treat it with a lot of reverence, especially on Christmas Day. I’ve seen versions decorated with a cross, nuts, and sometimes intricate patterns pressed into the dough, and I’m curious what each of those elements traditionally represents.

In some households, it seems to be baked only once a year and cut in a very specific way, almost like a ritual. In others, the customs appear to vary by region or family history. I’d love to hear how people learned about christopsomo growing up, and whether the symbolism was explained to them or simply passed down through practice.

If you know the meanings behind the decorations, ingredients, or serving traditions, I’d really appreciate hearing more.

What are your favorite name day traditions?

I’ve always loved the tradition of celebrating name days. In my family, they’re just as meaningful as birthdays, and sometimes even more fun because they bring everyone together in a different way.

When a big name day comes around, especially one that several family members share, we often turn it into a full family gathering. For example, on a name day like Nick/Nikolas, where there might be multiple people celebrating, it becomes almost like a mini family holiday. Someone hosts, there’s plenty of food, and everyone comes by to wish the celebrants “chronia polla.”

I also like the simplicity of the tradition. Even if there isn’t a big gathering, people still call or send messages to acknowledge the day.

Do you celebrate name days in your family? And are there certain ones that turn into larger celebrations because several people share the name?

Greek Tsiknopempti Traditions?

I realized Tsiknopempti is coming up soon, and it made me curious how everyone celebrates it, especially outside of Greece. Growing up, I always associated it with grilled meat, lots of smoke in the air, and a general feeling of celebration before Lent started, but we never had a really structured tradition at home. Now I’m wondering if I should start one.

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

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