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dpappas87

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I know this is a HUGE question...but i'm thinking of getting married in Greece and I really have no clue where to start. Does anyone have any tips??
 
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If you can afford it, maybe consider getting a wedding planner in Greece who has the connections to venues, flower shops, etc.
 
This might help you get started, and I would also get a wedding planner in Greece!

 
I'm planning my second ceremony (first one was civil with 10 people) in Greece as we speak so both of our families can attend.

There are two ways you can do this. The first way is you do everything yourself (you go to a church and pay for the priest at the church, you find a reception venue and book it, etc...). The second way is to use a wedding venue.

Wedding venues usually provide the music, food, decorations, church, and reception area - it's all inclusive. That said, i have seen the decorations at many of these places and some of them are tacky so you may consider hiring someone to decorate for you if you don't like their decorations. If you work with one of the venues then they will ask you to attend one of the weddings going on so you will know what to expect - they'll bring you in and have you sample the food, show you the church, show you the reception area, and everything else. The new trend in Greece is to have outdoor weddings, so the church will usually be a small one and there will be an alter in front of it.

Something you should know is that you will need to get things put into the newspaper and you will need to send a letter to the priest showing that you haven't previously been married - this letter is only good for 6 months in Greece so don't give it to them too early.

If you're inviting people from Greece, then you should know that invitations are sent 3 months in advance - they don't do save-the-dates followed by a wedding invitation. Greeks put their bank account info on their wedding invitations because they give you money for your wedding, not gifts.

If you do everything by yourself and work with venue then it will be much cheaper than hiring a wedding planner (wedding planners aren't really needed in Greece anyway if you go this route).
 
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I'm planning my second ceremony (first one was civil with 10 people) in Greece as we speak so both of our families can attend.

There are two ways you can do this. The first way is you do everything yourself (you go to a church and pay for the priest at the church, you find a reception venue and book it, etc...). The second way is to use a wedding venue.

Wedding venues usually provide the music, food, decorations, church, and reception area - it's all inclusive. That said, i have seen the decorations at many of these places and some of them are tacky so you may consider hiring someone to decorate for you if you don't like their decorations. If you work with one of the venues then they will ask you to attend one of the weddings going on so you will know what to expect - they'll bring you in and have you sample the food, show you the church, show you the reception area, and everything else. The new trend in Greece is to have outdoor weddings, so the church will usually be a small one and there will be an alter in front of it.

Something you should know is that you will need to get things put into the newspaper and you will need to send a letter to the priest showing that you haven't previously been married - thus letter is only good for 6 months in Greece so don't give it to them too early.

If you're inviting people from Greece, then you should know that invitations are sent 3 months in advance - they don't do save-the-dates followed by a wedding invitation. Greeks put their bank account info on their wedding invitations because they give you money for your wedding, not gifts.

If you do everything by yourself and work with venue then it will be much cheaper than hiring a wedding planner (wedding planners aren't really needed in Greece anyway if you go this route).
How nice! I love second ceremonies and renewing of vows, congratulations!

I have to agree with you, many of my friends have gotten married in Greece and they don't use wedding planners. The whole process is a bit easier and simpler in Greece. Less wait times as well. I love the trend of outdoor weddings, but be careful because summers are getting hotter and hotter in Greece and it might be a better idea to do it in the spring or fall. I wonder if outdoor venues are cheaper, I would assume so but that's something you'd have to research!
 
How nice! I love second ceremonies and renewing of vows, congratulations!

I have to agree with you, many of my friends have gotten married in Greece and they don't use wedding planners. The whole process is a bit easier and simpler in Greece. Less wait times as well. I love the trend of outdoor weddings, but be careful because summers are getting hotter and hotter in Greece and it might be a better idea to do it in the spring or fall. I wonder if outdoor venues are cheaper, I would assume so but that's something you'd have to research!
Thank.

Outdoor venues are all over the place with prices. There are venues on cliffs that overhang the sea, there are venues in the mountains, and in the cities, so location is really going to determine the price.

Here is a site for wedding-γάμος venues-κτήματα (κτήματα γάμου in Greek)
https://www.etoimazogamo.gr/tags/ktimata-gamoy-stin-athina
 
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Thank.

Outdoor venues are all over the place with prices. There are venues on cliffs that overhang the sea, there are venues in the mountains, and in the cities, so location is really going to determine the price.

Here is a site for wedding-γάμος venues-κτήματα (κτήματα γάμου in Greek)
https://www.etoimazogamo.gr/tags/ktimata-gamoy-stin-athina
Hmmm, that makes a lot of sense. I guess you get what you pay for! Especially if there is a great view.

And oh my gosh this website is great and everything is all set up, super boutique. I wonder how customizable these wedding packages are, I know many people are picky. But for me, this sounds great! I don't like the hassle of picking out all of these tiny details. As long as there's good music and food, people will enjoy themselves :)
 

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:
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  • 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

Greek Naming Traditions?

I have noticed that in Greece, there are some traditions associated with naming their children. Although some Greek families in the United States have done this, many have seemed to lose the traditions.

Does anyone know what some of these traditions are? I am helping a friend name his upcoming child... Here's some of what I have learned:

1. Firstborn daughter names after maternal grandmother
2. Firstborn son named after paternal grandfather
3. Firstborn son named after father

Those are the ones I have figured out. I don't know what is traditional from Greece and what has just been made up amongst Greeks in the US.

Greek Wedding Traditions Roundup

I am helping someone plan her Greek wedding. I wanted to make a list of all the traditions we need to keep in time for the big day. Did I miss anything?

The Stolisma

The wedding day begins with the ritual of 'Stolisma,' where the bride and groom are prepared separately by their families. It's a moment filled with emotion, songs, and blessings, setting the tone for the day. I had honestly never heard of this. Do people still do it?

The Krevati

An amusing tradition is the 'Krevati' (bed making), where family and friends gather to decorate the couple's future bed with baby items, symbolizing fertility and a happy family life. Money is also often thrown on the bed for good luck and prosperity.

The Crowning (Stefana)

One of the most iconic rituals during the ceremony is the exchange of crowns or 'Stefana.' I believe they need to buy the crowns they want in advance?

Koufeta

No Greek wedding would be complete without 'Koufeta'—sugar-coated almonds given to guests as wedding favors. These bittersweet treats represent the ups and downs of married life and are shared in odd numbers to symbolize indivisibility and shared life.

Greek Name Days Celebrations

I have been encouraging my family and friends to let me know when their name days are. I know for my immediate family, of course, but I want to start honoring name days in addition to birthdays like they do in Greece.

But aside from wishing someone Chronia Polla, or happy name day, what else can we do? How do people in Greece celebrate? Is it much like a birthday?

Navigating Greek Lenten Fasting - Advice?

Lent is here and all my friends and family have been asking "what are you doing for lent this year?" They're all "giving something up" but I decided I wanted to fast. I would love your help and advice because this is the first time I am doing things in a stricter way. I resolve to see it through!

It's supposed to be a a time of reflection, purification, and preparation for the celebration of Easter, and the diet plays a significant part in this spiritual journey. I don't want to get so obsessed with the "rules" that I lose myself in them and forget why I am fasting int he first place.

Thanks in advance!
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