Greek Wedding Customs
The marriage crowns are extremely important to a Greek couple, and will be saved after the wedding, and often placed on display in their new home. Some people are even buried in their stefana, they are that important. The ribbon that binds the two crowns is to be kept intact for a lifetime, as it represents the lasting union between the bride and groom. Traditionally, the crowns were made of materials ranging from lemon leaves to vines to gold and jewels. Because they are considered a lasting keepsake, brides today will often have custom bridal jewelry created to match the look of their crowns, or vice versa. The bridal jewelry and the stefana can both be handcrafted of the same fine materials, such as pearls, sterling silver, and Swarovksi crystals.
There is many other wonderful Greek wedding customs. One of these concerns the role of the best man, called the koumbaros. This honored position is often filled by the groom's godfather, although any other close male friend or relative can have the role. The koumbaros has very special duties on the day of the wedding, including leading the bride and groom to the church, and helping them with their stefana.
Other Greek wedding customs pertain to the guests. It is customary for the guests at a wedding to wear good luck charms in the form of an eye to help ward off evil spirits. You could have a basket of these available at the door of the church for your guests to put on as they enter. Another beloved wedding custom in Greece is the breaking of plates at the reception for good luck, amongst much cheering and revelry.
There is many other wonderful Greek wedding customs. One of these concerns the role of the best man, called the koumbaros. This honored position is often filled by the groom's godfather, although any other close male friend or relative can have the role. The koumbaros has very special duties on the day of the wedding, including leading the bride and groom to the church, and helping them with their stefana.
Other Greek wedding customs pertain to the guests. It is customary for the guests at a wedding to wear good luck charms in the form of an eye to help ward off evil spirits. You could have a basket of these available at the door of the church for your guests to put on as they enter. Another beloved wedding custom in Greece is the breaking of plates at the reception for good luck, amongst much cheering and revelry.
