I am planning a Greek wedding, help me with a checklist?

Question

Hi, I live in Greece and I am planning my wedding with my Greek husband (we had a civil service or politiko a few months ago and next year is the big church thing). I'm pretty sure that the only thing my husband is going to do is book the church and engage the priest and he might organise the reception.
But I need to know about all the other things I need to do, order, make? The only thing I can think of is the invitations. What about bomboniere? Do I take care of it or do the koumbaroi (groomsmen) have to take care of it? Who do I have to buy presents for and what are the traditional presents?

Seriously, I have no clue whatsoever. I mean if I have to buy a special garter belt or something because there is some sort of ceremony thing that involves one I dont know.

I need to know what I have to plan, buy and order, all the details you guys can think of. Because at the moment all I know of is my dress and invitations.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

You take care of the
1.bombonieres
2.church decoration (flowers etc.)-and the reception decoration, if it is not included where you book.
3.Also your bouquet.
4.Invitations and wedding list (like in a shop)
5. Presents for the koumbaroi
6.The rings
7. your dress (the groom traditionally pays for it) and the shoes.
The coumbaroi buy the stefana (wreaths that you put on the head), bottle, glass, wine, silver tray, lambades (large candles) and pay the church. But if your koumbaroi are both guys, it would be a good idea to find all these stuff yourself and just ask them to pay for them. In any way, it is better to arrange togetherfor the things they are supposed to buy , so that you are sure there is no problem (for example the lambades may be included in the church decoration, if you arrange it).

If you need ideas on where to get all these, don't hesitate to email me, I have been married twice, and I was koumbara twice, so I know a lot of places.

Oh, don't forget to get the wedding licence, there is a small procedure at the church, the priest will help you with that, but you must do it in advance.

Answer 2

All ppl believe that is bad luck to wear another's couple crowns (stefana), or lose yours etc.
Buy some new, cause its a new beginning.
Now the traditions..
1) the groom MUST NOT see the bride the last day before wedding.
2) You gotta do the "krevati". A little celebration in your new house before wedding, decorate your bed with new bridal linens, have a kid lay down in the bed for 1min, and ppl have to throw some money in the bed too after this. For fertility and good luck.
3) Presents for best men are usually some jewelery or a nice clock.
4) The bride gotta be late for 5-10mins in her wedding (well its a tradition, if you dont like, dont do it)
5) make sure your bridal dress its not too short etc. Some priests got problems with that :X
6) Also make sure that koubaroi (if they are women) dont wear too excite clothes too :P
7) Give ppl rice to throw you when you're doing "xoros tou isaia" for fertility again.

Answer 3

The advice given by cpinatsi is more than detailed and with the experience she has, she can be a great help.
However, you have to take care of local habits since they differ from place to place. You don't want to have anyone offended by a minor detail.
My advice will be, to check with your mother and your mother-in-law what is the customary for your place, if it's different from Athens.
Also, see your married friends and ask them of their own preparations.
Since all this anxiety sounds as the pre-ceremonial jitters, try primarily to calm down and use your head. You know your obligations and needs better than anyone else. With the help of Xristina you will get everything in perfect order. My best wishes for your marriage and hope this turns into a memorable occasion for you.

Answer 4

Yasou!
You need the crowns that you will wear (you can see them in the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding). Maybe his parents still have theirs...or maybe somebody else gets them for you.


My apologies....Best Wishes! Hope it all works out!

Answer 5

Don't forget the rice!!!
And all the best to you!