Are you considering getting married in Greece? This Mediterranean nation is perfect for those wanting a sun-drenched backdrop of beautiful beaches and stunning oceans for an unforgettable wedding day. Greek wedding traditions continue to play a significant role in modern ceremonies. Although their origins lie in ancient times, contemporary couples embrace these traditions, customizing them to reflect their unique love stories. In the heart of this cultural celebration lies the enchanting island of Santorini. Whitewashed buildings, iconic blue domes, and breathtaking sunsets set the stage for the perfect Greek Wedding in Santorini. Couples can choose to incorporate as many traditions as they desire, showcasing their Greek roots in a way that resonates with their modern lives. So, if you are planning to travel to Greece to tie the knot, then you need to have an idea about the traditions that make Greek weddings in Santorini so special world wide.
A traditional Greek Wedding in Santorini
Traditional Greek weddings, rooted in the Orthodox faith, typically take place in a Greek Orthodox Church or a charming small chapel. The ideal timing for a Greek wedding is a weekend, ensuring guests can celebrate without work obligations the next day. However, these weddings are not held during Lent, on holy days, or during fasting periods. Unlike the modern weddings portrayed in movies, Greek Orthodox ceremonies do not involve exchanging vows. Instead, the ceremony symbolizes a spiritual union, emphasizing the deep, sacred bond between two people in love.
What happens at a Greek wedding in Santorini: Before the wedding
A few days before the wedding, close friends and family gather to prepare the bed of the couple. According to the tradition the groom should not participate in the procedure. But nowadays the young couples that decide to follow the tradition include the groom. After the making of the bed, friends and family throw money on the bed to “secure” the couple’s prosperity and rice to make sure that the couple will grow roots.
During the preparation time on the official wedding day, the bride and the groom are getting dressed at different houses, accompanied by their best friends. The bride writes the names of her unmarried friends on the soles of her wedding shoes. The names that rub off by the end of the day are believed to be the next to marry. Meanwhile, the groom’s best friends give him his last shave before the ceremony.
In Santorini, a unique tradition sees the bride or groom accompanied on foot from their home to the church by relatives and a traditional band. All the way to the church, local traditional songs are sounding and people are singing along till they reach the church.
What happens at a Greek Wedding in Santorini: During the Wedding Ceremony
During the wedding ceremony, the best man and maid of honor play a crucial role. They exchange the rings three times and then the crowns, or “stefana,” three times over the heads of the couple. These crowns are joined with a white ribbon, symbolizing unity. The couple’s relatives stand around them, and the bride and groom must keep their right hands united throughout the ceremony. During the “Dance of Isaiah,” the couple walks around a table with the priest while guests throw rice. The rice symbolize the “rooting” of their new life together and their first steps as a married couple. Towards the end of the ceremony, the priest gives the couple a sip of red wine from the same glass, symbolizing their shared life.
What happens at a Greek Wedding in Santorini: The Closing of the Ceremony
The official ceremony might be over, but the celebration is just beginning! Stepping outside the Santorini church, the guests make a line for the official wishes to the couple. With the breathtaking Santorini landscape as their backdrop, the line transforms into a photo opportunity. Professional photographers capture the radiant smiles of the couple and the genuine expressions of their loved ones, creating timeless memories of this special occasion. Finally, guests are then treated to delightful bonbonnieres, small decorative boxes filled with a special treat: “koufeta.” These delicious candies symbolize the couple’s unity. The number of candies is traditionally odd (three, five, or seven) to represent that the couple can never be divided.
What happens at a Greek Wedding Reception
After the ceremony, guests head to the wedding hall for dinner and a lively party. The reception begins with the couple’s entrance, marked by a festive atmosphere and their first dance to a love song. Then they cut the wedding cake and make a toast with champagne, thanking guests and wishing them a joyful night. Guests savor a variety of Greek delicacies while enjoying traditional and modern music. A highlight of the party is when the bride pauses the music to call all single ladies to the dance floor, tossing her bouquet to determine who will marry next.
An exemplary venue in Santorini for such a celebration is Pyrgos Restaurant, renowned for over 30 years of hosting various events. Offering breathtaking Caldera views and exquisite culinary delights, Pyrgos Restaurant ensures an unforgettable experience with customizable halls and a range of services for a seamless wedding. Guests enjoy an extensive menu of Greek creative cuisine and top-tier service from professional staff.
To summarize, celebrating love in a traditional Greek wedding on the enchanting island of Santorini is an unforgetabble experience. As the sun sets over the Aegean Sea, casting a golden glow on the iconic white-washed buildings, you will find yourself immersed in a celebration that honors the rich heritage of Greece while marking the beginning of your own timeless love story. A Santorini wedding is not just a ceremony, it’s a journey into a world where love, tradition, and breathtaking scenery come together in perfect harmony.
Let Aria Wedding‘s team of Santorini, with over 10 years of experience on the island, craft your dream Greek wedding in Santorini today, and unlock the magic that awaits.