Well, not MY big, fat, Greek wedding, but the first Greek wedding I’ve attended… That happened on Saturday when the daughter of my husband’s cousin got married. It was fun, fun, fun!
Today, I want to tell you all about it.
The morning started off with a frantic dash to town for hubby and me. He needed a new pair of black suit pants and I needed a pair of blue shoes to match the dress I’d borrowed from my daughter-in-law. The panic started a night a two before when I examined the invitation and realized the dress code was formal. Not smart-casual or smart… Formal! But when we sat inside that Greek Orthodox church on Saturday afternoon waiting for the bride to arrive—the men around the church looking like the mafia in their smart, black tuxedos—hubby leaned over, breathed a sigh of relief, and whispered how glad he was that I had talked him into wearing a suit and tie. He looks really good in those modern, skinny cut pants, don’t you think?
But I digress, back to the big, fat, Greek wedding.
We left home fifteen minutes later than planned, but riding in the slipstream of a police convoy for some or other government official, we quickly made up the lost time and arrived at the church with five minutes to spare. Whew!
The interior of the church was magnificent, the painted domed roof one of the many things that held our attention. The other was a member of the clergy. According to me, which hubby found amusing, the young man in his flowing white and gold robe, hair trailing his shoulders, looked a little like Jesus.
We didn’t wait long for the bride to arrive. When she did, the guests rose to their feet. I’m not sure if that was the first of many rituals at a Greek wedding, or if someone just forgot to tell everyone to sit down after the bride had entered, but we stood the entire ceremony. On looking at images of Greek weddings on Google, however, I see that standing seems to be the norm. Unfortunately, it made seeing what was happening up front between the priest, bride, and groom somewhat challenging.
Before the bride walked down the aisle, two young boys in suits entered, bearing the rings (I think). A chanter’s voice filled the sanctuary. Then came the bridesmaids dressed in soft, dusty-pink chiffon dresses with sequined bodices. Two of the bridesmaids each held onto the hands of a toddler dressed in a cloud of white tulle. Then a slightly pregnant bridesmaid graced the red-carpet.
Reaching the end of the aisle, the father of the bride lifted her veil and kissed his daughter goodbye.
A mature woman dressed in a black outfit had followed the bride and her father down the aisle. I think she was the groom’s aunt. I learned through researching for this blog that she was the koumbara, a role of high regard similar to the Maid of Honor in an English wedding. Likely she was the groom’s godmother because tradition states that the godparents of the groom are asked first to fill this important role.
She played an active part in the ceremony—probably way more than what my limited view between two guests offered—and I did see her helping with the stefana. The stefana are the wedding crowns that are swapped back and forth three times between the bride and groom. The couple, wearing these crowns, then circle the altar three times as a married couple. This Dance of Isaiah or “ceremonial walk” follows the common cup (mentioned later) and signifies their journey through life together. The stefana symbolizes the union of two people into a single couple. The marriage is viewed as creating a new kingdom, hence the “crowns”, the bride and groom king and queen of their home and family. You will notice the traditionally white ribbon for purity uniting the bride and groom in the photos below.
I’m sure the koumbara did far more than just helping with the stefana though, as there are many commitments attached to this role. The best man, known as the koumbaro, also has several duties to attend to like helping to shave the groom before he gets dressed for the wedding, signifying trust.
The marriage ceremony was interesting. The priest repeated the same words three times in English and probably the same number of times in Greek when he blessed the rings. He did something similar holding up a large Bible with a metal covering. Then again with the crowns and probably with the cup too.
The number three, representing the holy trinity, is very symbolic and clearly evident during this part of the ceremony. While writing this post, I was reminded of last month’s blog that I wrote about The Power of Three.
The older priest, dressed in the same kind of robe as “Jesus”, did all the talking, or should I say singing because much of what was said, was sung. The bridal couple exchanged no vows.
I spent the following afternoon watching the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding in preparation for writing this blog. I didn’t learn too much (probably because I kept falling asleep as I was exhausted from a sleepless night due to a sudden early morning flight). However, I did notice an interesting tradition dating back to ancient times—mimicking the act of spitting by blowing a puff of breath through pursed lips at the couple. Because of the rule of three, “spitting” this amount of times brings greater luck. I never saw anyone doing this to the bride or groom at my big fat Greek wedding, but that’s not to say it didn’t happen.
Here are a few other things that happen at a Greek wedding, and probably happened at this one…but I couldn’t see so I don’t know: the couple holding candles throughout the ceremony representing the light of Christ; and sharing the common cup where they each take three sips of wine. The cup represents a successful union. The latter did happen, that much I know.
The final blessing was bestowed, the ceremonial crowns removed, and the dismissal prayer read. While the bridal couple signed the register, wedding-goers emptied the church to wait outside. Armed with white rose petals, they showered the bride and groom as they exited.
I had to chuckle while reading an article called “27 Things That Will Happen At Every Greek Wedding”. The first one was that anyone and everyone is invited. Well, not at this wedding. I’d heard along the grapevine that the bride was very insistent about the reception venue she wanted. As the place could only accommodate 140 guests, she insisted the guest lists were cut. I can’t say I blame her for being insistent though, because that venue was incredible. But more about that in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.
What? Is that a groan I hear? There are two movies with the same title, so why not two blogs?
Jokes aside, I had planned to do this all in one blog, but as you can see, there’s just far too much to tell you.
So next time, we’ll get to the fun part—eating, dancing, and of course, breaking plates (all Greek style)—and I can’t wait!
USA Today bestselling author, MARION UECKERMANN’s passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. Marion and her husband again live in South Africa and are setting their sights on retirement when they can join their family in the beautiful Cape.
This was fascinating thank you.
Hi Marion! Wow! I love learning about other cultures and traditions. This sounds fantastic and has me wanting to investigate more. Wedding traditions are fascinating. Anxiously awaiting blog 2. Best wishes.
Thank you for such a wonderful journey into a Greek wedding! I like to learn about other cultures and traditions! I for one am looking forward to hearing all about the food and dancing!
PS…..hubs looks amazing, where is a photo of you??
Well, I just got an education! I had no idea regarding all that is involved in a Greek wedding. Definitely a lot of traditions are embraced that I’ve never heard of. Interesting about the Godparents involvement in the ceremony.
I look forward to hearing the rest of what you have to share on this topic.
Hi Marion, thanks for sharing. Wow, I had no idea how much was involved in planning a Greek Orthodox wedding! I cannot imagine standing the entire ceremony- especially in heels!! How long did the ceremony go for? To sing the entire thing….
Do we get to see a photo of you in part 2?:) Your husband does look very dapper.
Blessings:)
Yes, I want to see a photo of you, too. Mostly because I want to see your blue shoes!
Wow this is fascinating and sounds incredibly fun. Thanks for sharing. Yes your husband looks wonderful. I am sure you do to.
Super interesting! Thanks for sharing.
How interesting!! The pic of hubs is wonderful, and yes, he looks good in the suit. The two little girls in their dresses is precious!! I like the pic of the inside of the church, too. The bride and groom make a lovely couple. Simple gowns look so elegant to me. Can’t wait to read the next blog!
Thank you, Mary. Glad you enjoyed the post :)
Thanks, Renate. We had such fun at this wedding, and I had even more fun researching the various things. I just wish I could’ve fitted everything in here, but at least you all have part 2 to look forward to :)
LOL, I didn’t like the only photo hubby took of me :) And oh, the best is yet to come in blog 2, Paula :)
Thank you, Susan. So glad you enjoyed this :)
I’d say it was probably about half an hour at least, Wendy, if not longer. There were a LOT of various traditions, and everything was repeated three times LOL. I wish we could have seen what was going on up front though. I think we lost out on a lot :) Hmm, photo of me, I don’t think so…although I do have a good selfie I took of hubby, his mom, and me at the reception :)
LOL, Susan, I almost posted a photo of my shoes with the photo of hubby and then I thought, “Who would want to see a photo of my shoes?” LOL :)
Thanks, Lori. So glad you enjoyed reading about my big, fat, Greek wedding :) The dress I borrowed from my daughter-in-law was very pretty :)
Thanks, Valerie. I think the best is still to come :)
Thank you, Trudy. The bride was beautiful, and those two little girls…priceless :)
Wow Marion, that must have been such fun, I look forward to reading the second blog. Thanks for sharing.
I love My Big Fat Greek Wedding and the sequel, in fact I periodically rewatch these two movies, they are delightfully funny.
Thanks for sharing that. It was very entertaining, and I can hardly wait until your next post.
Thank you for sharing.
I had a big fat Greek wedding! My whole family is Greek.:) Love that you shared your experience at one. ❤️
Thank you, Merrillee. I enjoyed sharing the experience and can’t wait to share the rest ?
You’re welcome, Lucy ?
How awesome, Angie ❤
I went to a Greek wedding here in Canada and really enjoyed it. Much of what you talked about was familiar. I loved the experience and was glad for the opportunity to be invited.
I also went to a Ukrainian wedding which is very similar.
hahaha Very interesting post. I’ve never been to a Greek wedding nor saw the movie and knew nothing until your post. Thanks for sharing. :)
Your hubby looked awesome and the bride was gorgeous! Thanks for sharing such a fun family day!
I didn’t get to read this until today. About 30 years ago, a real good friend of my husband got married in a Russian Orthodox ceremony, and my husband was one of the groomsmen. The wedding was on a HOT day, and the church had NO air conditioning. We all stood for the entire 45 min. ceremony! I felt sorry for the priest, who wore very heavy, ornate robes. We all survived, and our friends are still happily married. :-)
Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to the rest of the story. Hope I haven’t missed it.
Thanks, Ruth. And I look forward to sharing the second part of the wedding … the reception.
Some nationalities just have such interesting cultures and traditions, don’t they? :)
So glad you’ve learned something new, Sabrina. Hope the second part is even more interesting :)
Aw, thanks, Laurie. Oh, and the fun is yet to come in blog 2 :)
Wow! Thanks for sharing, Margaret. Hmmm, so it seems that standing is the norm in these kinds of ceremonies. :)
You’re welcome, Mary, and no, you haven’t missed the second part. That will only be on July 2nd.