If you're the guest in a Greek wedding, you must say:
  • Να ζήσετε “may you live [long]” to the bride and groom.
  • Να σας ζήσουν “may they live [long] for you” to the bride and groom's families.
  • Πάντα άξιος “[may you] always [be] worthy” to the best man.
  • Πάντα άξια “[may you] always [be] worthy” to the matron of honour.

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Moreover, how do I survive a Greek Wedding?

11 Tips to Survive a Traditional Greek Wedding

  1. Dress to the nines, heck, to the tens even.
  2. Know your way around pre-wedding traditions.
  3. It's all Greek to me.
  4. Sit wherever you want.
  5. Spit on the happy couple.
  6. There will be a lot of kisses, hugs and wishes.
  7. So much food, so little stomach space.
  8. Be prepared for the interrogation.

One may also ask, what can I expect from a Greek Orthodox wedding? If you're wondering how long a typical Coptic Orthodox wedding is, here's an outline:

  • Matrimonial prayers & hymns.
  • Readings from the Bible.
  • Exchange of Rings.
  • Anointing with Holy Oil.
  • The Blessing of the Crowns.
  • Priest Admonition.
  • End of service.

Subsequently, one may also ask, how much money do you give at a Greek wedding?

Plan to spend around $75-$100 for the wedding gift per person. If you're attending as a couple, add value to the gift accordingly.

How does a Greek wedding work?

Greek wedding ceremonies feature an elaborate ritual with the crowns. First, the priest places a crown on both the bride and groom's head. Then, the Koumbaros, or wedding sponsor, intertwines the crowns three times to symbolize the couple's union. Finally, the crowns are tied together with a ribbon.

Related Question Answers

Why do Greek brides get spit on?

Yes it's true; a very old Greek tradition is to spit on the happy couple. But, not literally. Guests will pretend to spit on the Bride and Groom to protect them from any evil spirits on their big day! This is generally done three times for greater luck.

Who pays for a Greek Wedding?

While the bride's parents arrange and pay for the wedding ceremony, it is another who is responsible for purchasing the crowns and candles and for performing the actual crowning of the couple: the koumbaros or koumbara. This person is a specially chosen attendant for the bride and the groom.

How long does a Greek wedding last?

What happens at a Greek Orthodox wedding. The ceremony is performed by a priest in a Greek Orthodox Church and lasts between 40 minutes and an hour.

Why do Greeks smash plates?

It meant that the couple were throwing away their old life and embarking on a new life together. Smashing plates could fool the spirits. It was believed that breaking plates would keep the evil spirits at bay because they would believe the people involved were angry and upset—instead of celebrating.

What do you wear to a Greek summer wedding?

- Greece is very fashion conscious, so wear the colurs fashionable this summer. - You can wear lighter colours instead of white. - If wedding is outside, straps, plunging back, side slits will save you from suffocating heat. - Loose clothing is in, so you can stay cool.

What do you wear to a Greek island wedding?

What to Wear to a Greek Island Wedding. My advice to ladies: bring a pair of comfortable shoes or pretty flat sandals. The little chapels on islands are often challenging to get to by foot. Plus, you'll likely want to switch to comfy shoes to dance in later on.

What do you wear to a Greek party?

Unlike casual theme parties, Greek formal parties are more like the traditional social functions of generations past. The men wear tuxedos and bow ties while the ladies show up in cocktail dresses or evening dresses, depending on the occasion's level of formality.

Is $200 a good wedding gift?

The average wedding gift amount hovers right around $100, which is a great place to start, and you can increase or decrease that based on how close you are. If you're very close or related to the couple (and have the wiggle room in your budget), you may choose to spend more—about $150 per guest (or $200 from a couple).

How much do you give for 2019 wedding?

The gift. In 2019, Wedding guests will spend about $55 to $110 per gift, experts say, but spending varies significantly, depending on a number of factors. One Wedding Planner told us “A minimum amount to budget for a gift would be $25 for a co-worker, $50 for a friend and $100 or more if they are family.”

Why do they throw money at Greek weddings?

“In our tradition, when the newlywed couple dances, family and friends throw money on them to signify good fortune and prosperity. The guests also take turns leading the bride and the groom in the circle dances, starting from the immediate family and filtering down to friends.

How much cash should you give at a wedding?

When you're giving money for a wedding gift and attending solo, etiquette says you should spend about $50 to $75. But you may want to also consider the couple you're celebrating. If it's a coworker, or someone you just catch up with from time to time, the lower end of the spectrum is appropriate.

Is it rude to not give a wedding gift?

"No. Although gifts are never mandatory, you should always give something if you were invited to the wedding. But, if you're in the bridal party or are traveling to a destination or out of town, it's okay to spend less on a gift than you normally would."

Do you give cash or check for wedding gift?

When it comes to wedding gifts, there's no right or wrong answer on how much you should spend. It's all about your personal budget. And cash is a completely acceptable gift, says Lizzie Post, etiquette expert and co-host of Emily Post's “Awesome Etiquette” podcast. Some couples even prefer it.

How much do you give a sibling for a wedding?

"$200-$250 usually. (I would give $250, but my wife says $200, so it depends who goes to the bank!) This is our standard wedding gift. I would give more if it were a very close family member (mainly a sibling).

How much should parents give for wedding gift?

Family members are projected to spend at least $127. Even if you aren't close to the couple, however, it's not very considerate to spend less than $50 on a gift. If you're a coworker or a distant friend, the minimum wedding gift amount you can get away with is $50 to $75.

How much money should the groom's parents give?

Parents of the bride and groom collectively contribute about $19,000 to the wedding, or about two-thirds of the total cost, according to WeddingWire. The bride's parents give an average $12,000, and the groom's, $7,000.

What do I wear to a Greek Orthodox Church?

In recent years, Greek Orthodox Churches have gotten a little more casual than they used to be. The general rule is to wear clothes that are classy and not too provocative. Business casual or a suit and tie for the men are both acceptable. For women, wearing a dress or skirt that falls around the knee is preferred.

Can a non Greek Orthodox marry a Greek Orthodox?

While non-Orthodox Christians can marry in the Orthodox Church, an Orthodox Christian is not allowed to marry in a non-Orthodox Church or ceremony. While it may seem extremely difficult or complex to get married in the Greek Orthodox Church, rest assured it is not.

What is a Koumbara in Greek?

The koumbara is the individual who attends to the bride, assists her during the ceremony and serves as a sponsor to the wedding covenant. The koumbara may share her duties with a male attendant, called a "koumbaro." The groom chooses the koumbaro as his attendant.