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Your guide to the Greek Orthodox ceremony and accompanying wedding traditions
The wedding service
It’s not possible to change the format of the service in any significant way. There is no music other than hymns, and the readings are all taken from religious texts. You cannot bring in musicians or music from outside.
To put their own unique stamp on the day, most couples concentrate on incorporating other kinds of music or readings into the wedding reception.
Greek Orthodox wedding traditions
- Rehearsals sometimes take place, but they are not compulsory.
- The bride and groom can invite guests from all religious denominations. Although everyone is welcome to the celebrations, it is preferred that only those who have been baptised into the faith themselves enter the church itself.
- The Greek Orthodox community is very tight-knit and centres around the church, so everyone in it will know about the impending marriage. The community is traditionally asked to the wedding and reception and plays a large part in the atmosphere of the ceremony itself.
- The bride wears a white wedding dress with a long train. The groom wears a traditional black suit with a bow tie. Guests should wear smart outfits.
On the big day
- As in any traditional Christian service, the couple do not see one another on the day. The groom arrives before the bride and traditionally men sit on the right, women on the left (Although nowadays people sit where they want).
- The bride arrives with her father, or a male relative. The groom travels to the church with his best man.
- Traditionally, the service itself is paid for by the bridesmaids. It begins with the betrothal ceremony, which includes a blessing and the placing of a ring on the right hand of the bride and groom. This is conducted by the priest.
- During the ceremony, the bride and groom are given a cup of wine and crowns are placed on their heads. This is separate to Holy Communion, which takes place prior to the wedding day.
- During the service the bride and groom kiss the Bible and walk around the altar-like ceremonial table three times to recognise the Holy Trinity and their happiness at the union of the two families.
- At the end of the service, the wedding party leaves the church for the reception where there is dancing, including the money dance when guests pin money to the couple’s clothes.
