What are the most common Greek wedding traditions?

The best-known Greek wedding traditions include the crowning of the couple with the stefana, sharing wine from a common cup, the circle dances, pinning money on the newlyweds during the final dance, handing guests sugared almonds called koufeta, and the playful spitting to ward off the evil eye.

Why do Greeks spit at weddings?

Greeks do not really spit. Guests make a soft ftou, ftou, ftou sound, usually three times, as a gesture to protect the couple from the evil eye and keep envy and bad luck away on their wedding day.

What is the stefana in a Greek wedding?

The stefana are two crowns joined by a ribbon, placed on the heads of the bride and groom during the Orthodox ceremony. They crown the couple king and queen of their new home, and the sponsor swaps them between their heads three times.

What is koufeta at a Greek wedding?

Koufeta are sugar-coated almonds given to guests in small bundles, always an odd number. The odd number cannot be divided, symbolising the couple unity, the almond represents life, and the sugar represents the sweetness of marriage.

Who traditionally pays for a Greek wedding?

Traditionally the bride family provided a dowry, the proika, and covered much of the wedding cost. Today most Greek couples share the expense between both families, and often pay for and plan the wedding themselves.

Why does the bride step on the groom foot?

It is a lighthearted custom. Greeks say whoever steps on the other foot first during the ceremony will have the upper hand in the marriage, so the bride sometimes gives the groom shoe a gentle, playful stomp.

How much money do you give at a Greek wedding?

There is no fixed amount. Many guests give money during the money dance by pinning it to the couple clothes, and the gift usually reflects how close you are to the couple and what you can comfortably afford.