My life in weddings

I was a bridesmaid for my good friend in September 2011.

We rocked the converse look too!

The bouquets were made that morning by the bride’s mother and sister (also responsible for the fantastic photos). 

There are many Greek proverbs which I identify with, and in particular those of the Ancient Greek poet Sappho (640-548 BC), born on the Greek island of Lesbos. Some believe she was one of the first female poets in the world.

A handsome man is handsome so long as he stands before you, but a kind man remains comely later and forever. 

What is beautiful is good, and who is good will soon be beautiful.

Beauty endures only for as long as it can be seen; goodness, beautiful today, will remain so tomorrow.

It is customary to see sugared almonds and red ribbons at a Greek wedding. The almonds symbolise purity (white in colour), fertility (shape of the almond), endurance (hardness of the almond) and sweetness of future life (sweetness of almond).

The almonds and ribbons are shared amongst the single women who must sleep with the ribbon under their pillow to dream of the man they will marry.

Greek brides list the names of all their single female friends on the sole of their wedding shoes. At the end of the night, the name that is still visible on the shoe will be next to walk down the isle.

Before entering the church, a red scarf is tied around the bride and groom (separately) three times by their parents, family and close friends. This signifies her virginity and his fertility.

At the groom’s home, before leaving for the church, he is shaved (known as the last shave) by his Koumbaro (the best man to you and I) whilst he is surrounded by his family and music plays in the background. The Koumbaro then proceeds to dress the groom in his shirt, waistcoat and cravat.

The first dance between husband and wife is performed half way through the night. During this time, friends and family of the bride and groom pin money on them as a gift. 

Wedding rings are worn on the right hand.

It is traditional Greek folk custom to smash plates during celebratory occasions such as weddings.

I take my inspiration for weddings, Greece and Cyprus from all over the net.

I ‘pin’ wedding dresses, wedding cakes, wedding favours, wedding invitations and save the dates, wedding shoes, wedding locations in Greece and Cyprus, Greek food and drink, unique wedding ideas…. and much more.

Follow me on Pinterest today and see what ideas will inspire you for your wedding day!