It’s autumn in Chicago and our wedding/reception will have indoor and outdoor components! We recommend suits for gentlemen and midi/maxi dresses in festive fall tones for the ladies.
The Stefana (Greek Wedding crowns) are two crowns joined together by ribbon to symbolise unity and are blessed by the priest in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy spirit. When placed on their foreheads, the bride and groom are “crowned” the King and Queen of their home, which they will run with love and Faith. The crowns are swapped back and forth three times by the koumbaro (best man or maid of honour) as they walk around the altar to mark the beginning of their marital journey.
At the conclusion of a Greek wedding, guests are given a small gift known as the ‘Bomboniere’. Today, these gifts can be anything from candles to icons, but traditionally the Bomboneire are sugar coated almonds, also known as ‘Koufeta’ in Greek. The sugar almonds represent many things in itself, symbolising purity through the colour white and fertility through the egg shape of the almond. The firmness of the almond represents strength in the marriage and the sugar coating symbolises sweetness. Traditionally, the bride and groom would give five almonds in each bag to represent five pillars in their marriage; health, happiness, fertility, wealth and a long life.
The Greek Money Dance, also known as “Kalamatianos” or “Karioka,” is a cherished tradition that takes place during the wedding reception. As the couple takes the dance floor to spirited music, clapping and ululations, guests joyfully pin money onto the bride and groom’s attire or in modern tradition, throws money over the bride and groom. The Greek Money Dance embodies the sense of togetherness and community that is essential to Greek culture. By pinning money onto the couple’s attire, guests contribute to the couple’s new life together, blessing the marriage with well-wishes for their future. It is not the monetary value that matters most, but the love and good intentions behind the gesture. The Greek Money Dance reinforces the idea that the couple’s happiness and success are intertwined with the support of their family and friends. The dance showcases the importance of close relationships and how they play a significant role in the couple’s journey.
Greek Dancing Tutorial —> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ryWGbu7Ubr8
Polka Tutorial —> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sVnfVUWiBTU&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD