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Weddings in ancient Greece were actually three day affairs. It began with a feast given by the bride's father (like a reception), the next day the actual ceremony or handing the bride to her husband with ritualistic words takes place, and then the post-wedding customs follow on the third day. If you choose to have a very old fashioned Greek wedding theme, you can choose to follow this format. However, most weddings these days begin with a ceremony and end with a reception, so your wedding can simply be Greek inspired instead of strictly Ancient Greek.
Couples can choose to have a ceremony that suits their religion or their beliefs. If they choose to have a more closely based ceremony, the bride's father will have to ceremoniously give his daughter away to her new husband, assuring the husband that his daughter is pure (a virgin.) As this can get embarrassing for the couple, a more modern ceremony may be easier for both the couple and their guests.
Decorations at the ceremony will have to depict nature's beauty. This means a lot of greenery or vines, and a lot of flowers are in order. Couples can choose to seat their guests on the floor or among pillows and couches, or on more traditional sit down tables. The table centerpieces can be bowls of fresh fruit, or fake fruit if getting them fresh will be to expensive and a waste in the end.
Food for a Greek wedding theme will have to be spiced or herb infused meats. Perhaps lamb chops with some potatoes or small sweet onions which have been baked or broiled make a great main course. A hearty soup and a semi-sweet dessert will do well too. The food is obviously very simple, but is more focused on being tasty. The cake can be a simple cake with nuts of fruits, covered in white icing.
Hiring a lyre or harp player will provide appropriate music for the celebration. Music is gentle and soothing, allowing guests to speak and enjoy themselves. Of course, this will have to be in between the traditional wedding dances and other wedding activities, like the speeches. For Greek wedding theme favors, small chocolate gold coins in tiny pouches can be given. This will be reminiscent of the way people carried their money at the time.
Finally, the clothes. Greek ladies are known for their flowing dresses that are intricately tied around the neck or shoulders area. White is a perfectly good color for a bride to wear, and a lace veil held to her head with a flower wreath will give her a good effect. Wild flowers instead of a fixed bouquet can be carried. The groom can wear a Greek scholar's robe, which is as long as the floor, and has a sash over one shoulder. Groomsmen can dress similarly, while bridesmaids also wear Greek inspired dresses only in varying pastel colors.
Next Article: Planning Medieval Weddings
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