Greek Orthodox wedding candles: a guide for the koumbaro or koumbara

At a Greek Orthodox wedding the koumbaro or koumbara, the couple's sponsor, usually provides the stefana crowns and often the wedding candles (lambades) as well. If that is you, the candles are one of the few items on the list that cannot be bought off a shelf on the week of the wedding, because the couple's names are lettered on them. This guide covers what to get from the couple, how much time to allow, and what the order includes.

What do the lambades look like?

The pair I make is neutral in tone, in grey, silver, white and nude shades, with an Orthodox cross on each candle and the couple's names or initials in gold lettering. The pair is made to match, one candle for the bride and one for the groom. They are held through the crowning and while the priest leads the couple around the table, and the couple take them home afterwards.

The price is $250 AUD for the pair, and the gold lettering is included in that price.

What do you need from the couple?

Ask the couple for these in writing, before you order:

• Both names exactly as they spell them. Greek names have several accepted spellings in English, such as Dimitri, Dimitrios and Dimitris, or Kostas and Konstantinos. The person whose name it is decides which one goes on the candle.
• Names or initials. Full first names are the usual choice. Initials suit long names or a plainer look.
• Whether they want the wedding date. A date can go under the names, on both candles in the same format.
• The wedding date itself, so you can work back to an order date.

I letter in Latin or Cyrillic characters only, so lettering in the Greek alphabet is not something I can offer. Greek names are written in Latin letters on the candle.

How does the order work?

You order through Etsy and put the names in the order notes, or send them to me through the contact page. I send the wording back laid out as it will appear on each candle. You check it with the couple and reply with a yes or any corrections, and I start the lettering after that. The candles are made to order at home in Australia and posted anywhere in the country.

How far ahead should you order?

At least four to six weeks before the wedding. Part of that is the confirmation of the wording, which takes as long as the couple take to answer, and the rest is making, drying and Australia Post. If the wedding is closer than that, message me before you order and I will say whether it can be done. I do not promise delivery dates I cannot control.

What else is on the koumbaro's list?

The candles are only one item. The stefana, the rings, the koufeta for the guests and a tray for the table all come from your church, a Greek wedding supplier or the couple's own arrangements, and I only make the candles. My Orthodox wedding page lists the full set of items most couples work from. If the couple's parish asks for something particular, the parish priest is the person to confirm it with.

When you have the names confirmed by the couple, send them across and I will return the wording for you to check. If you are still deciding between names and initials, the post on what to write on Orthodox wedding candles goes through the choices.