Orthodox wedding shopping list: what I make and what I do not
By Natasha ·
People looking for a Greek wedding shop are usually trying to tick off a list. I can only tick off one line of it. I make the wedding candles. This post sets out the whole list so you know which line is mine and where the others usually come from.
Your priest has the last word on what your parish expects. Treat this as a starting point for the conversation with them.
The list
For the church service, a Greek Orthodox wedding needs the following.
| Item | What it is | Where it usually comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding candles (lambades) | A matching pair, held by the bride and groom | The koumbaro or koumbara often provides them; I make them |
| Stefana | Two crowns joined by a ribbon, swapped over the couple's heads three times | The koumbaro or koumbara usually provides them; not something I make |
| Rings | Blessed and exchanged at the start of the service | Not something I make; your priest can tell you what your parish needs |
| Koufeta | Sugared almonds, usually in odd numbers, given to guests | Not something I make; ask your church, your koumbaro or a Greek wedding supplier |
| A tray or dish | Holds the crowns and rings on the table in front of the priest | Not something I make; ask your church or your koumbaro |
The details of the service differ between Greek, Serbian, Macedonian and Russian weddings, and between parishes. In a Serbian or Macedonian wedding the kum usually provides the candles. In a Russian ceremony the crowns are often held above the couple's heads by attendants, rather than worn.
The line I cover
I make the lambades to order, at home in Australia, and post them anywhere in the country. The pair is $250 AUD, in neutral tones of grey, silver, white and nude, with names or initials in gold on each candle and an Orthodox cross. One name goes on each candle and the two are made as a matching pair. You can see them on the Orthodox wedding candles page.
The wedding date can also go on as lettering, and I will say if a colour or matching piece is something I cannot do. Ask through the contact page before you order.
Who buys the candles
In a Greek wedding the koumbaro or koumbara commonly buys the crowns and often the candles. If that is you, the koumbaro guide to Greek Orthodox wedding candles goes through what to order and what to send me. If you are the couple ordering them yourselves, what to write on Orthodox wedding candles covers names, spelling and the date.
What I do not sell
The stefana, the rings, the koufeta and the tray are not part of what I make. Your church, your koumbaro or a Greek wedding supplier is where to look for them. I would rather say that plainly than have you order the wrong thing from me.
When to order the candles
Order the candles at least 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding. That covers confirming the lettering with you, making the pair, drying time and the post. If your date is closer than that, contact me with the date and I will tell you whether I can do it in time.
To order, open my Etsy store, choose the Orthodox Wedding Candles and add the lettering for each candle in the personalisation box.