Greek, Italian and Portuguese families have shaped wedding culture in Canada for generations, from Toronto's Danforth and Little Italy to Montreal, Vaughan, Mississauga and Vancouver. Each tradition is its own, and many couples today blend them with each other and with the rest of their family's customs.
Greek Orthodox traditions
A Greek Orthodox wedding is a ceremony of symbols:
- ✦The stefana: two crowns joined by a ribbon, placed on the couple's heads and swapped three times by the koumbaros or koumbara (the sponsor).
- ✦The common cup: the couple share wine three times.
- ✦The dance of Isaiah: the couple walk around the table three times, led by the priest.
At the reception, expect the kalamatianos and other circle dances, plates of food at every turn, and guests pinning money on the couple during the dance.
Italian traditions
- ✦Confetti: sugared almonds, usually five, given to guests for health, wealth, happiness, children and long life.
- ✦The tarantella: a fast circle dance that pulls everyone onto the floor.
- ✦La busta: guests often give an envelope of money, so a decorated box for cards is handy.
- ✦A long, generous dinner: antipasto, pasta, a main course and a sweet table, with espresso late into the night.
Portuguese traditions
Portuguese weddings in Canada often include a Catholic ceremony, a long family dinner and dancing to Portuguese and Canadian music. Some families do a money dance where guests pin money on the couple, or cut pieces of the couple's tie or garter to sell. Many families have a favourite Portuguese banquet hall or caterer, so ask early.
What to ask venues and vendors
- ✦Can the venue seat a large family dinner with several courses?
- ✦Is there a church nearby that fits your ceremony, and what are its booking rules?
- ✦Can your caterer make the dishes your family expects, or can you bring your own?
- ✦Does your DJ or band know the circle dances and family favourites?
- ✦Is there space for a sweet table or a late-night espresso bar?
On OpenDates, businesses can tick the traditions they know well. Browse Greek, Italian and Portuguese wedding businesses across Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Who holds the crowns in a Greek wedding?
The koumbaros or koumbara, usually a close friend or relative chosen as sponsor, swaps the stefana three times.
Why five sugared almonds?
The almond is a little bitter and the coating is sweet, like married life. Five is for health, wealth, happiness, children and long life.
Are big banquet halls still popular?
Yes, especially in the Greater Toronto Area and Montreal, though many couples now choose wineries, restaurants and barns too.
Plan it in one place
Find venues and vendors free on your date with OpenDates, and keep the guest list, budget, wedding website and seating chart together in OpenDates Ever After, free for couples.
Congratulations! Kristina
Photos from Pexels.