I've posted threads before about what dress to wear and what shoes etc and finally the day arrived.
I had been invited to the wedding by the groom, he works for me and is a really nice guy and has never missed a blink with pronouns, names or anything, he is an Aussie Greek and his family and relatives are still very much the immigrant Aussie Greek family in the Aussie Greek culture. I had never met his bride, but she had heard all about me and seemed a really nice woman.
My hairstylist knew I was going to a wedding and had offered to give me a wash and blow dry and style as a special treat and he was true to his word and I felt great.
The ceremony was a formal Greek Orthodox wedding and I was not aware of the beliefs and tradition and I found it fascinating and quite moving, even though I thought the vows were somewhat patriarchal (to be kind).
For those that don't know, at the end of the ceremony the bride and grooms family attendants etc are on the altar and people file past and congratulate one and all with a kiss, handshake etc.
I joined the queue and just followed what everyone else did and I thought it was a nice way to congratulate all concerned. Certainly no one leapt at me or treated me in any way different to any other woman and I felt very at ease.
The bride looked gorgeous and wore a off the shoulder full petticoat dress with a short train, the bodice was heavily embroidered with pearl beading. She has long black hair that was done into a bun and a decorated with pearls, she had a hair train of white silk which looked gorgeous against her complexion; she looked fantastic, the bridesmaids had very light pink dresses in a similar style to the brides, but without the decoration and they looked stunning . The contrast to the essential similar dress as the bride, but plainer worked well. There was a flower girl and she was about 7-8 and very cute as well.
The reception was some hours later, 300 guests! Oh my Goddess, five course meal free drinks, a massive reception centre, and again very traditional Aussie Greek with traditional dance and stuff.
I had the usual complaint, the music was way too loud to talk, and I really had enough of highly amplified music, my ears were crying.
I managed to meet a few people and talk, but the guests were very much family orientated and I felt a bit sad that the bride and groom had so few 'friends' as guests and so many relatives, who they admitted they didn't know but had to be there, all 296 of them!
No one treated me in any way except as I expected, another female guest. I felt very comfortable my dress was nice and I felt comfy and normal. My shoes didn't hurt, so yes girls, breaking them in did help (thank you Catherine sox did help!). I had a nice day and evening.
For those who worry about such things. I have no idea if I 'passed', as usual I didn't care and and if I did or if I didn't it wasn't my problem.
I found it a marvellous day and night and a really nice look into a culture that many Australians are part of, but so far I hadn't been privileged to join experience and enjoy.
I do have a few pics but there are other people in them so I won't post them here for their privacy.
Cindy
Glad to hear you had a good time. :)
Greek weddings can be enormous fun and the food is usually pretty good.
The 'invite the WHOLE family' thing is why they are so expensive.. 300 is a medium size..
Thanks Kelly
I know you are very aware of what I'm talking about. It was fun and of course very traditional.
I did feel a little sad that all that money could have helped a new life together in other ways.
But even as I typed that, I recall the resonance of the evening that was 'well wishes' if you ever need help we are here for you. It reinforced family and the help of family.
I was thinking that maybe knowing you have family, every member of family, for you, well maybe that isn't too bad.
For me? No.
C
I am so happy for you Cindy. That is great that you had so much fun.
Great to hear you had a good time.