8 Greek Island Wedding Traditions
Meet the wedding ritual… the island way!
From the enchanting Cyclades to the lush Ionian Islands and the majestic Crete, each island has its own customs—rituals filled with emotion, blessings, and cultural heritage. Much like the Hatziyiannakis’ sugar dragees, these traditions leave a lasting impression on everyone present.
Discover 8 authentic island wedding traditions you’ll love—and may even want to include in your own special day.
1. The Iron Key – Naxos
In Naxos, the bride visits her new home after the ceremony and steps onto a large iron key placed at the doorstep. The custom symbolizes a strong and secure home and a marriage built to last. Modern twist: Create a decorative “key to our new life” engraved with your names and wedding date – a meaningful keepsake that also complements your home décor.
2. The Poiitika – Sifnos
Music sets the tone for a Sifnos wedding. Violinists begin at the groom’s house, escort him to the best man, and continue to the bride’s home until the entire procession reaches the church. Throughout the walk, musicians perform “poiitika” – improvised rhyming verses offering blessings and heartfelt wishes.
It’s one of the most emotional and joyful ways to begin a Greek island wedding ceremony.
3. The Kouloura (Gamokouliko) – Lesvos
In central and northern Lesvos, the groom’s preparation includes the “kouloura” – a sweet almond-decorated “tsoureki” bread placed on an embroidered linen cloth. Once the groom is ready and wedding songs fill the home, his mother places the cloth and the “kouloura” on his head. Guests then take a piece of the bread and dip it in honey so that his new life begins “sweetly.” Tasteful idea: Serve the ritual alongside premium Hatziyiannakis Bijoux Supreme sugar dragees with 70% dark chocolate and a thin sugar coating in olive-green tones, elevating the tradition with irresistible flavor.
Southern Lesvos variation: The bread is instead cut over the bride’s head before she leaves for the church.
4. The Groom’s Pocket – Crete
In Crete, sugar dragees are placed in the groom’s pocket and offered to unmarried women.
Because sugar dragees symbolize prosperity and fertility, tradition says that any woman who places one under her pillow will dream of the person she’ll marry. A playful and romantic Cretan touch for modern weddings!
5. The “Kolaina” – Karpathos
Moments before the bride leaves for the church, her mother gifts her the “kolaina“, a family heirloom necklace adorned with gold coins. Passed from grandmother to mother and to the family’s first-born daughter, the “kolaina” symbolizes protection, prosperity, and continuity. By wearing it, the bride carries generations of history – and promises to someday pass it on to her own daughter.
Tip: This deeply emotional exchange deserves a special place in your wedding video.
6. The Sprinkling Ritual – Kasos
During the bride’s preparation, family and friends sprinkle her with sugar dragees, rice, and flower petals – showering her with blessings, luck, and love for her new life. Guests then gather the sugar dragees and eat them to “share” in the couple’s happiness. Flavorful upgrade: Choose Hatziyiannakis Supreme Almond dragees from the Festive Edition in refreshing mojito flavor – a perfect match for summer island weddings.
7. The Tsoutsoumida – Corfu
The “tsoutsoumida” is Corfu’s iconic red handkerchief adorned with peacock feathers and flowers – a symbol of good fortune for more than 200 years. It decorates the homes of both bride and groom on the wedding day, accompanies the couple’s cars, and is held by the newlyweds during their first dance to unite their hands. Creative idea: Turn the “tsoutsoumida” into a memorable wedding favor by wrapping inside it 9 Hatziyiannakis Choco Almond sugar dragees in Classic and Strawberry flavors.
8. The Bride’s Ritual Bath – Hydra
In Hydra, the wedding festivities begin the night before the ceremony with the bride’s traditional ritual bath. Two married friends care for and pamper her while musicians play wedding songs and loved ones offer blessings – a beautiful, intimate ritual that feels like the ultimate bridal spa moment.
