Creating Orthodox Wedding Crowns: A Step-By-Step Guide

The wedding ceremony is a sacred ritual in the Orthodox Church, and the crowns are an integral part of the tradition. The crowns are rich in symbolism, representing the couple's union and their status as the new 'king' and 'queen' of their household. The crowns are also a reminder of the crowns that await in Heaven. While the style of the crowns varies across different Orthodox cultures, they are usually made from flowers, metal, pearls, and crystals.

Characteristics	Values
Materials	Metal, porcelain, dried or fresh flowers, pearls, crystals, olive leaves, laurel, fabric, stainless steel, glass, silk ribbon, satin ribbon, silver, gold, copper, powder-coated metals, wood, resin, acrylic
Style	Arched, large, ornate, with red velvet lining and thick golden arches; "wreath" or "ringlet" style, with a triangle or pyramid in the front; garland or head wreaths; tiara; halo; laurel tiara; olive wreath; crown case
Colour	Gold, silver, soft gold, white, ivory, bronze, multicoloured
Design	Icons of Jesus and the Virgin Mary; embellished points at the front; embroidered leaves; rhinestones; shining silk ribbon; twisting; twisting pearl double wrap; olive leaves; Swarovski crystals; sparkling silver; antique soft gold; porcelain flowers; crystal beaded; embroidered leaf headpiece; pearl stones; satin ribbon; shining rhinestones; pearl; hammered silver; rustic Greek olive wreath; laurel tiara; silver Greek olive wreath; silver Greek olive wreath with rhinestones; gold Greek olive wreath; silver Greek olive wreath with pearls; gold Greek olive wreath with pearls; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; silver Greek olive wreath with pearls; gold Greek olive wreath with pearls; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; silver Greek olive wreath with pearls; gold Greek olive wreath with pearls; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; silver Greek olive wreath with pearls; gold Greek olive wreath with pearls; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; silver Greek olive wreath with pearls; gold Greek olive wreath with pearls; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; silver Greek olive wreath with pearls; gold Greek olive wreath with pearls; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; silver Greek olive wreath with crystals; gold Greek olive wreath with Swarovski crystals; 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Choosing the style of your crowns

The style of crowns you choose for your wedding will depend on several factors, including your personal taste, cultural background, and the availability of crowns provided by your church. Here are some things to consider when selecting the style of your crowns:

Cultural and Denominational Traditions

Different Orthodox cultures and denominations have their own traditions and styles of wedding crowns. For example:

Russian Orthodox crowns typically feature large arcs and velvet linings, resembling the crowns worn by the Queen and King of England.
Serbian and Antiochian Churches often use a "wreath" or ringlet-style base with a triangle or pyramid in the front. The groom's crown usually includes an icon of Jesus, while the bride's crown features the Virgin Mary.
Greek and Romanian Orthodox Churches typically use the "wreath" or "ringlet" style crown, often decorated with flowers (porcelain, dried, or fresh), pearls, and crystals.
Greek Orthodox crowns are usually made from thin bands of woven silver or gold and tied with white satin.
Russian Orthodox crowns are larger and more ornate, often decorated with red velvet lining and thick golden arches.
Coptic wedding crowns may resemble elaborate tiaras with embellished points at the front.
Chinese Orthodox brides sometimes wear a "fengguan" or "phoenix crown", a red silk headpiece.
Other Orthodox couples may opt for garlands or head wreaths made of flowers, herbs, or olive branches, or crowns made of woven satin or fabric.

Personal Style and Expression

While traditional styles may be commonly associated with specific denominations or cultures, you are not limited to those choices. Many couples choose to express their personal style through their wedding crowns, whether it be traditional, contemporary, or a unique twist on a traditional style. You can explore a variety of materials, colours, and designs to find or create crowns that truly represent you and your partner.

Church-Provided Crowns or Custom Crowns

If your church provides crowns for the ceremony, you may choose to use those instead of purchasing your own set. This can save you money, but it also means you won't have your own crowns to display in your home or pass on to future generations. If you decide to purchase custom crowns, you can work with a crown artist or designer who can help bring your vision to life.

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Selecting the materials

Cultural and Religious Traditions:

Different Orthodox cultures have their own traditions and styles when it comes to wedding crowns. For example, Greek Orthodox wedding crowns (known as "stefana") are usually made from thin bands of woven silver or gold and tied with white satin ribbons. Russian Orthodox crowns tend to be larger and more ornate, often decorated with red velvet lining and thick golden arches. Serbian and Antiochian Churches often use wreath or ringlet-style crowns with triangular or pyramidal designs, while Romanian Orthodox crowns may feature flowers, porcelain, dried or fresh blooms, pearls, and crystals.

Availability and Cost:

Consider the availability and cost of the materials you choose. If you are working with a tight budget, you may opt for more affordable options or choose to borrow crowns from your church.

Personal Style and Creativity:

Think about the style and design you want for your crowns. You can opt for traditional styles or add a modern twist. If you want to incorporate specific colours or themes from your wedding, consider materials that complement your overall aesthetic.

Durability and Longevity:

If you plan to display and cherish your wedding crowns for years to come, choose materials that are durable and long-lasting. This will ensure they remain in good condition and can even be passed down through generations.

Comfort and Wearability:

It's important to select materials that are comfortable to wear, especially if you plan to wear the crowns for an extended period during the ceremony and celebrations. Avoid materials that are too heavy or restrictive.

Blessing by the Priest:

Remember that the crowns will need to be blessed by a priest before the wedding ceremony. Some priests may have specific requirements or restrictions on the materials used, so it's a good idea to consult with them beforehand.

Metals: Silver, gold, copper, stainless steel, or brass. These can be shaped into various designs and offer a sleek, contemporary look.
Flowers: Fresh, dried, or porcelain flowers add a romantic and elegant touch to the crowns. They are commonly used in Greek and Romanian Orthodox traditions.
Ribbons: White satin ribbons are often used to tie the crowns together, symbolizing the union of the couple.
Pearls and Crystals: These can be incorporated into the design for a touch of elegance and sparkle.
Fabrics: Fabrics such as silk, satin, or velvet can be used to create soft, lightweight crowns or to line the inner band for comfort.
Wooden Crowns: For a natural and rustic look, you can consider wooden crowns or wreath-style bases.

Remember, the selection of materials is a personal choice and should reflect your style and cultural traditions. You can opt for traditional materials or get creative by incorporating unique elements that hold special meaning for you and your partner.

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Blessing the crowns

The blessing of the crowns is a significant part of the Crowning ceremony in an Orthodox Christian wedding. The crowns are blessed by the priest, who places them on the heads of the bride and groom. The priest recites a blessing three times for each person, declaring them as king and queen of their new family. The blessing goes as follows:

> The servant of God, [groom's name], is crowned unto the handmaiden of God, [bride's name], in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

> The handmaiden of God, [bride's name], is crowned unto the servant of God, [groom's name], in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The priest then chants:

> O Lord, our God, crown them with glory and honour.

While chanting, the priest lifts the crowns and switches them back and forth over the couple's heads three times. This act symbolises God's blessing and approval of their union. The crowns represent the couple's new status as king and queen of their household, as well as the eternal crowns awaiting them in Heaven.

After the blessing, the couple may process around the altar three times in the Dance of Isaiah, with the priest leading and singing hymns. The crowns are then removed, and the priest recites a final nuptial blessing. In ancient times, the couple would wear the crowns for eight days, but now they are usually removed at the end of the ceremony. The final blessing reminds the couple of the meaning of marriage and the symbolism of the crowns as a representation of the Kingdom of God.

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Exchanging the crowns

The crowning ceremony begins with the priest placing a crown on the groom's head while reciting the crown blessing three times. The blessing is as follows:

> "The servant of God, [groom's name], is crowned unto the handmaiden of God, [bride's name], in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

The priest then places a crown on the bride's head, again reciting the blessing three times, but with the names switched:

> "The handmaiden of God, [bride's name], is crowned unto the servant of God, [groom's name], in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

The priest then chants, "O Lord, our God, crown them with glory and honour," while lifting both crowns and switching them back and forth over the couple's heads three times. This number, three, is symbolic of the Trinity.

The crowns are usually made of flowers and tied with a ribbon, another symbol of the couple's union. The crowns symbolise the couple's union, not only with each other but also with God. They represent the 'crowns' that await the couple in Heaven, and their new status as King and Queen of their newly created family.

After the crowning ceremony, the couple will sip from a 'common cup' of blessed wine, symbolising their commitment to share life's blessings, sorrows, and joys together. They will then join in a ceremonial walk around the table, led by the priest, called the 'Dance of Isaiah'.

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Displaying the crowns

Displaying your wedding crowns is an important part of the tradition of an Orthodox wedding ceremony. The crowns, or "stefana", are typically displayed in a case called a "stefanothiki". Many couples choose to hang this case over their bed, while others opt to put their crowns on display in a case in their living room or lay them inside a china cabinet. Regardless of the specific location, the purpose of displaying the crowns is to serve as a reminder that "God has united them to each other and to Himself, and that He has bestowed His grace upon them to live in unity, faith and love".

The crowns are typically connected by a ribbon, symbolising the couple's union. In some traditions, such as Romanian and Russian Orthodox, the couple's hands may also be wrapped with a cloth during the ceremony, further emphasising their connection. This ribbon is usually cut before burial, as it is traditional for couples to be buried in their crowns.

The crowns themselves can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, resin, acrylic, glass, porcelain, flowers, pearls, and crystals. They are often passed down through generations, with some families choosing to add additional engravings to the crowns for significant anniversaries.

The display of the crowns serves as a daily reminder of the sacred union formed during the wedding ceremony and the theological statement that the couple's marriage will continue beyond this life into the Kingdom of God.

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Frequently asked questions

What are some materials I can use to make an Orthodox wedding crown?

Some materials you can use to make an Orthodox wedding crown include metals such as silver, gold, copper, stainless steel, and powder-coated metals, as well as wood, resins, acrylics, glass, porcelain, dried or fresh flowers, pearls, crystals, and fabric.

What are some styles of Orthodox wedding crowns?

The style of the crowns often depends on the denomination or archdiocese. For example, Russian Orthodox crowns typically feature large arcs and velvet linings, similar to the crowns worn by the British monarchy. Serbian and Antiochian Churches often use a "wreath" or ringlet style with a triangle or pyramid in the front, featuring icons of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Greek and Romanian Orthodox Churches typically use the "wreath" or "ringlet" style, often decorated with flowers, porcelain, dried, or fresh.

What is the symbolism behind the Orthodox wedding crowns?

The crowns symbolize the couple's union with each other and with God, as well as their royal status as the "king and queen" of their newly created family. They also represent the 'crowns' that await the couple in Heaven.

Are there any specific rituals or traditions associated with the crowns during the wedding ceremony?

During the Crowning Ceremony, the priest places the crowns on the couple's heads after blessing them. The crowns are usually tied with a ribbon at the back, symbolizing their union. The priest recites a blessing, such as "The servant of God (groom's name) is crowned for the servant of God (bride's name) in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." This is repeated three times, with the names switched, to symbolize the Holy Trinity. After the crowning, the couple may sip from a "common cup" of blessed wine, symbolizing their commitment to share life's blessings and sorrows.

What are some ways to display and preserve the Orthodox wedding crowns after the ceremony?

It is traditional to display the wedding crowns in a case called a "stefanothiki" and hang it over the bed or place it in the living room or china cabinet. The crowns are meant to be a reminder that "God has united them to each other and to Himself." Some couples choose to be buried in their wedding crowns, symbolizing their permanent union in the afterlife.