Crafting Greek Wedding Stefana: A Step-By-Step Guide

Greek weddings are among the most elaborate in the world, with many customs and traditions. One of the most important aspects of a Greek wedding is the crowning ceremony, which involves placing Stefana, or wedding crowns, on the heads of the bride and groom. The Stefana symbolise the beginning of a union, much like wedding rings.

The Stefana are usually made from silver and gold, but in ancient times, they were made from olive branches, lemon blossoms, and vine leaves. Today, couples can choose to make their own Stefana, as long as they stick to the traditional appearance, which is usually white with white ribbons, flowers, and beads.

Choosing the right materials

When making Greek wedding crowns, or stefana, it is important to choose the right materials. The crowns are traditionally made from olive branches, lemon blossoms, and vine leaves, all of which were plants devoted to Aphrodite. In ancient times, crowns were also made from asparagus in certain areas of Greece, symbolising a union of fertility and serenity.

Today, crowns are typically made from silver and gold, but you can also make your own stefana using a white base and adding white ribbons, white flowers, and white beads. You can also buy pre-made crowns, or have them custom-made.

Selecting the right colour

The colour of the stefana is an important choice, as it symbolises the glory and honour bestowed upon the couple by God. The crowns are traditionally made from olive branches, lemon blossoms and vine leaves, all of which were plants devoted to Aphrodite. In ancient times, crowns were also made from asparagus in certain areas of Greece, symbolising a union of fertility and serenity.

Today, stefana are typically made from silver and gold, but there is no rule that says they need to be particularly ornate. The traditional colour is white, with any embellishments also being white, gold or silver. However, they don't need to be decorated at all.

If you want to add a pop of colour to your stefana, you can opt for crowns with coloured ribbons, or crowns with coloured flowers and berries. You could also opt for a crown made from coloured metal, such as gold or silver.

Adding decorations

Flowers

Flowers are a popular choice for decorating stefana and can add a romantic and elegant touch. You can choose from a variety of flowers, such as porcelain flowers, olive leaves, or fabric flowers. You can also add pearl or rhinestone accents to the flowers for a more luxurious look.

Ribbons

Ribbons are commonly used to connect the stefana and can be made from materials such as satin, organza, or net ribbon. You can choose a ribbon colour that complements your wedding theme, such as white, ivory, or soft mauve. You can also accent the ribbon with bows, beads, or other decorative elements.

Beads and Crystals

Beads and crystals can add sparkle and glamour to your stefana. You can choose from a variety of materials, such as Swarovski crystals, silver beads, or gold beads. You can string the beads or crystals together to form a band or twist them around the stefana.

Metal Bands

Metal bands, such as gold-plated or silver-plated bands, can add a modern and elegant touch to your stefana. You can choose from a variety of styles, such as twisted bands, hammered bands, or textured bands. You can also combine multiple metal bands for a unique look.

Joining the crowns

The joining of the crowns is a tradition that dates back to ancient times, and the ribbon is often kept as a memento of the wedding day.

Displaying the stefana

You can purchase a special case, called a stefanothiki, to display your stefana. These are often white and can be customised with the names of the couple and the wedding date.

You can also display your stefana on a wedding tray, which is traditionally adorned with candles, koufeta, and rice.

Frequently asked questions