Greek Wedding Timeline

Your month-by-month guide to planning the perfect destination wedding in Greece

18-Month Plan Expert Guidance Stress-Free Planning

Your Complete Wedding Planning Timeline

Follow this detailed timeline to ensure every aspect of your Greek wedding is perfectly planned and executed. Each phase includes specific tasks, deadlines, and insider tips.

18-15

Months Before Wedding

Foundation Phase - Dream & Plan

Essential Tasks

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Set your budget - Determine total wedding budget and allocate 40% for venue/accommodation
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Create guest list - Remember travel costs may limit attendance to close family/friends
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Choose your island - Research Santorini, Mykonos, Crete based on style and guest accessibility
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Book prime venues - Best locations fill up 12-18 months in advance
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Research legal requirements - Understand documentation needed for your nationality

Pro Tips

• Peak season (June-September) books fastest
• Consider shoulder seasons for better rates
• Book accommodations with venue for group rates
• Start passport renewals if needed
• Consider hiring a local wedding planner early

15-12

Months Before Wedding

Vendor Selection Phase

Key Bookings

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Hire wedding planner - Essential for navigating Greek bureaucracy and vendors
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Book photographer - Top photographers book 12+ months ahead
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Secure accommodations - Block rooms for guests at preferred hotels
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Begin legal paperwork - Start gathering required documents early
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Save the dates - Send early notice for destination wedding

Documentation Start

Required Documents to Gather:

• Birth certificates with apostille
• Certificate of No Impediment
• Single Status Certificate
• Divorce decrees (if applicable)
• Death certificates (if widowed)

Start this process early - apostille can take 2-3 months

12-9

Months Before Wedding

Design & Details Phase

Creative Elements

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Book remaining vendors - Caterer, florist, entertainment, videographer
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Design invitations - Incorporate Greek elements and destination details
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Choose wedding attire - Consider Greek climate and venue terrain
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Plan guest activities - Tours, welcome dinner, post-wedding activities
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Arrange travel insurance - Essential for all wedding party and guests

Legal Progress

Documentation Progress:

✓ Submit documents to Greek authorities
✓ Arrange official translations
✓ Schedule municipality appointment
✓ Confirm witness requirements
✓ Understand ceremony options (civil vs symbolic)

9-6

Months Before Wedding

Guest Coordination Phase

Guest Management

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Send formal invitations - Include travel information and accommodation details
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Create wedding website - Centralize travel info, itinerary, and FAQs
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Arrange group travel - Coordinate flights and transfers for guests
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Plan welcome activities - Organize arrival reception or group dinner
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Finalize menu - Include traditional Greek dishes and dietary options

Guest Travel Tips

Include in Guest Communications:

• Flight booking recommendations and timing
• Airport transfer arrangements
• Recommended arrival/departure dates
• Packing suggestions for Greek climate
• Cultural etiquette and dress codes
• Local currency and payment methods
• Emergency contact information

6-3

Months Before Wedding

Refinement Phase

Detail Finalization

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Finalize ceremony details - Vows, readings, music, and Greek traditions
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Complete vendor meetings - Final tastings, fittings, and confirmations
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Plan reception timeline - Traditional Greek dancing, celebrations
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Arrange final dress fitting - Account for Greek climate and venue
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Confirm all bookings - Reconfirm all vendors and timeline

Greek Wedding Traditions

Consider Including:

• Stefana (wedding crowns) ceremony
• Traditional Greek dancing
• Rice and rose petal throwing
• Honey and walnut traditions
• Greek Orthodox blessings
• Koufeta (sugared almonds) favors
• Greek folk music and bouzouki

3-1

Months Before Wedding

Final Preparations Phase

Last-Minute Tasks

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Final venue walkthrough - Confirm setup, logistics, and backup plans
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Confirm guest RSVPs - Final headcount for catering and seating
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Create detailed timeline - Hour-by-hour schedule for wedding day
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Pack wedding essentials - Emergency kit, ceremony items, documents
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Arrange final logistics - Transportation, early arrival, rehearsal

Emergency Prep Kit

Pack These Essentials:

• All legal documents and copies
• Emergency contact information
• First aid and comfort items
• Weather backup plans
• Vendor contact list
• Timeline and schedule copies
• Cash for tips and emergencies
• Phone chargers and adapters

Week

Of Wedding

Celebration Phase

Week Schedule

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Arrival & Welcome (Day 1-2) - Guest welcome reception, orientation
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Pre-wedding activities (Day 3-4) - Island tours, group dinners
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Rehearsal (Day 5) - Wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
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Wedding Day (Day 6) - The main celebration!
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Post-wedding (Day 7) - Recovery brunch and farewell activities

Wedding Day Timeline

Sample Wedding Day Schedule:

10:00 AM - Bridal party preparations begin
2:00 PM - First look and photos
4:00 PM - Guest arrival and cocktails
5:00 PM - Ceremony begins
6:00 PM - Cocktail hour and photos
8:00 PM - Reception dinner begins
11:00 PM - Dancing and celebration
2:00 AM - Party winds down

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