Why a Jewish Wedding in Greece Costs More (and Differently) Than a Greek Wedding

Although Greece can welcome destination weddings for 20-30k, this is impossible to execute for a Jewish wedding. Here is why.

If you're envisioning a vibrant Jewish celebration in Greece and have just started gathering offers, you might notice a difference between the first catering offers and what a Jewish menu really needs to look like. This isn't arbitrary; it stems from distinct needs and cultural nuances that significantly impact the scale and style of a Greek and Jewish event.

Let's delve into the key factors that contribute to this price variation:

1. The Time Factor: Multi-Day Celebration vs. Single-Day Event: 

   One of the most significant differences lies in the duration of the festivities. While traditional Greek weddings are often grand, single-day affairs, Jewish weddings frequently extend into a joyous three-day celebration. This extended timeframe naturally incurs extra days of service by the wedding planner, the photographer, the videographer, the MUA artists etc.

   
   

2. Culinary Choices: The Premium Fish Preference in Jewish Weddings: 

   Many Jewish wedding menus feature expensive fresh fish as the main dish, and salmon and tuna as finger food ingredients, a significant cost factor compared to the meat-centric menus common in Greek weddings.

   
   

3. The Kosher Meal: Dietary Laws and Costs: 

   This is a significant differentiator. Strictly kosher menus require adherence to stringent dietary laws, often necessitating specialized ingredients, separate preparation areas, and certified kosher caterers or the koshering of existing kitchens. This specialized handling and sourcing can significantly increase catering costs. Even opting for a "kosher-friendly" menu, while potentially less expensive, still involves careful ingredient selection and preparation to avoid mixing meat and dairy and may limit vendor options, impacting the overall budget. The level of kashrut observance desired will directly influence catering expenses, often making it considerably higher than standard Greek wedding menus.   

   
   

4. Pre-Ceremony Festivities: Fueling the Dance Floor: 

   The energy and flow of the wedding day itself can also influence costs. Jewish weddings are renowned for their lively constant dancing, particularly the hora. To keep guests energized throughout this exuberant celebration, a rich and substantial cocktail menu with ample food is often provided right from the beginning, effectively serving as a mini-meal before the main reception. Greek wedding cocktail hours typically feature a lighter selection of 3-4 finger foods. This difference in quantity and variety impacts catering expenses.

   
   

5. Open Bar Timing: Extended Hours of Indulgence: 

   The open bar is another area where significant differences in practice can affect pricing. In virtually all Jewish weddings, the open bar commences immediately after the ceremony and can run for up to ten hours, reflecting the extended celebration. Greek weddings typically see the unlimited drink service begin after dinner, leading to a shorter duration of open bar consumption in initial quotes.

   
   

6. Alcohol Quality: The Demand for Premium Labels

   Finally, the selection of beverages often differs. Jewish weddings overwhelmingly request premium alcohol labels, ensuring a high-quality experience for their guests. While Greek weddings also offer open bar options, the standard often includes more basic or local alcohol selections, which can influence the overall beverage cost.

   
   

7. The Chuppah and its Adornment: A central element of the Jewish wedding ceremony is the chuppah, a canopy under which the couple stands. 1  Jewish tradition often includes elaborate floral or fabric decorations for all four legs of the chuppah, creating a beautiful and symbolic structure. 2  This specific decorative requirement, which is unique to Jewish weddings, adds an extra layer of floral or design costs not typically associated with Greek wedding ceremony setups. Even symbolic weddings in other countries, usually include an arch, which only has 2 legs for decoration.

Tailored Celebrations, Tailored Costs

Given the distinct cultural and logistical nuances of a Jewish wedding compared to a typical Greek celebration, engaging a knowledgeable wedding planner in Greece is paramount. Whether it's sourcing kosher or kosher-friendly caterers to the specific setup of the chuppah –, a Greek wedding planner's expertise will be invaluable in navigating these cultural differences and bringing your vision to life without costly misunderstandings or omissions.