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Maria
Beginner September 2023

Wedding is tomorrow and i just found out there's no music Allowed!!

Maria, on September 29, 2023 at 1:16 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 12

I'm freaking out right now! My fiance and I are Greek Orthodox and we're getting married in church. It's a very traditional church with an ancient feel and that's part of the reason I love it so much. But I checked in with our priest and he said he won't allow ANY music to be played in church during the wedding ceremony. No instruments or recorded music.

So now I'm just totally at a loss. We hired a wonderful Greek singer to perform traditional songs and more contemporary dance/disco tracks but the no music rule throws a huge wrench in that. She could technically still perform but it would have to be entirely acapella now which is obviously not what anyone planned on. I feel so frustrated. We have literally no time and now I feel like everything is falling apart last minute.

I need advice ASAP

12 Comments

Latest activity by Maria, on September 30, 2023 at 12:52 PM
  • LM
    Super December 2022
    LM ·
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    I attended a Greek orthodox wedding in Athens this past summer and don't remember music at all. The officiant was talking to the couple the whole time, and we took our cues of sitting and standing from others. There was some music and dancing pre-ceremony in the square in front of the Church (outside). Perhaps your singer can welcome guests with a pre-ceremony serenade. Or she could sing during your cocktail hour or open the dancefloor at the reception. Best wishes with your upcoming wedding!

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  • Maria
    Beginner September 2023
    Maria ·
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    The rule applies to the entire church grounds including the outdoor area where the guests will be before and after the ceremony!

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  • LM
    Super December 2022
    LM ·
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    Okay, these last minute changes can be so jarring no matter what it is. Ask your singer if she can sing at XX time at YY location instead. Request her, your planner, or a trusted friend to bring whatever is needed to play the music. I do think the reception is the perfect place to personalize with music, food, and decor. By then, you will be married and everyone will be more relaxed. There's nothing like someone singing to you. You'll enjoy it more and be present After . . .

    To ease your mind, try your best to breathe and relax. Remember the reason why you gather: to get married to the love of your life, and to celebrate with the people you love. The rest are nuts and bolts logistics. Repeat "all will be well" over and over today. Tomorrow, say to yourself what is done is done and out of your hands. Best wishes.

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  • Maria
    Beginner September 2023
    Maria ·
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    I don't think it's even possible to find a second venue at such short notice. I'm just trying to think of ways we could make this work but it's just so unexpected.

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  • LM
    Super December 2022
    LM ·
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    I'm sorry, I thought you were having a reception following your Church ceremony. Don't change your venue the day before. You will need the priest to sign your marriage certificate, so he is more important than the singer. He will keep you busy and the ceremony will be meaningful and beautiful regardless of music.

    My friend got married in a tuxedo in a heatwave so hot, Greece caught on fire. We still partied all night in an outdoor reception until 3-5 am. Changes do happen, they just don't follow our plan. Just decide to stop planning your wedding now and just enjoy the moment. Look to your partner for refocus.

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  • Maria
    Beginner September 2023
    Maria ·
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    We could still have the singer perform before and after the ceremony but she won't have any accompaniment.

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  • LM
    Super December 2022
    LM ·
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    Have friends clap to the beat. Someone always does with acapella. Smiley smile

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  • Maria
    Beginner September 2023
    Maria ·
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    That could be fun!

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  • C
    CM ·
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    I realize the wedding is today so this may be too late, but I’m not sure I understand the situation clearly. Is there a reception, either on church grounds or elsewhere? Rest assured, people will understand the culture and that the rules are meant to emphasize the religious nature of the service over all else. Can your already booked musician give a reception performance instead? The acapella singing would be really beautiful too.


    I understand your disappointment since this is not what you planned but If this is a ceremony only issue I honestly would not worry. The lack of instruments and technology will seem intentional and the ceremony will be just as special, if not more powerful.
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  • Maria
    Beginner September 2023
    Maria ·
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    It's all being held on church grounds so the rules will apply even during the reception. And before and after. I'm so nervous.

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  • C
    CM ·
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    In that case I'd look at it along the lines of a cocktail party reception, and put the focus on eating, drinking, mingling and socializing. I've attended such weddings and to be honest it was like a breath of fresh air to actually be able to hear people speak rather than be drowned out by loud music all night. I'd consider enlisting immediate family and your closest friends as additional "surrogate" hosts. Congratulations on your marriage. It will all be OK!

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  • Maria
    Beginner September 2023
    Maria ·
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    Thank you! It was too late to cancel the singer so we'll see how it goes.

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