Wedding Crowns: History, Symbolism, Prices & Selection
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At every Greek wedding, the moment the priest raises the crowns (stefana) over the Gospel and exclaims "The servant of God is crowned..." is when time seems to stand still. It is the culmination of the mystery, a ritual that carries centuries of history, symbolism, and emotion.
The stefana are not just an adornment for a day—they are the "connecting link" that unites your past with your future.
In this guide, we will journey back in time to discover their history, understand what they truly symbolize, and find a way to choose the ones that will adorn your own "kingdom."
A History Starting in Ancient Greece
The tradition of stefana did not begin with the church, but in the courts of ancient Athens and Sparta. In antiquity, the stefana (or "stefanoi") were made from natural materials offered by the earth.
Materials with meaning: They used olive branches (a symbol of peace and victory), laurel (honor), and myrtle—the sacred plant of the goddess Aphrodite which symbolized love.
For everyone: Unlike today, in ancient Greece, stefana were worn not only by the bride and groom but also by all guests participating in the wedding procession.
Paradoxical traditions: In some regions, asparagus was even used, believing that its thorny roots in the soil symbolized fertility and the serenity that comes through effort.
Over the centuries and with the prevalence of Byzantium, simple plant crowns transformed. They began to resemble royal crowns, made of precious metals, gold, and silver, giving the mystery a sense of imperial grandeur.
What the Stefana Symbolize in the Sacrament
Every movement and every material in a religious wedding has its own hidden code. The stefana carry four main symbolisms:
The New Kingdom: With marriage, the couple is recognized as the "King" and "Queen" of their new home. They are called to govern their new family with wisdom, prudence, and justice.
The Crown of Martyrdom: Marriage is not just joys. The stefana also refer to the martyrs of faith, symbolizing the mutual concessions, sacrifices, and patience required for shared life.
Unity (The Ribbon): The ribbon that joins the two stefana is the unbreakable bond of the couple. It symbolizes that from now on they will walk together on the same path, with an invisible thread always keeping them close.
The Holy Trinity (The 3 Changes): The best man/maid of honor (koumbaros/koumbara) exchanges the stefana three times over your heads, invoking the blessing of the Holy Trinity and sealing the union.
Traditions Across Greece
Although the ritual is common, the Greek countryside has added its own unique touches:
Macedonia: In many areas, instead of the classic stefana, the koumbaros used to cover the couple's heads with a silk scarf, holding lit candles above them to "illuminate" their common path.
Corfu: Brides in central Corfu adorned their heads with a cluster of flowers, the "fiori," or with peacock feathers—a tradition associated with the certification of purity.
Crete: Here the koumbara often participates in the custom of the "Kouloura," a decorated bread cut over the heads of the newlyweds after they have been crowned.
How Much Do Stefana Cost?
| Type of Stefana | Price |
|---|---|
| Simple porcelain | €30-60 |
| With pearls/crystals | €50-100 |
| Sterling silver 925 | €80-200 |
| Gold-plated/Gold | €150-400+ |
| Handmade artisan | €100-300 |
| Natural (olive, flowers) | €40-80 |
Tip: The koumbara traditionally buys the stefana as part of her duties. If you are a koumbara, see the koumbara duties guide for more details.
How to Choose the Perfect Stefana
Choosing stefana is a very personal process. In 2026, the options are countless, but the essence remains the same: they must express you.
Depending on the wedding style:
If your wedding is romantic, prefer stefana with porcelain flowers, pearls, or rose gold details.
For a minimalist or modern wedding, clean lines in silver or matte gold are the ideal choice.
If you choose a rustic or vintage style, stefana made of natural wood, olive branches, or metals with patina will set the right tone.
Materials: From classic sterling silver 925 and gold, to handmade fabric flowers, crystals, or even leather for the bolder ones.
Storage: After the wedding, the stefana are usually placed in a stefanothiki (crown case) next to the icons. According to tradition, they are "hung with glory and honor" in the new home, to remind the spouses of the vows they exchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who buys the stefana?
Traditionally the koumbara, along with the candles and the wedding set. Today many couples choose them together and share the cost.
What happens to the stefana after the wedding?
They are kept in a stefanothiki (special box or iconostasis) in the couple's home. Many keep them near family icons.
Can I use my grandmother's stefana?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful tradition that connects generations. Just make sure they are in good condition or arrange for their maintenance.
Are there stefana for civil weddings?
Stefana are exclusively part of the religious sacrament. They are not used in civil weddings.
A final tip: When it's time to choose, don't just look at the shine. Touch the materials, feel their weight, and remember that these two "crowns" will follow you for a lifetime. They are the symbol of a victory—the victory of your love over loneliness.
Planning your wedding? The Wedding Planner has a special checklist for ceremony accessories—stefana, candles, wedding set, and stefanothiki.