Lovers will swoon! The Greek islands are the ultimate wedding wonderland, boasting ice-cream white cliffs, an intricate tapestry of backdrops, and breathtaking ocean vistas that’ll have you pinching yourself. Before you take the plunge Greek island style, we’ve rounded up cooler than cool tips to consider. And no, serving feta past midnight isn’t among them. Although it could be, come to think of it.
CHOOSING THE ONE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR VIBE
Picking the perfect Greek island out of 227 (yep, that’s the number!) is like navigating a maze. Each one has its own flavor, even the ones that are side by side. Plus, organizing your dreamy get-away can be quite the adventure. But don’t let the pressure get to you… Before diving headfirst into you Greek island wedding planning, take a page from Sandy’s book of awesomeness and start jotting down some lists. It’s the ultimate power move!
Begin with the islands that make your heart flutter. Then, check out which of them best vibe your wedding style. Are you going for big and bold, or serene and dreamy? And since the options can be, again, many, go for 5 phrases that best spell “OUR DREAM WEDDING” for you.. Example: fuschia & gold, glamorous, lavish, heavy on florals, all night party. See which islands tick these boxes and move on to narrowing down your selections.
WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN DAYDREAMING ABOUT YOUR WEDDING PORTRAITS?
This is a major question that can also help guide you towards the perfect Greek island wedding venue! Do you envision striking cliffs or sandy shores? Fancy hotel rooftops or bustling streets? How about tranquil gardens or majestic palaces? Maybe even a secluded beach with blush pink waters or a breezy palm-lined road? Whatever your heart desires, go for it! Your dreamy backdrop awaits you! Have a look at this insanely pretty Santorini wedding in our portfolio.
THINK OF YOUR GUEST LIST
Let’s talk guest list! If you’re planning to bring a whole Greek village, we’ve got just the islands for you! Think Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, Antiparos. But for a more intimate setting, where you can exchange your vows with your nearest and dearest, you’ll want to consider Santorini, Hydra, Spetses, Paxoi, Symi, or Ios. If you’re bringing the little ones along, Paros, Naxos, Zakynthos, Crete, Kefallonia, and Rhodes are ideal for families. And if you’re looking for some grown-up fun, Mykonos (yep, it’s a winner all around) is the perfect spot.
That said… Don’t be fooled by some mainland locations that look like islands, like Monemvasia, Porto Heli, or the shores of Peloponnese and Chalkidiki. They too, look like Greek islands, so… Give them a good look before you make your final decision and if you still can’t decide, why not go ahead and keep exploring?
THINK OF WHAT YOU’D LOVE TO EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR WEDDING (AND OF HOW THESE EXPERIENCES WILL GET BOTTLED UP IN YOUR PHOTOS)
Whether you’re dreaming of swanky, laid-back vibes or high-energy adventures for your wedding weekend, the Greek islands have got you covered. Sip on fine wines, pamper yourself in luxury havens, hit up the hottest party spots, indulge in delicious local cuisine at festivals, take daily cruises with your crowd, or even transport yourselves back in time at an ancient Greek theater. It will all end up in your wedding album beautifully!
CONSIDER YOUR CHOSEN WEDDING ISLAND’S PEAK SEASON, MID-SEASON & OFF SEASON
Whether you’re planning a lavish affair or a cozy celebration, you’ll need to make sure your guests have a comfy place to rest their heads before and after the big day. But beware, during peak season, you might have some competition for the best accommodations on the island. Don’t fret though, if you’re willing to think outside the box and consider mid-season (late September to late November, or early March to late May), you’ll have a wider selection of luxurious villas at a much better rate.
Just remember to keep an eye on the lighting for those gorgeous post-wedding portraits before you make your final decision. Hey, why not let us lend a hand and open the door to your party? We’ll make sure to let you know if the light is just enough for all your shindig shenanigans!
IN LOVE WITH A CERTAIN LOCATION WHERE YOU HAVEN’T SEEN A WEDDING TAKING PLACE?
Got your heart set on a certain Greek island location for your dream wedding but you haven’t seen a wedding taking place in it? Well… Some islands might not let you say “I do” wherever you please. Don’t worry, we’re not trying to ruin your sunshine daydreams, but it’s best to go for a conflab with your wedding planner first.
We’ve had some wild adventures documenting in places that required epic logistical planning. In fact, we once worked on a shoot where the couple’s planners had to build the entire set from nothing! These lovebirds dreamed of a stunning garden filled with Greek statues, but the local antiquities authorities weren’t on board. Needless to say, these two and their planners were unstoppable!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Stay true to priorities. In our books these are : Planner / Photographer / Destination / and of course, Fashion. Once you assemble the gang of pros who can bring your Greek island vision to life you can kick back and soak up the good vibes without a care in the world.
Need more G.I.W. insights? Let’s have a chinwag and we’ll share all the deets about the Greek islands you’re considering and help you out with your choice!
