This picture is sourced from Los Angeles Wedding Photography.

Before you read this post you should know that:

Koumbaros refers to the male sponsor (sort of like the best man) and the Koumbara refers to the female sponsor (sort of like the maid of honour).

In my experience at Greek weddings, there has never been a fuss as to what the Koumbaros should wear or weather it should be different to the other grooms men. However when a Koumbara is chosen to be the sponsor of the Bride and Groom there is often a bit more discussion as to what she should wear and where she should stand.

If the Bride and Groom choose a Koumbara to be their sponsor (and there is only one sponsor), then the Koumbara should stand next to the Groom.

If both a Koumbara and Koumbaros are chosen to be sponsors (this is two Koumbari), then the Koumbara will stand next to the Bride and the Koumbaros will stand next to the Groom.

However if the Koumbara and the Koumbaros are already married then they will both stand next to the Groom.

On the occasions when the Koumbara is standing next to the Groom, it is common to see the Koumbara wearing a different outfit to the bridesmaids.

However when the Koumbara is standing next to the Bride, then it is common to see the Koumbara wearing the same outfit as the other bridesmaids.

It is important to note that there are no specific rules associated with what the Koumbara should wear. The decision should be a mutual agreement between the Koumbari and the Bride & Groom.

The Koumbara who wears a different outfit to the Bridesmaids:

• Is often the only sponsor or Koumbari
• Is already married to the Koumbaros
• Will normally stand next to the Groom
• Will want to show the guests (through dress and stance) that she has the honour of being a Koumbara
• Has been asked by the Bride & Groom to ‘stand out’ so that she is different to the Bridesmaids

The Koumbara who wears the same outfit as the Bridesmaids:

• Will often stand next to the Bride
• Is usually a second sponsor (i.e. there is also a Koumbaro)
• Will want to dress the same as the Bridesmaids
• Does not want to stand out or look different in front of the wedding guests

 Do you think that the Koumbara should wear the same as the Bridesmaids? Please share your comments.

Related topics that you might like:

• Koumbari  Combinations
• Is the Koumbara the same as the maid of honour?
• What should the Koumbari Pay for?

The Role of the Koumbaro

During the wedding ceremony, the Koumbaro puts the rings on the Bride and Groom and then crosses the Stefana over their heads. The Koumbaro also takes the first steps with the newlyweds as they walk around the church during the Dance of Isaiah.

It can be said that they the Koumbaro has strong spiritual connection to the Bride and Groom and will be a part of their life forever. When the newlyweds have their first child the Koumbaro goes on to Christen the child and then becomes the Nouno (Godfather).

The Koumbaro has a significant spiritual role in the couples life and so the decision is not always easy. Here are a few points to consider before choosing your Koumbari:

• How many Koumbari do you want in your bridal party? Just one Koumbaro or a combination of Koumbari?
• Is your Koumbaro Greek Orthodox?
• Do you want your Koumbaro to Christen your children in the Greek Orthodox Church?
• If you have more than one Koumbaro, where will each person stand?
• Is your Koumbaro prepared/aware of the financial obligations associated with the role?
• Do you think that your Koumbaro will accept the role when you ask him?
• Does your family know your Koumbaro?
• Is your Koumbaro a friend to both the Bride and the Groom?
• Is your Koumbaro married? Will his wife stand up at the alter also?

What else should the Bride and Groom consider before choosing their Koumbaro?

Related topics that you might like:

• Koumbari Combinations
• Is the Koumbara the same as the Matron of Honour?
• What should the Koumbari pay for?

Here are some examples of acceptable Koumbari combinations:

• One Koumbaro (One Best Man)
• Two Koumbaros (Two Best Men)
• One Koumbaro and One Koumbara (One Best Man and One Maid/Matron of Honour)
• One Koumbara (Just one Maid/Matron of Honour)
• One Koumbaro and One Maid of Honour (Where only the Koumbaro does the rings and crowning)
• Koumbari (A Koumbaro and Koumbara who are already married)

I have also heard that in Greece, the Bride and Groom can have as many Koumbari as they want. Apparently they do not have a full bridal party with bridesmaids and groomsmen like we do in Australia and in America. The people who stand next to you at your wedding are often called your ‘Koumbari’. (Im not sure how true this actually is)

Do you know of any other acceptable Koumbari combination?