This Greek Wedding Tradition Requires a Best Man with Steady Hands

It’s all about trust — and a steady hand! Learn about the Greek wedding tradition of shaving the groom's face for his walk down the aisle

 

One of our favorite Greek wedding traditions is “the groom’s shaving,” when the Best Man uses a classic straight razor to give the groom a close shave. This ritual is about more than just looking sharp in photos – it’s a symbolic ritual of trust, friendship, and the transition into married life. 

 

Related: Ask your Best Man to be your "backup officiant" to ward off wedding day disasters

 

How to include the groom’s shaving tradition in your wedding day

 

Meet with your Best Man (Koumbaro, or Person of Honor) in the groom’s suite before the wedding ceremony. Before changing into your wedding clothes, your Best Man will shave your face with a traditional straight razor for a clean, polished look. 

 

Make it a celebration: Invite close friends and relatives to hang out with you while this unique ritual happens, and let them share in your excitement before you walk down the aisle. It’s very common for large groups of groomsmen and family elders to join in the groom’s shaving ritual, offering their time-tested advice and personal stories about marriage.

 

Wedding day tips: Using a straight razor for the first time

 

Giving a great shave takes practice, and your Best Man might want to take a few swings at it ahead of time. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when using a straight razor on the wedding day, to avoid unfortunate nicks or cuts: 

 

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser before you begin
• Lather up with the shaving soap or cream of your choice
• Shave with the grain to start – this means shaving in the same direction that the hair grows
• Next, shave across the grain – this means shaving at about a 90 degree angle across the hair, give or take; this in-between step can help reduce irritation
• Last, shave against the grain – finally, shave in the opposite direction the hair is growing; this will remove the last of the hair for a close, smooth shave
• Rinse with cold water when you’re finished shaving
• Apply the aftershave gel or cream of your choice

Watch a hilarious demonstration of this ritual, with all the groomsmen participating, and shaving cream going everywhere: 

 

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Variations of the Greek “groom’s shaving” ritual

 

Over the years, grooms and best men have embraced several variations of this tradition. Grooms with beards might have their best man pretend to shave them, for example, going through the motions in a playful way without removing any hair. Some best men have preferred to use a safety razor, while others have invited professional barbers to stand beside them and guide them through each step of the symbolic ritual.

 

This tradition can easily be updated for same-sex and same-gender weddings too, or made entirely gender-neutral. In these cases, a Maid of Honor might pretend to shave a bride’s face in a lighthearted way, or a Person of Honor or Best Mate might help a soon-to-wed with a quick beard trim or mustache shaping.

 

So while a straight razor is the traditional tool for a groom’s shaving, you can certainly put a modern twist on this ritual so that it best matches your preferences and the tone of your wedding day!

 

Whether you're keeping things traditional, looking for a multicultural wedding ritual, or just putting your own spin on getting ready in style, this charming Greek wedding tradition is a meaningful way to honor friendship, community, and the adventure ahead. 

 

Just remember: Steady hands and trust are a must!

 

Related: Don’t Have Someone to be Your Bridesmaid or Best Man? Try This Instead

 

Need more inspiration or an authentic straight razor tutorial?

 

Check out this “Classic Old School Greek Barber Wet Shave,” demonstrated at “Pavlatos Traditional Barber Shop in Athens Greece”

 

 

 

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More Greek Wedding Ideas & Inspiration from American Marriage Ministries 

 

• Greek Orthodox Weddings: From Koumbaroi to Holy Crowns and the Common Cup
   
• NBA’s Giannis Antetokounmpo Marries in Super Private Wedding
   
• Learn How to Officiate Multicultural & Interfaith Weddings with This Online Class
   

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