Greek Plate-Breaking

geekyhostess

My FI has some Greek family members, and he's pretty excited about the tradition of breaking plates. I'm afraid our reception venue will freak out when they hear the sound of shattered plates!

Should I let them know in advance? Any suggestions on inexpensive and safe plates to break? When does this normally happen in the wedding? Anyone with experience in this tradition?

Thanks in advance!

mysticl

Not sure about the details of the tradition.  But absolutely let the venue know in advance.  They may not let you do it or charge an extra clean up fee.  In reasearching venues I have found places that don't allow glitter, sand, or confetti as part of your centerpieces because of clean up.  On place does not allow you smash the cake into your spouses face.  My bff is getting married too and she has found places that do not allow red wine because of staining issues. 

geekyhostess

I've never heard of a venue not allowing cake-smashing! (Maybe it's a special provision to keep the sanity of the bride?) ;-)

aperitisa

Greek plate smashing is actually very rare at Greek weddings.  I have NEVER seen it done and I'm Greek and have been to many Greek weddings.  Both of my parents have never seen it done.  I can guarantee that the venue will tell you no.  It really dangerous for them (lawsuits if people step in the glass) and is a huge waste of money.  Maybe look into getting those fake plates (that they use in movies) and doing it outside or something?  My guests have mentioned it and we simply said its not possible.  (And yes, I'm having a big fat greek wedding.....right now our guest list is at 357).

geekyhostess

aperitisa Thanks for letting me know! I thought it was pretty rare, but he seems to be sure it will be happening. The outside option is smart, I'll have to talk to him about that!

(And your wedding is much larger than mine! I think we're only at 200. But he's Greek, my last name's Miller... it's pretty perfect!)

aperitisa

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_customs-traditions_greek-plate-breaking?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:36Discussion:a743c074-158c-43b1-9f61-5a8fd48effa9Post:8f33379e-aa9c-4ae7-8d68-7d2d33df476f">Re: Greek Plate-Breaking</a>:
[QUOTE]@ aperitisa  Thanks for letting me know! I thought it was pretty rare, but he seems to be sure it will be happening. The outside option is smart, I'll have to talk to him about that! (And your wedding is much larger than mine! I think we're only at 200. But he's Greek, <strong>my last name's Miller.</strong>.. it's pretty perfect!)
Posted by geekyhostess[/QUOTE]
Haha...too funny!  Poor FI has so much to deal with when it comes to my family.  Huge loud and extremely connected.  

GJones27

Greeks in Greece break plates sometime around when the dancing gets underway.  Opa!