Planning a Greek wedding in the heart of New York City? From the vibrant bouzouki riffs to heartfelt lyrics that bring generations together, music is at the soul of every Greek celebration. Whether you're planning a traditional wedding, a modern fusion, or something in between, the right music will elevate your night and keep the kefi (joyful energy) going strong.

Here’s a curated list of top Greek wedding songs that will bring your NYC celebration to life—songs that honor tradition, spark dance circles, and keep the dance floor packed all night.

🇬🇷 Traditional Favorites That Never Fail

These are the beloved classics that every Greek wedding must have. These tunes are often played during the kalamatiano, syrto, and tsifteteli dances, and they’re guaranteed to get yiayia and pappou dancing alongside the grandkids.

1. "Zorba the Greek" – Mikis Theodorakis

An iconic dance starter. The song begins slow, then accelerates into a whirlwind of energy. A must-have for any Greek celebration.

2. "Siko Horepse Koukli Mou" – Haris Alexiou

A classic laïko love song with a strong dance rhythm. It’s sentimental, yet uplifting.

3. "To Palio Roloi" – Stratos Dionysiou

Perfect for a slower moment during the night when couples want to dance close and sing along.

4. "Pou Na 'Sai Tora Esy" – Notis Sfakianakis

A modern classic that blends passion with nostalgia. It hits the heart and stirs the soul.

💃 Dancefloor Anthems for the Young and Young at Heart

NYC weddings often bring together generations—and the younger crowd wants to feel that Greek flavor with a modern twist.

5. "Opa Opa" – Antique

This one is great for mixed crowds—Greeks and non-Greeks alike love it. Super high energy and fun.

6. "Gia Sena" – Nikos Oikonomopoulos

Romantic and modern. A hit with younger couples and a sweet moment on the dance floor.

7. "Ela" – Konstantinos Argiros

Popular in Greek clubs and weddings alike, this song keeps the pulse going late into the night.

🎻 Nisiotika & Rebetika for Authentic Vibes

If you want to bring an island vibe or pay tribute to your family’s region, these songs are perfect.

8. "Poso Mou Leipei" – Stelios Kazantzidis

Raw emotion and deep rebetiko roots. Perfect for later in the evening when the ouzo’s been flowing.

9. "T' Agriolouloudo" – Stratos Dionysiou

This poetic ballad captures the spirit of love and resilience.

10. "I Balada Tou Andoni" – Savina Yannatou (Traditional Folk Version)

Ideal for quieter moments or background during dinner, this ballad evokes old-world charm.

🎶 Live Music or DJ? Why Not Both?

In New York City, you can have it all—live Greek bands to start off the night and a DJ to take you into the afterparty. Many couples are now booking live rebetiko, laïko, and nisiotiko bands for cocktail hours or dinner sets, then transitioning to DJs for late-night dancing.

If you’re looking for a live Greek band in NYC to bring all these songs to life, check out Ta Pedia Tis Polis—a versatile ensemble known for their energetic performances, authentic instrumentation, and crowd-pleasing vibe.

🥁 Tips for Your Music Timeline

• Start Traditional – Begin with kalamatiano or syrto to get family and elders engaged early.
• Mix in Romance – Save a few ballads for the first dance or a special moment with your spouse.
• End with a Bang – Think tsiftetelia, zeibekika, and club anthems for a wild finish.

Final Thoughts

Greek weddings in NYC are a fusion of old-world heritage and big-city flair. With the right playlist, you can honor your roots while keeping the night fun and fresh. So, grab your handkerchief, form the dance circle, and let the bouzouki lead the way!

Opa! 🥂