Frequently Asked Questions
Products marked "READY TO SHIP" and showing availability are shipped in 1 to 2 business days. If it doesn't say "Out of Stock", then it is available for prompt shipping.
We do not have a physical store. But if you are in the Naperville, IL (Chicago) area you can visit our workshop and see our products. To schedule a visit, please contact us. Please include which products you are interested in seeing (or a general idea, for example: "wedding candles") and some suggested times you would like to visit.
Yes, but at this time our website is set up to ship to Canada only. If you need us to ship any where else, please contact us .
Typically it takes 3-5 business days to receive your order. We’re doing our best to deliver it promptly for you.
Use the tracking number provided in your shipping confirmation email to check your package’s delivery status or its current location. If it shows as delivered, please check with neighbors or family members who may have brought it inside. For further assistance, feel free to reach out to us .
We offer candles in17”, 21”, 24”, 25” and 32” long candles. Diameter (thickness) of the candles will vary with each design. Each candle product page will list the available sizes.
Yes. We have 24" 100% Beeswax Candles.
Candles burn at the rate of approximately 1” per hour and are smoke and drip resistant.
Our white candles are hand-dipped taper candles created from a blend of superior-quality paraffin wax with a pure cotton wick for a slow and calm burn.
It's best to keep the candles stored lying flat and in a cool place. Do not expose them to extreme heat (sunlight) for a prolonged period of time.
Our ladopana sets include:
* One bath towel
* Two hand towels
* One sheet
* Oil bottle
* Soap
* Onesie [optional]
* Tote [optional]
We do not offer any embroidering on our products at this time.
Our oil bottles are thoroughly washed. If you’d like to wash yours again, please do so carefully to avoid damaging the decoration on the outside of the bottle.
Most of our ladopana sets are priced equally so in general you can mix and match ladopana items between our collections. Please to make sure this is a possibility.
If your candles arrive bent/arched, (during the hot summer months) it is easy to straighten them. Apply some weight on the bend so it forces it to go the opposite way. (Pictured is a 3 lbs dumbbell on one of our 17” candles).
If you have an questions at all, please feel free to call us at (630) 596-6826. We are more than happy to help you!
The oil bottles are not filled with oil when they are shipped. Filling the oil bottle is the responsibility of the customers.
At this time our customers can purchase the oil bottle and soap, baptism tote and onesie separately from our regular ladopana sets.
Each of our Baptism collections coordinate with a decorated tote. The totes will fit the towels, sheet, undergarments, soap and outfit. Even though some candles and the oil bottle could fit, we don’t recommend that you put them in there. There is the possibility that the candles could break and that the oil may spill out of the oil bottle when taken to the church.
We do not offer the white paper baptism boxes through our shop.
We do our best to offer natural/pure materials for our ladopana items. Our towels, sheet and onesie are 100% cotton.
The Martyrika witness pins are meant to be pinned on the baptism guests lapel area. The Martyrika Bracelets are worn as bracelet on the wrist.
Our martyrika bracelets come in one size and are adjustable to first most adults and children. They may be too large for very young children.
Yes, pins are included with martyrika.
You can always contact us with your ideas. We will work with you to make your idea come to life!
Yes, we offer as a way to showcase martyrika while making it effortlessly convenient to pass out to guests.
The name, date of baptism, and an explanation of the tradition of the martyrika.
Yes. Depending on the changes you want made, there may be an additional fee.
You can always contact us with your ideas. We will work with you to make your idea come to life!
Yes, the price of the favors will be adjusted depending on the customization.
Yes, most of our baptism collections have coordinating favors.
We don’t print on ribbon at this time. We offer tags as an alternative.
We only offer almond filled koufeta - confetti.
Yes. Once you let us know which favors you would like we will let you know of the additional costs, time required, and if it would work with a particular favor and send you an invoice.
According to our vendor the almonds stay fresh for 18 months. Store your favors or Jordan almonds in room temperature. It is not recommended that you place them in the refrigerator.
Yes, we carry a small selection of icons under our Baptism page of our website.
Yes, we carry a small variety of cross boxes under our Baptism page of our website.
We have larger size that we recommend for gifting to Godparents. You can gift the icons alone or paired with your personal gift..
At this time, we don’t offer baptism crosses.
The Evil Eye is a belief that one can be cursed by receiving a malevolent gaze, primarily originating from envy. The belief holds that you can ward off this curse by wearing or decorating with a magical amulet, often in the shape of an eye. This superstition has existed across cultures for thousands of years, and as such has no basis in Christian faith. As Christians we do not put our trust in charms and amulets. Instead we look to the Cross of Christ as the symbol of our protection. See the hymn below from the Feast of the Holy Cross which shows the power of God through His Cross.
"The Cross is the guardian of the whole earth; the Cross is the beauty of the Church. The Cross is the strength of kings; the Cross is the support of the faithful. The Cross is the glory of angels and the wounder of demons."
For the best selection and to ensure availability, we recommend looking for ladopana and candles after confirming your baptism date, even if it’s a year in advance. We recommend purchasing 4-5 months prior to the event so to avoid stock issues or quickly address possible shipping concerns.
For the best selection and to ensure availability, we recommend looking for candles, crowns and trays after confirming your wedding date, even if it’s a year in advance. We recommend purchasing 4-5 months prior to the event so to avoid stock issues or quickly address possible shipping concerns.
Our crowns are made out of a range of materials to cater to different styles and needs.
On our website, you will find crowns crafted from:
- Porcelain
- Precious Metals
- Rhinestones
- Pearls and Beads
The crowns that are handmade in our shop have a stainless steel base.
Our imported crowns come with a fixed ribbon that cannot be changed.
For our handmade,'Dahlia' Exclusive Crowns, we apply the ribbon ourselves. If you would like a change on these crowns, please contact us prior to placing your order.
Our packing peanuts are starch-based and biodegradable. Dispose of via wastewater drains, composting, or with general waste. Peanuts are water soluble and septic safe.
We source our crowns from Greece, vendors within the United States, and some designs we make directly in our workshop.
All of our crowns are slightly oval-shaped measuring approximately 7" in diameter. They are semi-pliable to conform to the heads of the bride and groom.
The connecting ribbon between the two crowns is generally 5 ft, but it may vary depending on different designs from our vendors. The ribbon is designed to accommodate height differences and should work well with any crown selection.
We're dedicated to providing a wide selection of crowns to meet the unique preferences of our customers. To achieve this, we both craft our own crowns and order from different vendors in and outside of the United States. This allows us to present a range of styles, materials, and designs, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect crown for any occasion.
We do offer coordinating crown and candle sets, recognizing the importance of matching accessories for some customers. This allows the customer to achieve a beautifully unified look without the hassle of finding matching pieces
Yes, all of our wedding trays include koufeta.
Most trays come with 21 koufeta, except for a few of our larger trays that we give 48 koufeta with.
We're dedicated to providing a wide selection of trays to meet the unique preferences of our customers. To do so, we order from different vendors within the United States.
Yes. All of our trays come gift wrapped in a sheer white organza tulle bag, tied with white satin ribbon ties to look like a flower. Included with the tray should be minimum 21 Koufeta.
We wrap the trays with everything included to allow a stress-free experience for the customer. Everything should ready to go to the church.
We carry cast aluminum and stainless steel trays.
Cast aluminum is made by pouring molten aluminum alloy into sand molds, which shape and form the piece. Aluminum has a much higher melting point than pewter or sterling silver, so sand casting is one of the most effective ways to create durable aluminum items. Once the metal cools and hardens, the piece is carefully removed, prepped, and polished to achieve a smooth, polished finish.
- Hand wash in warm, soapy water and towel dry.
- Polish with a good pewter or silver polish to keep it shining.
- For scratches, use a high-quality silver polishing cloth.
- Do not wash in the dishwasher.
- This product cannot be used in a microwave.
- To prevent discoloration, do not store food on or in your aluminum products.
- Do not leave in water or any other liquid for extended periods of time.
- Safe for use in both the freezer and the oven.
Stainless steel is a type of steel that’s specially made to resist rust and corrosion, so it stays looking good even with regular use. It’s created by combining iron with at least 10.5% chromium, and often includes nickel and a small amount of carbon. This unique mix of metals gives stainless steel its strength and durability, making it perfect for wedding trays that need to be tough and long-lasting.
- Hand wash your stainless steel tray with mild dish soap.
- Dry immediately after washing to maintain its shine.
- Do not put in the dishwasher- the high heat can dull the polished finish.
- Note: If your tray has gold handles, be sure to pat it dray immediately for best care.
Most of our crown cases have a depth of approximately 1". However, we do offer some cases with a smaller depth.
Be sure to read all details in the products description before purchasing, to make sure your crowns will fit within the case.
Some of our designs do come in different sizes.
Refer to the product details within each individual peskier product listing.
The Orthodox Wedding Ceremony is a Sacrament that blesses a marriage with God's grace, uniting the couple as one. Key parts include:
- Betrothal: Exchanging rings as a symbol of lifelong commitment.
- Wedding Candles: Lit to represent the purity of Christ in their life together.
- Crowning: The couple is crowned as the heads of their new household.
- Common Cup: Sharing wine symbolizes their shared life.
- Dance of Isaiah: A ceremonial walk led by the priest, signifying their journey with God.
To read more about each part, you can visit for a detailed explanation!
Marriages are not performed on fast days or during fasting seasons or on the feasts of the Church, specifically:
* September 14 (Exaltation of the Holy Cross)
* December 13-25 (Nativity)
* January 5 and 6 (Theophany)
* Great Lent and Holy Week
* Pascha (Easter)
* Pentecost (50 days after Easter)
* August 1-15 (Dormition Fast and Feast)
* August 29 (Beheading of St. John the Baptist).
Exceptions can only be made with the permission of the respective hierarch.
Koufeta, or sugared almonds, are a Greek wedding tradition that symbolizes many aspects of the couple's life together:
- Fertility: The almond's egg shape stands for fertility and new beginnings.
- Endurance: The hard almond shell represents the endurance of marriage.
- Sweetness: The sugary coating promise's a sweet life together.
- Indivisibility: The odd number of koufeta symbolizes that the couple will remain undivided.
- Bittersweet Taste: Bittersweet taste reflects life's up and downs, embraced together.
The five almonds symbolize wishes for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, a loving family, and a long life together.
Two mandatory items for the wedding sacrament are:
- Stefana (Wedding Crowns): These are placed on the heads of the bride and groom during the ceremony to symbolize their unity.
- Lambades (Wedding Candles): Two decorated candles are held by the bride and groom, symbolizing the light of Christ guiding their new life together. These can be simple or decorated to match the couple's preferences or the wedding's theme.
- Wedding Rings: Rings for the bride and groom, blessed by the priest, are exchanged as symbols of the couple's eternal commitment and devotion to each other. Rings are traditionally worn on the right hand in Orthodox tradition.
Optional items for the wedding include:
- Wedding Tray: This tray is typically given as a gift to the wedded couple and may be used during the ceremony to hold crowns, rings and other sacramental items. Families may prepare the trays with koufeta or as a symbol of the couple's hope for a sweet and blessed life together.
- Common Cup: The couple shares a cup of blessed wine, representing their shared life and the miracle at Cana. Each sips from it, symbolizing unity.
NOTE: In the United States, the common cup is usually provided by the church. If your wedding is in an Orthodox church outside the U.S., ask the priest what items the koumbaro/koumbara should bring for the ceremony.
The Koumbaro/Koumbara is responsible for purchasing:
- Stefana (Wedding Crowns): The bride and groom wear these crowns, connected by a ribbon, as symbols of their unity and shared journey. They represent the blessings of God on their marriage.
- Wedding Candles: Two decorated candles, held by the bride and groom, symbolize the light of Christ guiding their life together. These candles can be adorned to match the wedding’s theme.
Optionally, but not mandatory, they may purchase:
- Stefanothiki (Crown Case): Many Koumbari also purchase a crown case to store the crowns after the ceremony, preserving them as a keepsake.
- Wedding Tray: Many Koumbari choose to purchase a decorative metal tray, which is used during the wedding sacrament and following, given as a thoughtful gift to the couple.
Aside from what the couple might have on their registry, you may want to gift them something more thoughtful and traditional.
Some meaningful gifts for the newly couple could include:
- Stefanothiki (Crown Case): A beautiful case to store and preserve the wedding crowns (stefana) as a keepsake of their sacred union.
- Prayer or Marriage books: A meaningful book to support their spiritual journey and growth together in faith.
- Icons of Christ and Theotokos: Blessed icons to guide and protect the couple in their new life together, often displayed in their home iconostasis.
A few traditional items are required for an Orthodox Baptism, each carrying symbolic significance:
- Set of Three Candles: A large "lambada" candle is carried by the godparent, and two smaller candles can be carried by children or family members. They can be decorated to reflect the baptism’s theme or interests of the Godparent.
- Set of Ladopana: Includes two hand towels, a bath towel, sheet, and undergarments, all white to symbolize the purity and new life in Christ.
- Towel & Sheet: These are used by the godparent to receive the baby after immersion, absorbing the blessed oil.
- Undergarments: The first clothing worn by the baby, usually a white onesie or undershirt, to absorb the oil and provide protection under the baptismal outfit.
- Oil Bottle, Soap, & Towels: The oil bottle, filled with 100% virgin olive oil, is used during the anointing. The soap and towels are for washing and drying hands after the anointing.
- Baptismal Cross: Traditionally gold and presented by the godparent, symbolizing the child's commitment to faith.
- Baptismal Outfit: A formal outfit, often white, with shoes and possibly a bonnet or hat. Check with your priest for any specific church guidelines.
A 17" or 21" tall candle is suggested for adults. While choosing a candle, keep in mind the preference of the individual receiving Baptism, the Godparent, or the request of the priest.
Koufeta, or sugared almonds, are used in baptism favors as the almonds represent many aspects of the child's life.
- Purity: The white sugar coating of the almond represents the purity of the baptized.
- New Life: The egg shape symbolizes new life and rebirth through baptism.
- Endurance: The hard almond shell signifies the strength of faith.
- Sweetness: the sugary coating reflects the sweetness of the church and family's support.
- Indivisibility: The odd number of koufeta used in favors symbolizes the unbreakable unity of the child and the community within the church.
- Bittersweet Taste: Bittersweet taste of the almond represents the complexities of life and the journey of faith.
The five almonds symbolize blessings for the newly baptized: health, prosperity, joy, a loving family, and a life filled with faith.
Orthodox Baptism is a sacred Sacrament that brings a person into the church, marking them as a child of God and member of the Body of Christ. Key parts include:
- Catechumen Service: Exorcism prayers and renouncing evil, affirming commitment to Christ.
- Blessing of Oil & Anointing: The godparent presents oil, which the priest blesses and uses to anoint the person.
- Immersion: The individual is immersed three times, symbolizing being ‘buried’ and ‘raised’ with Christ.
- Chrismation: Sealing with the Holy Spirit, marking them as belonging to Christ.
- Tonsure & Vesting: A symbolic hair cutting, followed by dressing in white garments as a sign of purity.
A baby can be baptized no sooner than 40 days after birth. Any time after the first 40 days is fine.
The church recommends baptizing as soon as possible, typically between 6 and 9 months of age.
Yes, adults can be baptized. In fact, many churches welcome adult baptisms for those who wish to join the faith.
Yes, godparents must be an Orthodox christian and in good standing in his/her parish. This is because the role of the godparent includes helping guide the child in the Orthodox faith.
NOTE: If godparent is baptizing outside of their parish, they will need a letter of good standing from their parish priest.
Yes, it is traditional to give your child's godparent a gift as a gesture of gratitude for their new responsibility to their godchild.
Not, this is not necessary, but parents like to do this as the Godparent will be a very special guide to their child in their spiritual life.
It is common that gifts include something meaningful asa way of saying "Thank you." Personalized keepsakes, mementos of the day, and religious items such as books, icons for their home iconostasis, or even crosses are appropriate gifts.
No, this is not necessary.
Some godparents like to purchase extra daily outfits for the child. This tradition is common in certain regions of Greece, though it's not universally practiced.
Whether godparents choose to give additional gifts depends on their relationship with the child and their own personal traditions and preferences.
The primary responsibilities of the parents include choosing a godparent, selecting a church for the baptism, and scheduling a time to meet with the priest. The parents also typically will plan a celebration following the baptism, deciding on all the details involved in that.
The godparent is responsible for purchasing:
- Baptismal Cross: A cross necklace that will be blessed during the baptism and given to the child following the baptism to symbolize their commitment to their faith.
- Baptismal Outfit: White clothing for the child to wear after being baptized. Needs to be white to represent purity and new life.
- Ladopana or Oil Cloths: Ladopana set includes a small bottle of olive oil, a bar of soap, one bath towel, and two hand towels. An optional white onesie and small oil cap for the baby to wear beneath their baptismal may also be included.
- Baptismal Candles (Lambadas): The godparent holds a decorated candle during the ceremony, which is often kept as a keepsake. Two smaller candles are usually included for children or any participants going around the baptismal font, though these may be optional depending on the church.
- Martyrika (Winess Pins or Bracelets): Small pins, ribbons, or bracelets given to guests as a symbol for having participated and witnessed a baptism.
In some traditions, the godparent may also contribute to the cost of any fees for the church service.
Martyrika are not a necessary item for the baptism.
Traditionally, Martyrika has been used throughout the years to gift to those who were witness to a baptism as a small token of appreciation.
Traditionally, it is the role of the godparent to purchase the martyrika.
Since Martyrika is given to those who were present at the baptism, they are passed out when the sacrament is finished. Martyrika may also be passed out at the reception following the baptism.
The child's family is responsible for offering bombonieres (favors) as a small thank you to their guests for sharing the day with them and their child.
It can be a bit of a dilemma deciding what to do with the Martyrika.. They are intended to be keepsakes and can be easily kept in a drawer or closet. The cross on the Martyrika is always a symbol of protection, so you are free to keep or use the crosses in whichever way feels right to you.
For a Greek Orthodox Baptism you will need 3 candles:
- One Large Candle (Lambada): This is a decorated candle held by the godparent during the sacrament.
- Two Smaller Candles: These smaller candles may be held by other participants, such as children or guests, as they circle the baptismal font. NOTE: These smaller candles are not always required and may depend on the church or regional customs.
The flame of the candles represent the "Light of Christ," that guides the newly baptized child through life. The candle's symbolize the child's new life in Christ and the ongoing spiritual guidance from the family and the community within the church.
Choosing between martyrika witness pins or bracelets depends on personal preference and stay, as both serve the same purpose.
- Witness Pins are a more traditional choice, easily able to be pinned to guests' clothing. Witness Pins are often simpler and may appeal to those who prefer a classic look.
- Bracelets are a newer choice, they can be a fun and a wearable alternative, especially for younger guests and children. They are versatile it that they can be used for daily wear.
If guests would prefer a more contemporary and functional keepsake, Bracelets would be a great option. However, Witness Pins may be better suited for guest who prefer a classic approach.
Martyrika (Witness Pins) are small, decorated cross pendants meant to be worn on the lapel. These small crosses, also seen on bracelets, are handed out at the end of a baptism to guests as proof of witnessing the sacrament. Although, not mandatory, people chose to include martyrika in their baptisms to continue tradition.
The ladopana hold a special, blessed significance because they have come in contact with holy oil. Since they are blessed, they should not be washed in a regular washing machine but rather cleaned in a respectful way:
- Hand Rinse Only: Gently rinse the ladopana in a basin or tub. Do not use soap or detergents. Avoid scrubbing or wringing them. Some oil may remain in the fabric, as it is meant to soak into the cloths.
- Dispose of the Rinse Water Respectfully: Pour the rinse water onto the earth, such as soil, a garden, or in a natural body of water. Avoid pouring it down a household drain to honor the water's blessed nature.
After rinsing, you may clean the ladopana regularly and use for everyday purposes such as bathroom towels and a flat sheet on your child's bed as a continued blessing.
Fun Fact: Dahlia's owner had rinsed her children's ladopana in the sea in Greece.
