Weddings in Cyprus

On the day of the wedding, when the bride is dressed and ready to leave for the ceremony and while musicians play and sing, the bride's parents, maid of honour (koumbara) and close friends wrap a red scarf around her waist and head

Likewise, at the groom's house the "last shave" takes place and his best man (koumbaros) shaves him in the presence of his family and friends. The koumbaros then dresses the groom while musicians sing and play and his friends and family then wrap the red scarf around the groom's waist as a symbol of his fertility. The groom and his family and companions then make their way to the bride's house, and all depart for the church.