Greek television presenter Betty Maggira has revealed that she and her husband Dimitris Mazis never bought wedding rings when they chose a simple civil marriage.
Speaking during an appearance on the late-night programme The 2Night Show on Monday, 2 November, Maggira looked back on her twenty-five years together with Mazis, sharing details of their unconventional nuptials and family life.
Maggira is a familiar face on Greek television, known for presenting entertainment shows, performing in theatre, and appearing as a judge on variety programmes. Mazis is a former international water polo player who represented Greece at multiple Olympic Games before moving into coaching.
A Civil Ceremony Without Wedding Rings
Maggira explained that formal ceremonies and elaborate festivities never suited either of them. When the couple decided to legalise their union, they opted for a low-key civil service at a registry office rather than a traditional church wedding.
The presenter disclosed that they went through the process without purchasing wedding rings and did not even arrange for best men or wedding sponsors. In Greece, marital sponsors, known as koumparoi, traditionally play a central role in wedding rituals and family life, but Maggira said they were unfamiliar with the formal requirements at the time.
She noted that her husband strongly dislikes artificial or staged arrangements. Formal banquets with seated dining tables hold no appeal for him, which reinforced their decision to keep their actual marriage ceremony as straightforward as possible.
Plans For A Traditional Greek Celebration
Despite their quiet civil wedding, Maggira revealed that she still hopes to organise a massive gathering to mark their decades together. She said she has told Mazis that she wants to host a lively celebration with their friends where everyone can dance and let loose.
Her vision for the event includes playing classic Greek popular tracks and inviting the well-known singer Stelios Dionysiou to perform live. Dionysiou, the son of the late folk music legend Stratos Dionysiou, is celebrated across Greece for performing beloved laiko anthems that define festive Greek gatherings.
Marriage As An Ongoing Partnership
Reflecting on lasting relationships, Maggira remarked that every marriage requires constant effort and commitment. She said the initial spark and infatuation inevitably fade over time as children enter the picture and personal priorities shift.
She acknowledged that neither she nor her husband is the same person they were a quarter of a century ago. The couple, who share two children, view their relationship as a true partnership where both individuals journey side by side and support each other through the normal highs and lows of family life.
Maintaining a household and raising children brings real challenges, Maggira said, pointing out that life together is not always rosy. Because long-term relationships require continuous devotion, she emphasised that staying married remains an active daily choice.
The Pressure Of Aging In Entertainment
During the broadcast, Maggira also addressed personal concerns about aging and the pressures of working in front of the camera. She confessed that growing older caused her anxiety, particularly because women in public life who grow accustomed to compliments often feel compelled to preserve their youthful appearance.
The continuous chase after youth is exhausting and stressful, she said, explaining that she has frequently considered walking away from the constant worry about external appearance. Maggira added that when people look at her and hesitate before saying that she has aged well, she prefers they simply say it out loud, attributing her vitality to a youthful spirit and enthusiasm that comes from within.
Social Media Criticism From Women
Turning to public feedback, the presenter expressed disappointment over hostile messages directed at her on digital platforms. While noting that the general public remains supportive, she revealed that eight out of every ten negative comments she receives online come from other women.
Maggira described the dynamic as terrible, remarking that it is deeply regrettable when women attack fellow women so harshly. Her response to those who dislike her style or appearance is straightforward: she advised critical users simply to stop following her accounts.
