Wedding Planner

Religious - Jewish Wedding

Some Preliminaries

Traditionally the Jewish wedding starts with the signing of the marriage contract or ketubbah. The ketubbah is a document that describes the rights and obligations of the bride and groom. It is signed by the groom and then given to the bride for safekeeping. In modern weddings the bride also signs the contract. This document is often framed and displayed in the newlyweds' home. After the signing of the contract the groom goes up to his bride and gazes into her face. Having confirmed that she is the woman he chosen to marry, he lowers her veil over her face.

The Stage

The wedding ceremony takes place under the huppah ---- a wedding canopy. The huppah is often made of velvet with embroidery and fringes, but sometimes a floral canopy is used. Four poles support the huppah, which is optionally held during the ceremony by friends or relatives. Under the huppah is a table with two glasses and a bottle of Kiddush wine.

The Ceremony

By custom all of the immediate relatives are part of the wedding party. The bride and groom are escorted down the aisle by their parents. Under the huppah the bride stands to the right of the groom. After the introduction by the rabbi, the groom recites his wedding vow and gives the ring to the bride. Traditionally the ring is a plain gold band without any breaks or engravings. This type of ring is used because it clearly shows the true value and purity of the ring. At the ceremony the ring is placed on the bride's right index finger because it is the finger of intelligence --- also it is the finger that points at the words when reading the Torah. Next the ketubbah is read aloud. A reading of the seven wedding blessings by various guests follows this. During this reading the bride and groom sip their wine. When the reading is done, the groom breaks a glass with his foot. The breaking of the glass represents various things, one of which is the destruction of the Temple. The shattered glass also reminds us of how fragile life is.

The Celebration!

The wedding party then proceeds down the aisle, led by the bride and groom. At this point, the couple may perform a traditional ritual known as yihud --- or the union. For this they will go to a private room where they will briefly eat some food --- typically a broth, together. They will then go to the reception area for the festivities. A typical celebration includes circle dancing where the bride and groom may be lifted above the circle. If either the bride or groom is the last child of the family to be married, another special dance may be performed for the parents to celebrate their success in marrying off all of their children.

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Religious - Jewish Wedding

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