The Processional {Jewish Weddings}

Today's modern wedding has several options as to how the wedding procession is determined. Jewish tradition states that since it took a mother and father to bring their child into the world then both of them should escort their child to the Chuppah. The bride's attendants will stand on the right side of the Chuppah and the Groom's side to the left of the Chuppah.

Photo Source

The Rabbi and Cantor proceed down the aisle first, giving the congregation an awareness that the ceremony is about to begin. Grandparents of the Bride and Groom proceed down the aisle and are seated on the respective sides.

The Groom's attendants proceed first with the Best Man, who has the honor of standing closest to the Groom, standing on the outside front pole of the Chuppah. Groomsmen follow in order of height. The Groom is escorted by his parents to the Chuppah. His parents stand under the left side of the Chuppah between the clergy and where the couple will stand.

The Bride's attendants follow suit but on the right side of the Chuppah. If there is a flower girl and ring bearer participating, they will walk down either separately to awaiting parents or relatives and will then be seated.

The Bride's parents proceed to the same piece of music as the rest of the wedding party. They stop one-fourth of the way up the aisle and face each other. The music then changes to the Bride's processional. The Bride walks to her parents and walks with them up to the top of the aisle. Her Groom comes to escort her to the Chuppah. Before doing so, he exchanges a loving gesture such as a hug and kiss to his future in-laws as they, too, walk under the Chuppah.

The Ketubah and Bedeken Ceremonies {Jewish Weddings}

The first ritual usually done is the completion, signing and witnessing of the Ketubah, or marriage contract. This contract is ordained by Mishnaic law (circa 170 CE) and according to some authorities dates back to Biblical times. The Ketubah, written in Aramaic, details the husband's obligation to his wife: food, clothing, dwelling and pleasure.

It also creates a lien on all his property to pay her a sum of money and support should he divorce her, or predecease her. The document is signed by the bride and groom and witnessed by two people - unrelated to the bride and the groom, and has the standing of a legally binding agreement, that in many countries is enforceable by secular law. The ketubah is often written as illuminated manuscript, and becomes a work of art in itself, and many couples frame it and display it in their home.

After the Ketubah is signed, the groom (or Chatan) approaches the bride (Kallah) to veil her face. This veiling is called the Bedeken. The custom of veiling recalls the predicament of Jacob, our forefather, who thought he was marrying Rachel only to discover, after the ceremony, that he had married Leah. Obviously, with the change of time, this type of confusion is no longer relevant, however, the tradition is honored.

The veiling of the Kallah makes her - literally, set apart in holiness and symbolizes what the Chatan values the most in the Kallah. The veil, which physically separates the Kallah and the Chatan, also serves to remind htem that they remain distinct individuals even as they unite in marriage. 

Cultural Influences {Jewish Weddings}

Recently we attended a workshop held by the Association of Bridal Consultants educating us on the traditional and non-traditional wedding elements among several cultures. One of which was the Jewish faith. We are going to take some time now to talk a bit about Jewish weddings and what traditions are commonly practiced in Jewish ceremonies. Below is an excerpt we received from Beth Slavin Productions on traditional Jewish weddings.

A traditional Jewish wedding is full of meaningful rituals, symbolizing the beauty of hte relationship of husband and wife, as well as their obligations to each other and to the Jewish people.

There are three major branches or movements of Judaism; Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. Each movement accepts and honors the traditions and customs of the Jewish wedding with commitment to Jewish Law (the written word of the Torah) and honoring God's commandments.

In traditional Jewish literature, marriage is actually called kiddushin, which translates as "sanctification" or "dedication." "Sanctification," indicates that what is happening is not just a social arrangement or contractual agreement, but a spiritual bonding and the fulfillment of a mitzvah, a divine precept. "Dedication," indicates that the couple now have an exclusive relationship, that involves total dedication of the bride and groom to each other, to the extent of them becoming, as the Kabbalists state, "one soul in two bodies."

It is customary for Jewish couples to be counseled by their Rabbi throughout the engagement process so there is a clear understanding of the sacredness of the rituals that will be performed during the ceremony. These rituals will mark the beginning of how the Jewish couple will live together and honor their commitment to Judaism and to God.


Over the next few weeks we will go more into detail about what takes place during a Jewish ceremony. We will talk about what is included in the processional, the ceremony and the recessional. If you have any questions about Jewish weddings or traditions please do not hesitate to ask. Beth Slavin Productions has kindly offered to answer any questions you may have.

Cultural Influences {Ethnic Weddings}

Photo Source

Adrienne recently attended an educational meeting held by the Association of Bridal Consultants Orange County at the beautiful Dove Canyon Country Club where she learned about the different traditional and non-traditional wedding elements among several different cultures including Asian, Persian, Indian and Jewish.

In celebration of all of this new knowledge we are going to take the time over the next few months  to feature a different culture and their traditions relating to weddings. Please feel free to email us at danielle@cherishpaperie.com if you have a cultural tradition you'd like us to highlight!