Marriage is a wonderful ceremony commemorating the union of two individuals. There are many ways you can celebrate, from the lavish to the austere, but there are a few things no Jewish wedding should be without.
1. Gold wedding rings: Rings have long been a symbol of fidelity and love. There are often Hebrew Scipture inscriptions on the inside of the rings. Gold represents completeness without any flaw. The ring does not represent the amount of money a couple has, but instead symbolizes their devotion for one another. Since gold is rare, but not as rare as a diamond, the gold ring is a sign of practicality, and demonstrates a Jew's ability to provide a nice ring for his wife.
2. Badeken: Because the couple has not seen each other for a week, there is much excitement beforehand. The veiling of the kallah by the chatan symbolizes the chastity and modesty of the betrothed. Moreover, it demonstrates that, although the bride may be beautiful, her spiritual beauty is more important. This custom traces back to Rebecca covering her face before marrying Isaac.
3. Chupah talit: You will need a Jewish wedding canopy, under which the ceremony will take place. This is symbolic of the new home the couple will share. Open on all sides in the same way that Abraham and Sarah had their home to welcome people, the chupah talit's placement indoors or out depends on preferred tradition.
4. Ketubah: You need a wedding contract. This will be read in Aramaic. The chatan is responsible for providing his wife with food, shelter and clothing, and being attentive to her emotional needs. It is signed by two witnesses and is the property of the kallah. Because it is so important, it is usually framed in art, and later displayed in the home, where she will have access to it throughout the marriage. After the ketubah is read, the marriage moves into the second part, the Nissuin (the marriage itself) as distinct and separate from the Kiddushin, the betrothal.
5. Kiddush cups: Drinking before and after a blessing is an important ritual and the first cup accompanies the wedding blessings. Once the rabbi finishes reciting, the couple drinks from the cup. The Kiddushin is associated with the sanctification of Shabbat and festival days, here it pertains to the sanctification of man and woman.
6. Wedding glass: Everyone knows that a wedding glass needs to be broken at a Jewish wedding. This is a symbolic reminder of the destruction of the temple, and it identifies the couple with the Jewish people.
Although specific customs such as when the wedding glass is broken and the alone time the newly married couple has together in the yichud differ according to Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish practices, the marriage ceremony is a time to rejoice. There is dancing and feasting and people pay homage to the newly married couple. The marriage ceremony is a time to appreciate the love two people share and to hope that their love lasts as long as they do.
