How to host a successful Jewish wedding?

Much like a civil marriage, a Jewish wedding also has its own set of requirements. Before and during the wedding ceremony, the couple must follow the rules established by the Jewish tradition. Here are the steps to ensure a successful Jewish wedding.

Preparations before a Jewish wedding ceremony

A few days before the Jewish wedding, the groom is serenaded by his family and friends. The rabbi and the elders offer him blessings. The groom-to-be no longer travels alone; he is accompanied throughout all his movements. He is also celebrated with songs and joyful shouts led by the women. On the eve of the wedding, the couple is celebrated during a large feast held in their honor. However, they must arrive at the wedding the following day on an empty stomach. This is recommended as a commitment to change and to beginning a life of purity. The religious ceremony is open to all guests (both Jewish and non-Jewish). Men are expected to wear a small Jewish cap (the kippa). A Jewish wedding is never held on a Saturday, as that is the Sabbath.

Key Priorities of the Jewish Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony is taking place under a houpa (a type of tent). Before the Jewish wedding ceremony, the groom performs an act symbolizing his commitment to protecting his future wife. He joins the bride in a room and covers her with a veil. Following this symbolic gesture, the wedding ceremony begins under the direction of the rabbi. The groom then places a ring on his future wife’s finger. Next comes the reading and signing of the marriage contract (the ketubah) by two witnesses. The marriage contract is read in Aramaic. The ceremony concludes with the reading of the Seven Blessings and the breaking of the glass (an act in remembrance of the destruction of Jerusalem). The exchange of rings and the recitation of the Seven Blessings are followed by the couple sharing a cup of wine.

Jewish Wedding: Required Documentation

Just as with a civil marriage, certain documents must be provided for a Jewish wedding. The most critical document is the parents’ Jewish marriage certificate, known as the Ketubah. Other documents required to accompany the Ketubah include: a birth certificate and the parents’ family record book.

Video of a Jewish wedding ceremony

For organizing your Jewish wedding in Nice, rely on the services of a wedding planner Nice high-quality services such as the GA Event Creator agency. To give you a sense of the caliber of their work, we invite you to watch this video of a Jewish wedding held on the French Riviera last summer. Everything is included, from the venue decor to the floral arrangements for the Chuppah.

Wedding in Cannes from MOONRIVERPROD on Vimeo.