Jewish Wedding Customs 101

A Guide for the Perplexed

Kabbalat Panim (Greeting the Guests)

Before the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom greet their wedding guests. Traditionally, this is done separately. However, we have chosen to greet our guests together. Join us any time from 3:30pm!

Chuppah

The wedding ceremony takes place under the chuppah (canopy), a symbol of the home that we are building together. The ceremony has many significant elements which our Rabbi will explain as we go. You may sit or stand wherever you like around the chuppah – there’s no bride or groom’s side. Please put away your phones during the ceremony. We will be delighted to share photos and video at a later date.

Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings)

These blessings are recited under the chuppah by our friends and family. The blessings are also recited at the end of the meal. The ceremony concludes with smashing the glass!

After the wedding ceremony, we’ll be taking a private moment. During this time, you’ll be free to enjoy the beautiful gardens until cocktails and canapes on the pool terrace.

Dancing

After the cocktail hour, we’ll rejoin you all on the dancefloor! At a traditional Jewish wedding, men and women do not dance together. You’ll notice a room divider down the middle of the dancefloor for the first half of the reception. Once it’s removed, feel free to dance wherever you like.