1. The Foundations of Marriage in Judaism
In Jewish tradition, marriage (kiddushin) is a sacred act. The Hebrew term literally means "sanctification," for the couple consecrate themselves to one another. Marriage rests on several principles:
- Mutual consent: both partners must freely express their will to unite
- The ketubah (marriage contract): a document written in Aramaic that details the husband's obligations toward his wife. It is a religious legal instrument that protects the woman's rights
- The presence of witnesses: two observant Jewish witnesses are required to validate the marriage
- The rabbi: he leads the ceremony, recites the blessings, and ensures that religious law (halakha) is respected
2. Before the Wedding: Traditional Preparations
Several traditions precede the wedding day:
The Vort (engagement)
The official announcement of the engagement, often celebrated with a family meal. The tenaim (marriage conditions) may be signed on this occasion, accompanied by the symbolic breaking of a plate.
The Shabbat Chatan (groom's Shabbat)
On the Shabbat before the wedding, the groom is called up to the Torah at the synagogue. This honor is called an "aliyah." The community sings joyful songs to him and throws candy.
The Mikveh
The bride visits the mikveh (ritual bath) before the wedding, an act of spiritual purification that marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
The fast
On the wedding day, the couple traditionally fast until the ceremony, as a sign of repentance and spiritual renewal (as on Yom Kippur).
3. How the Ceremony Unfolds
The Jewish wedding ceremony consists of two distinct parts, today generally combined:
The Kabbalat Panim (welcoming the guests)
Before the ceremony, the groom and bride receive their guests separately. The groom signs the ketubah in the presence of the witnesses and the rabbi. The bride, seated on a throne, receives the blessings of her loved ones.
The Bedeken (veiling of the bride)
The groom comes to veil the bride, a gesture that recalls the story of Jacob and Rebecca. It is a deeply moving moment, often accompanied by song and music.
The Chuppah (wedding canopy)
The heart of the ceremony takes place under the chuppah, a canopy symbolizing the couple's future home. The chuppah is usually held up by four people (family or close friends). It can be simple (a stretched tallit) or richly decorated with flowers.
- The entrance: the groom enters first, accompanied by his parents. The bride then enters and circles the groom seven times (hakafot), symbolizing the building of their shared world
- The Kiddushin (sanctification): the rabbi recites the blessing over the wine. The couple drink from the same cup. The groom places the ring on the bride's finger, declaring: "You are consecrated to me with this ring according to the law of Moses and Israel"
- Reading of the Ketubah: the marriage contract is read aloud before the assembly
- The Sheva Berachot (seven blessings): seven blessings are recited over a cup of wine, evoking creation, joy, and the hope of the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This is an honor given to loved ones
- The breaking of the glass: the groom breaks a glass under his foot, in memory of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The assembly cries out "Mazel Tov!" and the celebration can begin
The Yichud (seclusion)
Right after the ceremony, the couple withdraw for a few minutes to a private room. It is their first moment of intimacy as a married couple, and also the occasion to break the fast together.
4. The Celebration: Joy, Dance, and Tradition
The reception of a Jewish wedding is renowned for its boundless energy:
- The Hora: the traditional circle dance in which the couple are lifted up on chairs. It is the most festive and most photographed moment of the wedding
- The Mezinke: if the bride or groom is the last child in the family to marry, the parents dance in the center of the circle with a broom, crowned with flowers
- Klezmer music: musicians playing violin, clarinet, and accordion for a festive, traditional atmosphere
- The Sheva Berachot: during the seven days following the wedding, meals are held in honor of the couple, and the seven blessings are recited once again
5. The Kosher Meal
The Jewish wedding meal follows the laws of kashrut:
- Separation of meat and dairy: no mixing of dairy products and meat in the same meal. Most weddings opt for a meat menu
- Kosher meat: the meat must come from animals slaughtered according to the rules of shechita and be certified by a Beth Din
- Rabbinic supervision (mashgiach): a kosher supervisor may be present in the kitchen to ensure the rules are followed
- Fish and starters: smoked salmon, gefilte fish, and a variety of salads are classic starters at a Jewish wedding
- The challah: the meal traditionally begins with the blessing over bread (motzi) with a large braided challah
- Desserts: kosher tiered cake, pastries (rugelach, babka), fruit, sorbets (for a meat meal)
6. Finding the Right Vendors with NUPLY
Planning a Jewish wedding calls for vendors who understand and respect religious requirements. NUPLY makes this search easier:
- Kosher caterers: find certified kosher caterers in your area, with reviews from other couples
- Klezmer musicians and DJs: professionals who know the traditional and modern Jewish repertoire
- Photographers: photographers familiar with the flow of a Jewish wedding, who know how to capture the bedeken, the chuppah, the hora, and every key moment
- Florists: specialists in chuppah decoration and centerpieces suited to kosher reception venues
- Smart matching: the NUPLY algorithm takes your traditions and your budget into account to suggest the most relevant vendors
With NUPLY's built-in messaging, you can chat directly with each vendor, request personalized quotes, and coordinate every detail from a single platform.
7. Budget and Practical Tips
Here are the budget items specific to a Jewish wedding:
- Kosher caterer: between 80 € and 200 € per person (higher than a standard caterer due to certification)
- Rabbi and officiant: between 300 € and 1,000 € depending on the community
- Chuppah: between 200 € and 2,000 € depending on the floral decoration
- Calligraphed ketubah: between 150 € and 1,500 € for an artistic ketubah (some couples make it a genuine work of art)
- Klezmer musicians: between 500 € and 2,500 € for an ensemble
- Mashgiach (kosher supervisor): between 200 € and 500 €
The NUPLY Budget module lets you track all of these specific items. Create dedicated categories (chuppah, ketubah, kosher caterer) and see in real time exactly where your budget stands.
In Summary
The Jewish wedding is a deeply joyful celebration, where every ritual carries an age-old meaning. From the signing of the ketubah to the shattering of the glass, every moment is charged with emotion and significance. With NUPLY, find the vendors who will honor your traditions and make your wedding an unforgettable event. Mazel Tov!