What follows is an outline of the parts of a Jewish wedding ceremony. There are essential elements as well as optional parts which are marked as such.
Pre-Ceremony:
- Signing (Ketubah and California Marriage License)
Ceremony:
- Processional
- Opening Prayers and Welcome
- Circling (Optional – from Kaballah)
- Candles (Bride and Groom each light one, optionally, mothers as well)
- Bless / Drink Fruit of the Vine
- “Do you freely take each other to be married?”
- Vows to One Another (Optional – written by bride and groom)
- Rabbi Reads the Ketubah
- Ring Exchange (words to be chosen depending upon the couple)
- The Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot) either traditional, modern or interactive
- Third Candle Joining the Two (Optional)
- Rabbi Speaks About the Couple and Marriage
- Blessing of the Couple
- Pronouncement (kiss)
- Breaking of the Glass (kiss!)
- Recessional
- Yichud – Couple Spends a Few Minutes Alone
Let me know if you’re considering changes to the ceremony, and we’ll discuss any issues, concerns or changes you’d like to make.