Jewish couples who are getting married have many rituals and traditions that they can incorporate into their Jewish wedding. It is customary for the bride and groom not to see each other for an entire week before the wedding, so that anticipation and excitement can grow between them and for them. However, for modern couples, it may be impossible to avoid one another while planning the final days of their ceremony. There are plenty of other traditions they can enjoy, however.

Using a chuppah, or canopy, is a nice way to represent the home that the married couple will build and enjoy together. Couples who want to have a traditional Jewish wedding might use a chuppah to signify unconditional love and hospitality. The canopy should remain open on all sides, which will represent the biblical story of Abraham and Sarah when they got married under an open tent and welcomed everyone to their ceremony.

Using wine during the ceremony is another Jewish wedding tradition, and it symbolizes joy. Most ceremonies involve two cups of wine, the first cup being used after the rabbi recites the blessings. Both the bride and groom drink from the cup. The second cup is used to recite the seven blessings. These blessings are used to bind the husband and wife together to God. The rabbi shares most of the blessings, but other close friends and family members can recite them as well. This is an opportunity for the newly married couple to honor some of their most treasured guests. After all of the blessings are read, the bride and groom again drink from the glass.

Breaking a glass is a Jewish wedding tradition that marks the conclusion of the matrimonial ceremony. Someone will place a glass on the floor, and the groom will be expected to break it by stepping on it. This ritual is meant to remind the couple and the guests of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This tradition is meant to keep the Jewish destiny and history strong in the hearts of the newly married couple.

With guests shouting “Mazel Tov!” the bride and groom will emerge from the chuppah and begin their reception. The reception is full of additional Jewish wedding traditions, including the Seudah, or festive meal. The couple will have an opportunity to spend some quiet time of reflection together before moving from the ceremony to the reception.

In today’s society, most couples want to combine modern elements with their history and culture while they are making their Jewish wedding plans. There are many opportunities for them to do this, and a beautiful wedding can be created by using special traditions and rituals. Every couple’s wedding should be customized to who they are and how they love.