Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Jewish

Jewish weddings can vary greatly, with differences among the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform branches. Each rabbi and synagogue could also have different interpretations of the ceremony. A Jewish wedding does not need to be performed in a synagogue or temple; the ceremony could take place almost anywhere, including a hotel, hall, or club.

A bride will often wear a face veil, especially if she is Orthodox. If the veiling ritual takes place, it occurs just before the ceremony, when the groom will veil the bride after he verifies that she is actually the woman he plans on marrying.

For Orthodox and Conservative ceremonies, all the men present will cover their heads with a yarmulke (a skull cap) or silk top hat. The head covering, a mark of respect in the presence of God, is a requirement for all men, including non-Jewish males, at the ceremony. Normally, Jewish men take along their own yarmulke. Extra yarmulkes, sometimes specially printed as a souvenir of the occasion, are provided for non-Jewish guests. The skull cap is meant to sit on top of the head. Sometimes, people secure it with bobby pins. However, if it happens to fall off, there's no harm done; simply put it back on.

Opposite to the Christian wedding, the seating arrangements at Orthodox and Conservative Jewish ceremonies have the bride's family and friends on the right side and the groom's family and friends on the left. Local custom will determine the order of the processsion and positions during the ceremony. The Orthodox and Conservative procession generally includes the groom and both sets of parents, sometimes even the grandparents.

The ceremony is performed under a huppah, a canopy often of embroidered cloth or flowers. Sometimes it's a prayer shawl spread across four poles. Special friends or relatives may have the honor of holding the poles. Depending on the couple's cultural background, personal preference, and local custom, the language of the service will vary, possibly with a combination of Hebrew and English. After vows are exchanged, the groom places a plain gold band on the bride's right index finger (in Orthodox and Conservative ceremonies) or on her left ring finger (for Reform ceremonies). Then the rabbi may read the ketubah, the traditional marriage contract. At some point during the service, the bride and groom will sip the ritual wine. Near the end of the ceremony, the traditional seven blessings will be recited or sung, after which the tradition of crushing the wine glass beneath the groom's heel takes place. The glass is often wrapped in a napkin or handkerchief before the groom stamps on it. The breaking of the glass represents the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and acts as a reminder that in life and in marriage, there are times of sorrow and joy. Sometimes, after the closing benediction, guests will call out "Mazel tov!" (Congratulations or Good Luck).

For the Reform wedding, the procession, recession, and other parts of the ceremony are very similar to the Protestant service. There may be a double-ring ceremony. And there may or may not be a huppah.