Jewish Wedding Checklist

Engage a Rabbi

Book the officiating rabbi (mesader kiddushin). Talk about your ceremony preferences, any pre-marital counseling requirements, and halachic requirements. If you are an interfaith couple, begin looking for a willing officiant early, since many rabbis have specific policies.

Commission or Purchase Ketubah

Order the ketubah. You can choose the traditional Orthodox Aramaic text, the Conservative text with the Lieberman clause, or a modern or egalitarian version. Many couples commission a hand-illustrated ketubah to hang in their home as artwork.

Arrange Chuppah

Rent, borrow or build the chuppah canopy. Some couples use a family tallit (prayer shawl) as the canopy cloth. Check that your venue can accommodate it, and ask your rabbi whether an outdoor chuppah (under open sky) is preferred or required.

Purchase Wedding Ring

Get a ring for the ceremony. In Orthodox and traditional ceremonies it must be a plain metal band (traditionally gold) that the groom owns, with no gemstones or engravings, so that its value can be clearly assessed. Non-Orthodox ceremonies allow couples more flexibility.

Book Catering (Kosher if Required)

If you keep kosher, arrange kosher catering and ask the venue about its kosher kitchen requirements. Even at a non-kosher reception, consider offering kosher options for observant guests.

Book Musicians or DJ

Hire a band or DJ with experience at Jewish weddings. Check that they know hora music, "Hava Nagila," "Siman Tov U'Mazal Tov," and any other traditional dances that matter in your community.

Select Two Witnesses (Eidim)

Choose two witnesses to sign the ketubah. In Orthodox tradition they must be shomer Shabbat Jewish men who are not blood relatives of the bride or groom. In non-Orthodox ceremonies, women and other members of the community may serve as witnesses.

Prepare Glass for Breaking

Get a glass (or a lightbulb) and a cloth wrap for the breaking of the glass. Some couples buy a special glass for this and later have the shards made into a keepsake or artwork.

Arrange Yichud Room and Food

Prepare a private room at the venue, with light food and drinks for the two of you to share after the ceremony. Choose two witnesses to stand outside the door.

Prepare Candy Bags for Aufruf

Make or buy small bags of candy for the congregation to throw at the couple during the aufruf. This is an Ashkenazi custom.

Check Date Against Jewish Calendar

Check that your wedding date does not fall on Shabbat, a Jewish holiday, or a traditional mourning period (the Omer or the Three Weeks). Hebcal.com and your rabbi can help.

Confirm Ketubah is Ready

Check that the ketubah is complete, with the correct names and details, and ready for signing.

Set Up Chuppah

Check that the chuppah is up at the ceremony site and decorated if you want it to be. If it is outdoors, make sure it is secured.

Prepare Wine and Kiddush Cups

Set out the wine and kiddush cups for the ceremony blessings. You need two separate cups of wine, one for the erusin blessings and one for the nissuin blessings.

Confirm Ring is Ready

Check that the ring is with the groom or the best man, and that it meets any halachic requirements you discussed with the rabbi.

Place Glass for Breaking

Make sure the wrapped glass is in place and ready for the end of the ceremony, or the middle if you follow Israeli or Sephardic custom.

Confirm Yichud Room is Prepared

Check that the room is private, the food is ready and the witnesses have been chosen.

Prepare Guest Programs

Hand out ceremony guides so that all your guests can follow along and understand the traditions.