Customs of the Wedding Day

Jewish tradition sees the wedding day as a personal ’Yom Kippur‘ for the groom and bride. The customs of immersion in the mikveh (of both the groom and the bride) and the bride's wearing white as a symbol of purity, atonement and renewal, stem from this perception. Many couples observe the custom of fasting on the day of the wedding from sunrise to nightfall and the recitation of the confession prayer (vidui). On the minor holidays this custom is not observed. In folklore the groom and bride are perceived as especially vulnerable on their wedding day; it is therefore customary not to leave them alone any time during the day.

 

What to Bring to the Wedding

Some of these accessories will be provided by the rabbi or the hall. Coordinate with them in advance.

 The ketubah and the copy that you received at the rabbinate
 A veil 
 The ring
 A tallit
 Kippot 
 Telephone number of the officiating rabbi
 Check to reimburse the rabbi
 Lists of honors and seating
 Camera and film, if you have not hired professional photographers
 This information (available in hard copy in both Hebrew and English)