Written by Tarnia Riggs
Founder, All Eyes on Me · October 2026
Discover the meaning behind Jewish wedding traditions, from the chuppah and ketubah to the seven blessings and breaking the glass, with thoughtful notes on community differences and planning a welcoming celebration.
A Jewish wedding brings together sacred commitment, family and community. Its rituals can express both the responsibilities of marriage and the joy of creating a shared home. Understanding their meaning helps guests appreciate the ceremony and helps couples plan with intention.
There is no single format used by every Jewish community. Orthodox, Masorti/Conservative and Reform/Progressive ceremonies can differ, as can the customs of Ashkenazi, Sephardi and other families. These labels describe different aspects of Jewish life: a family’s cultural heritage does not automatically tell you its religious movement or level of observance.
Discuss the structure with your rabbi before selecting readings, buying ceremonial items or booking a date.
The chuppah, also spelled huppah, is the wedding canopy. It represents the home the couple will establish together. Chabad’s explanation traces its meaning to the home or chamber into which a married couple entered; the canopy expresses that idea within the ceremony.
Its open sides are also associated with hospitality, recalling the welcome offered by Abraham and Sarah. A simple cloth can therefore carry as much meaning as an elaborate floral installation.
Some communities place the chuppah outdoors, while others use an indoor setting. Ask your rabbi about the construction and placement, then arrange stable supports, accessible space beneath it and a weather plan. A family tallit or another meaningful textile may be suitable when agreed with the officiant.
A ketubah is the Jewish marriage document. In its traditional form, it records the husband’s obligations to his wife, including provision and financial commitments. It gives practical expression to the idea that marriage carries responsibilities as well as affection.
The document is prepared and witnessed according to the community’s requirements. In many traditional ceremonies it is read beneath the chuppah between the two stages of marriage.
Reform Judaism also describes egalitarian ketubot that express mutual responsibilities, with wording developed under a rabbi’s guidance. Some communities offer other covenant documents. Choose an appropriate text before commissioning artwork, and ask who may serve as witnesses. A beautiful design should support an understood agreement.
The ketubah and the Australian civil marriage certificate serve different purposes; arranging one does not replace the legal requirements for the other.
Traditional Jewish marriage distinguishes kiddushin, the act of betrothal or sanctification, from nissuin, the completion of marriage. They are commonly brought together in the wedding ceremony.
In Chabad’s account, kiddushin includes the groom giving the bride a ring with the prescribed declaration, in the presence of suitable witnesses. The ring is part of the act of marriage, rather than simply an accessory or a decorative symbol.
Reform ceremonies often use a mutual ring exchange. The Union for Reform Judaism describes this as part of the movement’s development of ceremonies reflecting equal status. Ask your rabbi about the ring, wording and sequence appropriate to your ceremony; do not assume a double exchange is performed identically in every community.
The sheva brachot, or seven blessings, are a central part of many Jewish weddings. In the traditional ceremony they are recited over wine, with blessings connected to creation, marriage and the couple’s joy.
They place this individual relationship within a wider spiritual and communal story. Friends or relatives may be honoured with reciting blessings where the community’s practice allows it.
Discuss who will read, whether translations will be offered, and which text your rabbi will use. Clear explanations help guests follow the meaning without needing to understand Hebrew. The term sheva brachot can also refer to celebratory gatherings following the wedding; ask how your family and community observe these.
The breaking of a glass is one of the most recognisable Jewish wedding customs, but its meaning deserves more than a quick photograph. A widely taught interpretation recalls the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, bringing remembrance into a moment of great personal happiness.
Chabad’s historical discussion also describes Talmudic accounts in which breaking a costly cup tempered excessive celebration. Over time, the custom has carried several interpretations. Reform Judaism additionally describes the fragile glass as a reminder to care for the relationship.
Guests often respond with “Mazel tov!”, offering congratulations. Some couples adapt who breaks the glass, with their rabbi’s guidance. Use an appropriately prepared item and agree safe handling and cleanup with the venue.
The badeken, or veiling ceremony, appears in many Ashkenazi celebrations. Chabad connects the custom to Rebecca’s biblical veiling and explains its emphasis on inner qualities. It should not be presented as a universal part of every Jewish wedding.
Circling beneath the chuppah is another custom whose practice varies. Some ceremonies retain the bride’s circling of the groom; egalitarian adaptations may involve both partners. Ask the officiant to explain the form and meaning used in your community.
Yichud is private time for the couple after the ceremony, with timing and religious significance differing between traditions. The reception may include a festive meal, music and the hora, a circle dance. The aim is to bring joy to the couple; particular dances, clothing and food can also express family heritage.
Discuss the family’s preferences instead of treating a familiar film depiction as a checklist.
Orthodox: ceremonies follow the community’s interpretation of halakhah, Jewish religious law. The rabbi will guide the contract, witnesses, ring-giving and other required arrangements. Chabad’s resources describe one Orthodox approach, including customs that should not be assumed to apply everywhere.
Masorti/Conservative: many ceremonies retain a traditional structure while communities differ in their approach to participation and covenant wording. For example, Britain’s Kol Nefesh Masorti offers both traditional and alternative covenant arrangements and ceremonies for mixed-sex and same-sex Jewish couples. That is a named community’s practice, not a rule for every Masorti synagogue.
Reform/Progressive: ceremonies may adapt inherited rituals to express mutual commitment and equality, including reciprocal rings and egalitarian ketubot. Sydney’s Emanuel Synagogue states that its rabbis officiate at same-sex weddings. Interfaith arrangements and religious eligibility still need an early conversation with the particular rabbi.
A shared tradition can be lived in different ways. Ask about the community’s requirements and the room available for personal contributions.
Check the Jewish calendar with your rabbi before paying deposits. Traditional restrictions include Shabbat and certain festivals or periods of the year, and practices can differ between communities. The timing of sunset can matter to the schedule.
For a legally recognised marriage in Australia, confirm that your officiant is an authorised marriage celebrant and complete the required civil steps. The Attorney-General’s Department explains the notice, documentation and witness requirements.
The most meaningful ceremony is one whose traditions the couple understands, supported by their rabbi and celebrated with the people who matter to them.
A new All Eyes on Me ceremony guide, written October 2026. The sources below explain their own community’s practices; confirm your ceremony arrangements with your rabbi.
References and further reading
Chabad describes an Orthodox approach; ReformJudaism.org represents Reform Judaism. Kol Nefesh describes a particular British Masorti community, while Emanuel Synagogue provides Australian community guidance. Practices vary within and between communities. The Australian Attorney-General’s Department covers Australian legal requirements; overseas community sources are used for religious traditions, rather than Australian law.
Explore our Ceremonial Information directory and Interfaith and Multicultural Wedding Ceremonies guide.