A traditional Jewish wedding would not be complete without the newlyweds breaking some glass. As with several other Jewish traditions, there’s a deeper meaning behind why this is done.

Shattered glass is meant to symbolize life, specifically married life, which holds both joy and sorrow. In marriage, people commit to loving each other and staying together regardless of what life brings.

Some Jews believe the breaking of glass symbolizes the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, while others see it as a symbol of what is broken in today’s society.

If you’ve been invited to your first Jewish wedding, you’ll quickly discover it’s abundant in rituals and traditions, most of which you may not be familiar with. Guests who are unfamiliar with these traditions may want to familiarize themselves with some of the basics so they can better enjoy the festivities.

On Which Day of the Week Are Jewish Weddings Held?

If you’re like most people, you’re probably used to attending weddings on a Saturday. This is not the case with Jewish weddings which typically take place on Sundays.

In fact, a Jewish wedding will never be held on a Saturday as this coincides with the Sabbath, which is a day of rest observed by many Jews.

What Is the Jewish Wedding Dress Code?

Your wedding attire will call for a certain degree of elegance and formality. While the specific dress code will likely be included in your wedding invitation, most Jewish weddings require men to wear a black-tie suit. Women should wear a long or short party dress. A long evening gown should be worn if the wedding is held at an elegant and formal venue. If the venue is less formal, it may be acceptable to wear a short dress.

Where Will I Sit During the Wedding Ceremony?

The Jewish wedding ceremony is called the Chuppah and typically takes place in a Synagogue or the wedding reception venue.

If you’re partaking in a more orthodox ceremony, you may be asked to sit away from the opposite gender. It’s a frequent practice for men and women to sit in separate aisles during the wedding ceremony.

All men, regardless of their religious affiliation, should cover their heads with a Kippah, which symbolizes reverence for God. Women should cover their shoulders and dress modestly, especially if the ceremony is taking place in a synagogue.

The wedding ceremony consists of several steps and rituals, such as exchanging vows, reading the marriage contract (the Ketubah) and smashing glass. They typically last around 45 minutes.

What Is the Gift-Giving Etiquette?

Like many others, a Jewish couple may create a wedding gift registry specifying their gift preferences. You can also opt for giving money in an envelope. If you decide to go with a monetary gift, make sure the amount is in multiples of 18 (72, 90, 108, etc.). In Jewish culture, 18 stands for life and as such carries a celebratory connotation.

Can I Drink Alcohol at a Jewish Wedding?

You can expect alcohol to be served at a Jewish wedding. If the wedding is held at a venue, there will likely be an open bar serving several types of alcohol, such as wine, beer and hard liquor.

The brands will likely be kosher, which means the alcohol was made without grain and is compliant with Jewish dietary laws.

What Will I Eat at a Jewish Wedding Reception?

You can expect food to be bountiful at a Jewish wedding reception. The food will likely be kosher, which means pork, shellfish and meat mixed with dairy will be excluded from the menu. Other than this, the dishes won’t differ much from standard American cuisine.

A typical Jewish wedding dinner usually consists of meat, cooked vegetables, pasta and a variety of salads served with non-dairy dressing, followed by baked goods, fruit, tea and coffee for dessert.

Book Your Fairfax Wedding Venue Today

Whether you’re planning a wedding, anniversary or corporate event, CrystalView is the venue for you.

We provide our guests with the best and most comprehensive experience possible. Our endless list of amenities includes a professional kitchen, event planning and state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment.

We invite you to schedule a tour of our venue and see for yourself why CrystalView is the only destination for luxurious weddings in Washington D.C.