A traditional Jewish Wedding is full of colorful rituals and joyous celebrations. Sometimes, the rituals may vary according to the degree of orthodoxy but what remains the same is their symbolic regard for the beauty and sanctity of the relationship shared between husband and a wife.

Badeken - Unveiling of the Bride:

A Jewish bride enters the synagogue or the wedding venue on her father's arm, whilst the third verse of psalm 100 is sung. Following a tradition, especially amongst orthodox Jewish community, before the ceremony begins the groom is led to the bride in order to check that she is indeed his intended. The groom lowers his bride's wedding veil to study her face. This wedding custom has its roots in the biblical story of Jacob, who married the wrong woman when she covered her face with a veil. Once the groom assures himself that the right bride is standing beside him, the veil is let down over her face and the ceremony proceeds. This custom, known as bedeken usually takes place in a private room. The covering of the face symbolizes the modesty, dignity and chastity that characterize the virtue of Jewish womanhood.

Chupah or the Wedding Canopy:

Following a Jewish wedding custom, the bride and her family circle the groom seven times after they arrive at the chuppah or the wedding canopy. The circling of the bride denotes how central to her life her husband is and it also represents a seven-fold bond which marriage will establish between the bride and groom and their families. The other meaning of the ritual is that just as the world was created in seven days, the kallah (the bride) is figuratively building the walls of the couple's new home. The number seven also symbolizes the wholeness and completeness that they cannot attain separately.

Blessings of Betrothal (Kiddushin): Two blessings follow the events of the bridal procession. The first is said over a cup of red wine, which is used on all festive Jewish occasions. The second blessing gives thanks for the institution of marriage. The bride and groom drink from the same cup to remind them that they will share from the same cup of life, whatever it brings. Marriage, which is called Kiddushin, is the sanctification of a man and woman to each other. The couple makes solemn promises to each other and exchange rings. Traditionally, the Jewish wedding ring must be a simple, single band of metal. Wholeness of the ring symbolizes the union of the couple. The Jewish wedding ring is placed symbolically on the forefinger of the right hand following the belief that a vein runs directly from this finger to the heart. By accepting a ring from each other, the marriage is effected.

The Seven Blessings:

Following the Blessings of the Betrothal, the rabbi blesses the couple by reciting Sheva Berachot or seven blessing. These blessings acknowledge God as the creator of all human beings, and the joy of marriage. Once again the bride and groom drink a cup of wine.

Breaking of the Glass:

After the blessings, the groom stamps on a glass as a part of the tradition. The custom is intended to remind the Jewish people of the destruction of the temple, the fragility of life and of the inevitable mingling of joy and sadness. The breaking of the fragile glass symbolizes the irrevocable and permanent lengths to which we must all go to preserve intact our most significant relationship. Once the glass has been broken, everyone shouts 'Mazeltov!'

Ketubah - The Jewish Wedding Contract:

This part of the ceremony involves the reading of the Jewish marriage contract called the Ketubah. The contract outlines what provisions the groom promised to make for his wife. It records the marriage of the bride and groom and nowadays also affirms the mutual love and support of the couple. The bride and groom now sign both the Ketubah and the marriage register, confirming the absolute validity of their marriage in both Jewish and English law. They sign in front of the rabbi and two witnesses, who also sign.

Reception and Celebrations:

Jewish Wedding receptions are joyous celebrations, with much singing and many traditional dances. A lively Israeli dance called the Hora is traditionally performed at the wedding reception. Another traditional dance performed on the occasion is called "gladdening of the bride." All of the guests at the reception circle the bride while they dance and sing praises about her. Of course, a Jewish wedding would not be complete without a sumptuous meal to satisfy the entire wedding party and guests.