Wedding Canopy
Today, most couples are perplexed about the Jewish wedding canopy (Chuppah). Where do they get one? How do they make one? What size should it be? In the past and present, it is either the temple supplying a traditional, oversized tallit or the florist would create a Garden of Eden with flowers along with a piece of cloth. Though those options are not bad ones, now it is necessary since couples are seeking more options. More personal, more creative, some, more modern intertwined with traditional elements, and also affordable. I have researched and discovered that there are not too many companies or artists offering those options. The few that I have located are a blessing in disguise. One of them being a designer and artist. However, the wedding budget needs to factor in the costs either by purchase or rental. To assist with the demand for the intimate only ceremonies, I created a handheld Chuppah. The couples a simple, small gathering, or when they elope with two witnesses, but just as important to each of them, the Chuppah is essential.
Read about the Chuppah in the 7 Steps in a Jewish Wedding Ceremony
I have seen beautiful Jewish wedding canopy designs that can complement a couple on their wedding day when receiving their blessings. Since it is the central focus of all Jewish wedding ceremonies, today a couple can design their own if they feel creative enough, or family members with artistic skills are designed for the wedding couple as well. I have seen beautiful quilted ones, as seen below.
After I officiate a Jewish wedding ceremony, I am usually the last to leave the ceremony area other than the staff setting up for the next phase, the wedding reception. The beautiful Chuppah, the Jewish wedding canopy, created by the florist is dismantled and where it ends up I am not quite sure. The couple only has the memory of standing under it for their ceremony and memories in their wedding photos.
Should a Couple Own their very own Chuppah?
When a couple places the importance of having their very own wedding canopy, it becomes a part of them beyond the ceremony. It will be a family heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation. I am touched when a couple includes an existing or soon to be, wedding ceremony. Couples today are not aware that they are creating their own heirlooms with their new kiddush cup and can include a personalized Jewish wedding canopy. Generations after them will find those ritual items a significant part of their Jewish wedding ceremonies.
Our future generations will honor the customs and traditions
of our heritage present in their ceremonies when you show them.Continue the light of Judaism to be bright in the lives that follow
The following material or items that the rabbi seen used for a wedding canopy.
- Table Linens: a family preserved very special table linen that along with its owner, survived the Holocaust. It blessed a Great Granddaughter on her wedding day as she stood under it with her groom
- Embellished fabric
- Quilting – only using the top layer for the canopy and the second layer sewn after the wedding to complete the quilt.
- A wedding dress from a deceased, beloved family member.
- Pieces of the fabric where many extended family members and friends design a square representing the couple. Then the squares are sewn together creating the wedding canopy chuppah
- Painted fabric – with symbols and expressions that represent the couple. Making it even more special as they stand under it for their ceremony.,
Jewish Wedding Canopy – The Chuppah is an important element for Jewish Weddings
When under the Chuppah, the Jewish Ceremony has an order
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