Cultural wedding traditions are truly wonderful! The best part about cultural wedding traditions is that anyone can integrate them into their nuptials, whether or not they belong to a particular culture or religious group. However, that said, many cultural wedding traditions require that brides and grooms go above and beyond the usual wedding planning checklist! Here, for example, is just part of a Jewish wedding planning checklist that defines all the essential elements of a Jewish wedding:
__Announce your engagement to local newspapers
__Select the appropriate date as certain wedding dates are off-limits as per Jewish law
__Choose an ideal location for your Jewish wedding ceremony and reception
__Send the save-the-date cards
__Decide on a caterer
__Book a photographer and a videographer
__Select a rabbi or cantor to preside over your Jewish wedding
__Check if the bride needs to cover her shoulders or the groom needs a white ceremonial robe called a kittel
__Order the wedding dress and veil
__Choose attendants
__Select a florist
__Compose the guest list
__Book musicians for the wedding ceremony and disc jockey or band for the reception.
__Order your wedding cake
__Order thank-you notes with wedding cards
__Order Kippahs and benchers
__Purchase attire for the groom
__Select a Ketubah for your Jewish wedding
__Choose gifts for bridal side
__Reserve hotel rooms for people coming from out of the town
__Prepare a guest book
__Choose your reception dinner menu
__Decide who will hold the Chuppah and read the seven wedding blessings
__Select appropriate chairs for the bride and the groom
__Arrange Jewish wedding ceremony details using rabbi and/or cantor.
__Mail invitations and design the program
__Obtain a marriage license
__Buy wedding bands
__Workout plans to contribute your wedding dress as offerings, if desired.
__Wrap neatly the wine glass for breaking
__Organize candy for aufruf.
__Ask one of your best friends to handle the ritual elements Ketubah, Chuppah, Kiddush cups, wedding rings, and glass for breaking
__Confirm the seating, and study the Jewish wedding processionals and seating rituals.
__Begin fasting to purify yourself at sunset, only if you desire.
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