Your To-Do list is already a mile long but with a Jewish wedding there are a lot of little details you can’t forget! We’ve put together a thorough wedding planning checklist specifically for your Jewish wedding ceremony so you won’t be saying “oy vey” on your wedding day.

6-12 Months Ahead

Book your rabbi, cantor or wedding officiant

Finding the right rabbi or officiant for you as a couple might turn out to be more of a challenge than you might expect. If you have one that you are close with, ask in advance as you never know if they might already be booked for that day. Having an officiant that knows you and what kind of ceremony you’re going to have is essential to having your perfect wedding day. Be sure to give them a Save-the-Date!

4-6 Months Ahead

Discuss with your officiant about attire, Jewish wedding customs and traditions you may want to include and any ketubah requirements they may have

Your officiant will be able to tell if you if there are any attire restrictions like covering your shoulders for the chuppah ceremony.

There are tons of Jewish wedding traditions so it’s important to talk to your officiant and spouse about which you want to include, and what you’ll need in order to fulfill them, from a glass to break under the chuppah and what kind of ketubah you’ll need. Check out our Ideas to Rejuvenate Jewish Wedding Traditions post for more.

Register for Gifts and Judaica

Did you know that you can register for your judaica too? After registering at Bed Bath & Beyond why not pick pieces you love? From kiddish cups for Friday nights to Passover plates, you can register for your judaica and you won’t end up with five menorahs!

You can register at stores like the Jewish Museum Shop in New York City and sites like Zola allow you to add items from a variety of stores so you can fill your new home with judaica you love.

Order Yarmulkas imprinted with your names and date of your ceremony

Some couples choose to have their wedding date and names printed onto kippah/yamalkas for guests to wear during chuppah ceremony. You can even get them in your wedding colors!

Order personalized benchers for after the wedding meal

If you are having Grace After Meals at the end of your wedding reception couples like to give out benchers with their monogram, names, and the wedding date, embossed or printed. A bencher makes a great favor for your guests to remember your wedding.

Choose the type of Chuppah you would like

Chuppahs can be covered in flowers or can incorporate Jewish psalms or personal touches into the decor of your chuppah. Figuring out what you want will be half the battle. The other half is finding the vendors or florist to do the best job!

2-4 Months Ahead

Decide and order your ketubah

Choosing which ketubah you want may take longer than you expect. You should also give yourself this time in case the artist needs more time or if you’re ordering one online it may take some time to process and create.

Finalize the details of the wedding service with your officiant

Since you’ve already reserved your officiant, now is the time to finalize all the wedding ceremony details that you will be including on the day-of including any readings or blessings and who you want to honor.

1-2 Months Ahead

Obtain a marriage license

Don’t forget your state marriage license! Check your local government website to see what you need complete the application and how long it takes.

Check with your officiant if they have any criteria for your wedding bands

Some Orthodox rabbis require that your wedding bands not have any stones on them so ask in advance.

Proofread your ketubah

It may have been looked over two or three times but it’s always good to have another read through, even by another set of eyes like by your officiant or one of your mothers.

2-4 Weeks Ahead

Get a glass for breaking under the chuppah

You’ll need a glass for the moment everyone loves when the groom (or both of you!) break the glass to let the celebration start. You can use an everyday light bulb or choose a beautiful glass that can be repurposed into a home mezuzah or menorah like from Gary Rosenthal.

Purchase a plate for the mothers to break before the wedding

Ask designated honorees to be ketubah witnesses, recite blessings etc

You should ask/tell any friends or family members that will have special responsibilities on the day of the wedding from ketubah witness signatures, holding the chuppah poles, and any readings you want to have during your ceremony.

The Day Before

Worrying about all the ritual items shouldn’t be on your mind on your wedding day. Make sure one person has them or that your wedding planner is taking care of them. You’ll want to know who to contact when you’re looking for the broken glass pieces if you’re making something out of it after the wedding.

Prepare to start fasting at sunrise tomorrow (if you’re choosing to fast)

There is a tradition that your wedding day is like Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, so a bride and groom should fast. If you are fasting make sure to drink lots of water and have a protein filled dinner the day before.

Download our Ultimate Jewish Wedding Checklist so you don’t forget any of the important items unique for your Jewish wedding ceremony. Bring this list to your rabbi or officiant to discuss the religious elements of your wedding. Then check things off your list so you won’t be saying “oy vey” on your wedding day!

Ketubah Jewish Wedding Checklist