FAQs

Question

What is Kabbalat Panim? (What are we doing before the Chuppah?)

Answer

Kabbalat Panim On their wedding day, the bride and groom are considered royalty. The Jewish wedding begins with the kabbalat panim, which translates to ‘the receiving of faces.’ Just like a queen and king, the couple receives their guests in two separate events – the Hachnasat Kallah for the bride and Chosen’s Tish for the groom. The bride is seated on a throne-like chair where she is usually greeted by the female guests who are there to provide her needs. During the Chosen’s Tish, which means ‘groom’s table,’ the male guests gather around the groom and drink toasts. The groom tries to read a passage from Torah while guests interrupt him by shouting song. It is intended to keep the mood light and good-spirited.

Question

What is the Bedeken portion of the wedding before the Chuppah?

Answer

The couple sees each other for the first time during the Badeken, or veiling of the bride. A symbol of modesty, the veil expresses the idea that above physical appearance, the groom is drawn to his bride’s inner beauty. The male guests lead the groom to the bride’s room where she is surrounded by her female guests. He looks at his bride before lowering the veil over her face. The custom comes from the biblical story of Jacob’s love for Rachel – Jacob did not see his bride’s face before the ceremony and was tricked into marrying the wrong sister.

Question

Chuppah comes after Kabbalat Panim and Bedeken- what do we do now?

Answer

Seating will be women with women, men with men. Please sit in any seat beyond the 2nd row in the ceremony ballroom.

Question

This "Cocktail Hour" is not what it seems- what's happening here?

Answer

After the bride and groom are officially husband and wife post-Chuppah, we will head into a different ballroom where there will be wine, whiskey, champagne, Kosher sushi and dancing! You will notice a Mechitza (a divider in the middle of the room that separates men from women) and a Klezmer band that will be playing traditional Jewish wedding jams. Feel free to grab a L'Chaim (drink) and dance the Hora (we get into a big circle and have the best time dancing around the bride and groom, separately since men will be with men and women with women)!

Question

Post "Cocktail Hour", what do we do?

Answer

After our very fun and VERY different (for those that haven't been to an orthodox Jewish wedding before) cocktail hour, you will head back into the ballroom where the ceremony was held. Seating charts will be posted right outside the room so that you know exactly where you are sitting! Food will be brought out right away in very large quantities so please leave space in your bellies. Our wonderful DJ will play some awesome tunes so please join us on the dance floor in between eating and drinking!

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

We will put together a small registry and will have a card box at our wedding for monetary gifts which will be gracefully accepted!

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

4:30pm

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

Parking is free and available right at the venue for both the ceremony and reception!

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Cocktail/Formal Attire is encouraged.