Wedding Ceremony: BLESSINGS and WISHES
Sure, there are a lot of blessings in a Jewish wedding. Cue “a blessing on your head, Mazel Tov, Mazel Tov” from Fiddler on the Roof! However, I usually end most of the wedding ceremonies I perform with a list of blessings or wishes.
Blessings in the Wedding Ceremony
If the couple has a religious tradition, I add a specific blessing or invite a family member to do it. But if the couples prefers something secular, they wind up as a series of wishes from me to the couple.
Wedding blessings are a long-standing tradition for nuptials across countless different cultures and religions. Therefore I discuss with each of my couples what resonates with them. Even though so much planning goes into the wedding reception, the ceremony is the reason your friends and family are gathered together in the first place. Blessings and wishes are a great way to make your ceremony more personal and unique.
Some questions I ask:
What are you most looking forward to in the marriage?
What excites you about your wedding day?
What was one of the most important moments in your relationship?
The responses from the couple will allow me to figure out what’s important to them. That way, I can know what they want in the future and what I can wish for on their behalf. Whether the blessings or wishes call for good luck, health, happiness, or success within the marriage, they are often an integral part of the ceremony.
Looking to add some blessings to your ceremony? Talk to your officiant. There are a ton of options from various religious traditions. If you are looking to involve your guests in some way, it may be nice to have them write and share their own wishes for you. I’ve also done a version of this for the 7 Blessings or Sheva Brachot, as part of a Jewish ceremony.
Blessings during the Reception
If you don’t want to add wishes to the ceremony, there are ways to incorporate them into your reception. Wish jars are a great way to receive blessings from your guests in a less public way. You can place the wish jar along with note cards and pens on the gift or card table at the reception. And if wishes are not your thing...how 'bout a jar full of DATE NIGHT ideas or marital advice?
If you are crafty, this is something easy you can make yourself with a trip to the craft or hardware store. You can always find tons of options on etsy. Of course, if a jar is not your jam, you can always opt for a wish tree, this display on etsy or a number of wish box ideas.
Incorporating blessings or wishes into your wedding is a great way to personalize the ceremony and involve your friends and family. If you want some additional ideas or help with your wedding ceremony or vows, just say the word! Feel free to let me know in the comment section below, or click on “Let’s Talk” at the top of the page!