Planning a Jewish wedding in just six months might seem overwhelming, but with the right organization, it’s absolutely possible. Whether you’re incorporating Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or modern Jewish traditions, this checklist will help you stay on track and ensure every important detail is covered. From choosing a rabbi to finalizing your ketubah, here’s your step-by-step guide to planning a meaningful and beautiful Jewish wedding in half a year.

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Month 1: Lay the Foundation

Set the Date and Secure Your Key Vendors

• Choose Your Wedding Date: Consider the days that are traditionally avoided for Jewish Weddings such as Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and other important dates (like the Omer for Orthodox Weddings).
• Book Your Venue: Make sure it accommodates Jewish customs such as kosher catering and a designated space for the chuppah, Tisch and Bedekin if you are planning on having all three.
• Hire a Rabbi or Officiant: Schedule a meeting to discuss ceremony details and any religious requirements.
• Secure Your Photographer and Videographer: Ensure they understand Jewish traditions and can capture all key moments.
• Book a Band or DJ: Confirm they can play traditional Jewish music for the hora and other important dances.
• Determine Your Budget: Outline costs and prioritize spending.
• Draft a Guest List: Start gathering addresses for invitations.

Begin Pre-Wedding Traditions

• Engagement Party: Plan a l’chaim or formal celebration if desired.
• Pre-Marital Counseling: Some rabbis require couples to attend sessions or Bride + Groom classes or Torah classes before the wedding.

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Month 2: Plan Your Ceremony & Attire

Finalize Jewish Wedding Rituals

• Select Your Ketubah: Choose a design and confirm the text with your officiant.
• Decide on Chuppah Design: Rent or create a meaningful canopy for your ceremony. If you are looking to include florals on your chuppah, your florist should already have the Chuppah foundation for you!
• Plan Your Bedeken & Tisch: If incorporating these traditions, coordinate with your rabbi and start discussing how you want your Tisch and Bedekin to come to life. Each couple has a different vision for this and no matter how you plan it, it will be extremely meaningful and special.
• Select Sheva Brachot Honorees: Choose loved ones to recite the seven blessings during the ceremony under the Chuppah and at the post-wedding sheva brachot. In some sects of Judaism, this is done by the Rabbi!
• Order Kippot: Personalize yarmulkes for guests if desired.

Choose and Order Wedding Attire

• Bride’s Dress and Accessories: Consider modesty preferences and if the Rabbi has any kind of restrictions, keep that in mind!
• Groom’s Attire: Ensure a well-fitted suit and consider a kittel if following Orthodox customs.
• Schedule Dress & Suit Fittings: Ensure plenty of time for alterations.

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Month 3: Invitations & Catering

Send Invitations & Manage RSVPs

• Design and Order Invitations: Include Hebrew text if desired.
• Create a Wedding Website: Share details about Jewish customs, schedule, and RSVP options.
• Book Hotel Blocks: Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Plan the Wedding Menu

• Choose Your Menu: Ensure they can provide the menu that works best for you and your wedding party.
• Plan the Bar: Select wine for the ceremony and celebratory drinks for the reception.
• Select the Wedding Cake and Desserts: Sometimes the best part of the meal!

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Month 4: Finalize Details

Confirm Vendors & Ceremony Plans

• Meet with Your Rabbi: Go over final ceremony details.
• Review Ketubah Text: Ensure accuracy and final approval from the officiant.
• Plan the Music List Coordinate with the band or DJ.
• Finalize Wedding Favors: Consider something that is unique and special to you as a couple.
• Schedule Hair & Makeup Trials: Find the perfect look for the big day.

Pre-Wedding Traditions

• Start considering the Mikvah Visit: Typically done a few days before the wedding but starting to research where and when is best for you and your personal experience is a good idea to consider a couple months before the wedding.
• Plan the Aufruf: If having an aliyah at synagogue, coordinate with the rabbi.

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Month 5: Final Preparations

Confirm Logistics

• Create a Wedding Day Timeline: Ensure everyone knows where they need to be.
• Assign Wedding Day Roles: Designate people for traditions like the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings), Ketubah signing and wearing your Jewelry when you are under the chuppah.
• Confirm Final Guest Count: Provide the number to your caterer and venue.

Get Ready for the Big Day

• Pack for Your Wedding Night & Honeymoon: If leaving right after the celebration.
• Pick Up Wedding Attire: Ensure all accessories and shoes are included. I always tell my couples to put all of your accessories and whatever details you want photographed at the beginning of the day in a box as you get them so you do not forget or misplace anything!
• Prepare a Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Include essentials like safety pins, tissues, and extra bobby pins.

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Month 6: Enjoy the Celebration

The Final Week

• Have Your Mikvah Visit: A significant spiritual preparation before marriage.
• Rehearse the Ceremony: Go over final details with your officiant and whomever else needs to know what is going on!
• Get Plenty of Rest: Enjoy this exciting and sacred moment in your life!

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A six-month timeline can be a little daunting at time, but with proper organization, you can create a beautiful and meaningful Jewish wedding. Focus on what matters most, celebrating your love and honoring Jewish traditions.A six-month timeline can be a little daunting at times, but with proper organization, you can create a beautiful and meaningful Jewish wedding. Focus on what matters most—celebrating your love, bringing together family and friends, and honoring Jewish traditions that have been passed down for generations. Every detail, from choosing the perfect chuppah to selecting who will recite the Sheva Brachot, contributes to making your wedding day a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.

Remember, while planning is important, the heart of a Jewish wedding is the sacred commitment you are making to each other. Embrace the process, and don’t stress over perfection—what truly matters is the joy, the love, and the memories you create together. Lean on your family, friends, and vendors who understand your vision and can help bring it to life.

If you’re looking for a photographer who not only captures the beauty of your wedding but also understands the significance of each Jewish tradition, I’d love to help. From the excitement of the Tisch to the emotional moment of the Bedeken, from the chuppah ceremony to the high-energy hora, I’ll be there to document it all with an eye for both artistry and authenticity. Let’s work together to create images that will tell the story of your wedding day for generations to come.

Need a photographer who understands Jewish wedding traditions? Let’s capture your special day! Contact me today to discuss your wedding photography needs.

Mazel tov and happy planning!