Jewish Wedding Invitations: What's The Traditional Content?

Jewish wedding invitations are a special way for couples to incorporate their values and important symbols, such as the Chuppah, Tree of Life, Jerusalem, Star of David, and Tallit. These invitations often include Hebrew dates, emphasise joy and celebration, and use the word 'and' between the names of the couple. The invitations also include basic details such as the names of the couple, a request to attend, date, time, location, reception information, and RSVP details.

Hebrew date and translation

Jewish wedding invitations often include the date in Hebrew, with the corresponding date in the secular calendar. This is achieved by finding the date in the Hebrew calendar, which is a lunar calendar, and listing it alongside the date in the Gregorian calendar. This is to ensure that non-Jewish attendees are clear on the date of the wedding.

There are a few ways to include the Hebrew date on a Jewish wedding invitation. One option is to list the information in Hebrew on the left side of the invitation card. This is common in Orthodox Jewish communities, for Sephardic or Mizrachi couples, or couples with many Israeli relatives. The Hebrew side of the invitation may also use the couple's Hebrew names if they have them.

> [Name of bride/groom] and [name of bride/groom] joyously invite you to celebrate in their wedding on the [day of the month] of [Hebrew month] corresponding to the [day of the month] of [secular month]

> On the first day of [Hebrew month] (list secular date in parentheses), [bride/groom] and [bride/groom] invite you to witness their marriage under the chuppah

> Together with their parents, [name of bride/groom] and [name of bride/groom] joyously invite you to celebrate their wedding day on the first of [Hebrew month], corresponding to [secular date]

The Hebrew date can also be included on the invitation in a bilingual format, with English and Hebrew side by side or on separate sides of the invitation.

Joy and celebration

A Jewish wedding invitation is an opportunity to emphasise the joy and celebration of the occasion. While there is no wrong way to phrase a Jewish wedding invitation, traditional elements emphasise joy and celebration rather than solemnity or formality.

For example, it is more customary to use phrases such as "share in our joy" instead of "request the honour of your presence". The names of the couple are also connected with the word "and" instead of "to", reflecting the unity of the new couple.

The invitation is also a chance to share Jewish values with guests and add meaning to the day. For instance, it is traditional to include the Hebrew date of the wedding ceremony, finding the corresponding date in the Hebrew calendar. In some communities, it is common to include all the information in Hebrew on the left side of the invitation card. This is especially prevalent among Orthodox Jewish communities, Sephardic or Mizrachi couples, or couples with many Israeli relatives.

The names of both sets of parents are also mentioned on the invitation, emphasising familial unity and celebrating the role of the family in the union.

Jewish wedding invitations can also incorporate Hebrew phrases and words that evoke reverence and respect for the special day. For instance, a very traditional invitation might include the three Hebrew letters beit, samech, and dalet in the upper right-hand corner, signifying divine approval.

The inclusion of Bible verses or Jewish quotes is another way to express Jewish values and add depth to the invitation. For example:

> "I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine." (Song of Songs 6:3)

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> "I have found the one in whom my soul delights." (Song of Songs 3:4)

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> "And again it shall be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride." (Jeremiah 33:10-11)

The invitation design can also reflect Jewish symbols and traditions. The six-pointed Jewish star, the Tree of Life, and the rainbow are all popular choices, reflecting the deep roots of Jewish tradition and the flourishing branches of future generations.

Names of both sets of parents

Jewish wedding invitations often include the names of both sets of parents. This is because, in Jewish tradition, the invitation is issued in the name of the host, and the parents of both the bride and groom are considered hosts. This custom emphasises the familial unity of the couple and celebrates the role of the family in the wedding celebration.

There are many ways to include the names of both sets of parents on a Jewish wedding invitation. Here are some examples:

"Together with their parents, [name of bride/groom] and [name of bride/groom] joyously invite you to celebrate their wedding day on the first of [Hebrew month], corresponding to [secular date]."

"With joy in our hearts, we invite you to share in our Simcha. [Names of both sets of parents] invite you to celebrate in the Simcha of our children's wedding."

"Together with their parents, Mrs [bride's mother] and Dr and Mrs [groom's parents], [bride] and [groom] request the honour of your presence at their wedding celebration."

"It is with profound joy and gratitude to God that we invite you to witness the marriage of [name of couple]. With gratitude to Hashem, [names of both sets of parents]."

"Join us for a beautiful ceremony under the chuppah as we celebrate the union of our children [name of bride] and [name of groom]. With pride and joy, we request your presence. [Names of both sets of parents]."

Chuppah time

The chuppah is a key part of a Jewish wedding ceremony, so it's no surprise that many Jewish wedding invitations include the time of the chuppah, as well as the time of the wedding reception. This is because most Jewish weddings begin with a cocktail hour, known as the smorgasbord, before the ceremony, which is often referred to as the chuppah.

The chuppah ceremony is the public ceremony that everyone is invited to witness. It's traditional to include the Hebrew date of the wedding ceremony on the invitation, which means finding the corresponding date in the Hebrew calendar to the secular date of the wedding. The Hebrew month and day of the month are usually included, and sometimes the year.

"Chuppah at 5 pm followed by dinner and dancing"

"Chuppah Ceremony at five o'clock"

"Join us for a beautiful ceremony under the chuppah at 5 pm"

"Chuppah at sunset, followed by a reception under the stars"

"We will be married under the chuppah at sundown"

If you're including multiple timings on your invitation, it's a good idea to list them in chronological order, so your guests can easily understand the schedule for the day.

Remember, there is no one correct way to word a Jewish wedding invitation, so feel free to get creative and incorporate your own style and personality.

Religious phrasing and quotes

Jewish wedding invitations are a great way to honour the couple's faith and heritage. The invitations often include religious phrasing and quotes, ranging from biblical verses to phrases describing marriage as an expression of God's love. Here are some examples of religious phrasing and quotes that can be included in Jewish wedding invitations:

• "With joy in our hearts, we invite you to share in our Simcha."
• "With gratitude to Hashem, (name of parents) invite you to the wedding of (name of couple)."
• "It is with profound joy and gratitude to God that we invite you to witness the marriage of (name of the couple)."
• "(Names of both sets of parents) invite you to celebrate in the Simcha of our children's wedding."
• "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine." (Song of Songs 6:3)
• "I have found the one in whom my soul delights." (Song of Songs 3:4)
• "And again it shall be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride." (Jeremiah 33:10-11)
• "It is not good for the man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18)
• "A husband and wife are one soul, separated only through their descent to this world. When they are married, they are reunited again." (The Zohar, I91a)

Additionally, Jewish wedding invitations often incorporate Hebrew text and religious quotes. The invitation may include the three Hebrew letters of beit, samech, and dalet in the upper-right-hand corner, signifying divine approval. The Hebrew date of the wedding ceremony is also traditionally included on the invitation.

Frequently asked questions