A common shape — with significant variation across denominations and family minhag (custom).
01
Pre-wedding
Aufruf & mikveh
In many communities, the couple are called to the Torah on the Shabbat before. Many also visit the mikveh ritual bath.
02
Wedding day
Tisch & bedeken
Tisch — the groom's table, with toasts and singing. Bedeken — the veiling: groom approaches and lowers the bride's veil. Reform and egalitarian variants often skip or reinterpret.
03
Wedding day
Ketubah signing
Marriage contract signed before the ceremony by the couple and two witnesses (edim). Often a private moment with immediate family.
04
Ceremony
Processional & chuppah
Procession to the chuppah (wedding canopy). In many traditions, the bride circles the groom seven times — others circle each other or skip.
05
Ceremony
Kiddushin & ring exchange
The betrothal blessings; the ring (a plain band traditionally) is placed on the right index finger with the formula "Harei at mekudeshet li…"
06
Ceremony
Sheva brachot
Seven blessings recited by honored guests over a cup of wine — the spiritual heart of the ceremony.
07
Ceremony
Breaking the glass
The groom (or both partners, in many modern weddings) breaks a glass. Remembers the destruction of the Temple — and the crowd shouts "Mazel tov!"
08
Reception
Yichud & reception
Yichud — brief private moment for the couple after the ceremony. Then the reception: hora dance with chairs lifted, dinner, sheva brachot recited again over dessert, more dancing.