Jewish Weddings — The Knot Community

Vendor Reviews, Pt 1: pre-ceremony

slbriz34 — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:14:32 +0000

The best compliment you can pay is provide positive reviews of your vendors to help other brides decipher through the endless list of options. I didn't rate any, but just described my experience with each vendor I used, which is a lot. Because of the volume, I thought it would be best to break them up, so this review will be all the vendors that served its function before the wedding (ie. rings, invitations, etc.). I also listed the names using the websites, so the info would be at your disposal. If you are interested in any and would like more info, feel free to PM me.

PAPER

Invitations: My invites was a diy project, these vendors were my suppliers...

EnvelopperInc.com (NJ) - I wanted a particular pocketfold size, and the few places that carried them were charging way too much. I got all my pocketfolds, as well as envelopes and corner trimmer.   Shipping was free (order over $150), my order came in very quickly, and the final results of the invitations were exactly what we wanted.

PaperPresentation.com (NYC) - I can be really lazy so I resisted going to the store, even though I live in the city. Finally made it there and there's so much more that's not on the website. Some things are a bit pricey, but they are a specialty shop focusing on a certain segment, so you are going to pay for that. I wouldn't get, say, a pen there when you can get the same one somewhere else for less, but ribbon, invites, etc., yes. It's a fun store and you can buy a lot of things and also have services done - I got paper cut which only cost me $2 per cut.

JUDAIC ITEMS

Ketubah:

MPArtworks.com - What can I say - I love, love my ketubah and have already given recommendations to anyone needing one to go to MPArtworks.  Proofs and corrections were done and sent right away; any questions I had were promptly answered. The final product was exactly what I wanted and looked exactly as shown online. And sales happen very frequently, which will save you even more than you'll already save compared to most other ketubah sites. It also has various sales, to I happened to get my ketubah at a discount, and ordered it with a pen and protective envelope. After order was finalized, we got it within a week.

Kiddush cup/Hubby's tallit:

JewishBazaar.com - I prefer doing as much of my shopping online as possible, because I just don't have the time to go to stores with my busy schedule. Of all the sites I checked out, Jewish Bazaar had good items at great prices and the pictures were very true to reality. DH's tallit was exactly what I wanted and we loved out kiddush cup. The price was right and my order shipped out super fast.

(I ordered the same from another place and was totally disappointed; I even returned the cup and they cannot find it and I'm having a hard time finding my confirmation amongst all the wedding mess, so the store essentially got both my money and cup; will never do business with that place again).

Kippot:

MazelTops.com - It was between Mazel Tops and another competitor - the price difference being so slim. In the end I chose Mazel Tops because of the customer service and niceness of Chaykah. My emails were answered promptly; I was provided proofs and tripled confirmed what the interior of the kippot would read; and shipping was super fast. All this only four weeks before my wedding! The kippot looked great and we were so very pleased. I highly recommend and would order from MT again.

Benchers:

Yarmulkes.com (Brooklyn) – Jacob worked on and completed our benchers in about 3 ½ weeks. We did all our communication via email and telephone and he sent me a final proof before printing. We even got a discount by paying in cash. I felt the site offered a lot of varieties; we chose the simple Ashkenazic Hebrew/English one that was budget friendly and made a nice favor for those of our guests who were interested.

CLOTHING

Wedding Gowns:

DorisFashions.com (Brooklyn) - I purchased what I thought at the time would be my wedding dress (wedding was subsequently postponed and I got another). Being from and living in Brooklyn, I didn't want the hype of the big bridal shops and also thought the attention I could get and cost of would be occur is I stayed closer to home. Lana was a nice associate. I had emailed ahead of time to schedule an appointment and I indicated the type of dresses I was looking for and provided styles. She had a few dresses for me to try and I like the second one I put on. No high pressure sales, got a great deal. We also purchased my MOH's dress; she was super helpful in listening to what I wanted and giving us options that was close. MOH's dress looked great and the price was excellent. I found out later a friend also got her dress there as well; definitely would recommend.

ManhattanBridalUSA.com (NYC) - The dress that I got married in was purchased here. Because I already had a Maggie Sottero dress (dress purhased a Sottero Midgley), I already knew the size to order. It did have a sample on hand to show me, so that was enough for me to purchase without trying on. I went after work to purchase and picked up early on a Sunday morning. I mention that because a few brides have complained of customer service; if you go when it's super busy, it's obviously tougher than when you go and the store is calm. It was pretty much a cash and carry transaction, but the dress came in on time without any issues and that's all I needed.

Veil:

OBridal.com / OccanseyDesigns.com - I didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars for something I'd only use once, however, I also wanted to look good. Saw a bride review on a post and decided to check it out and glad I did. I emailed a few times to ask questions and my emails were promptly answered. My drop veil was exactly what I wanted - simple yet elegant - and looked as good if not better than the expensive veils you'd get suckered into buying at the bridal store, and it was super budget friendly. Big plus, it came in the mail super fast.

Gown Alterations:

The Wedding Dresser (Brooklyn/NYC) - My husband couldn't believe how I looked in my dress. Susan Ruddie did such an amazing job. There was a lot of lace appliqué on the hem that had to be tended to in order to raise the line; you couldn't even tell it was sewn back wonderfully. I also needed to have some kind of jacket or sleeves, as modesty was a factor for the ceremony. Susan created and designed the perfect top that seamlessly fit with my sleeveless dress and then easily could be taken off to allow me to have fun at the reception.

And so many brides also want a lovely bustle; mine was great in that it not only kept the dress off the ground and didn't fall or come apart once (like some others), it was done in such a lovely way that you could still see the lace at the back of the dress. I got nothing but compliments on my dress and her hard work showed. It's definitely not cheap, but it’s comparable to bridal salons except with much more flexibility – and you do in fact get what you pay for. Plus, she does house calls - which was great so I never had to worry about dragging around my dress to get done. www.yelp.com/biz/the-wedding-dresser-brooklyn">http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-wedding-dresser-brooklyn

Pressing:

BridgeCleaners.com (Brooklyn) – DO NOT USE! The woman told me and put on my receipt that the dress would be ready on Saturday at 5:30pm; we went there at 5pm since it was near the hotel and I wasn’t going to go out afterwards. We get there and the store was closed. Fortunately, there was tailors there and after much yelling and convincing, they got me my dress. I’d have busted through the doors if needed to. And the irony is that the tag that was on my dress said Friday at 5:30pm – don’t ask me how she created two different tags with two different days. I will never, ever go here again for anything – who needs that kind of stress before their wedding?!

Tuxedos:

EisenbergandEisenberg.com (NYC) – I accompanied my Hubby to get his tuxedo. We placed an order for him and also picked out the color vest and tie for his best man (brother) who wasn’t yet state side from serving overseas. We were told to call the info in as soon as we could in order to get the vest and tie combo. We did so about 2 weeks later; it took awhile for him to find the receipt but he did and made the notation. DH called the day before the pick up to verify it would be at the store and initially, they didn’t have the order for his brother. DH didn’t know what to do but he was called back by the store a few minutes later and was told his BM's tux order was found. The day they tried it own, BM just needed his hem done and everything seemed like it went well (I wasn’t there).

Turns out, DH’s vest was way to big for him; isn’t that the point of taking measurements? He found a way to pin the vest but didn’t want to take his jacket off all night, so I wasn’t very happy about that. I chose these place because of the reviews (on yelp); the price was good but I felt they were a bit unorganized with how they keep their records and I wasn’t happy that despite taking measurements, the vest just did not fit. We had a nice day so in that sense, it all worked out, but I’d probably try another place (though not Men’s Warehouse) if we ever need to rent a tux in the future.

JEWELRY

E-Ring:

PhilmarJewelers.com (NYC) - This review is based on what my husband told me. He was referred to this place by his step-father. He checked it out, then also checked out other jewelers in the area, but came back here because he felt the guy was the most honest/trustworthy sort of everyone he spoke to. He knew what ring I wanted and worked with the salesman to put it together. He was shown a lot of good quality diamonds and got the setting hubby desired. The salesman even was able to save hubby some money on it, so it was a pretty good deal. The ring is amazing and I love it. Hubby and salesman really got the ring design down, and the price, compared to comparable rings we've seen elsewhere for comparable rings, it was a great deal.

Wedding Bands:

DanielaDiamonds.com (NYC) - We wanted to go back to Philmar to get our wedding rings, however it, and many stores in the area, are closed on Sundays. We stopped into this one and it seemed okay. They had plain 14k white gold bands, which we wanted. The salesman had his calculator and did his thing to make it seem like we got a great deal - we weren't overcharged but I don't really feel like we got a super price/deal. Had it been up to me, I'd have gotten our rings for a lot less at Amazon, but hubby was okay paying to have them in hand and not have to worry about anything - so I guess we paid for comfort. All the jewelers use a person down the block to size up/down rings, so we got our rings resized on the spot (included in price). He was great and I'd go back with any jewelry issues in the future.

In all, okay experience, nothing to write home about...

Jewish Brides

NickyK524 — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:53:03 +0000

It's been almost 4 years since my own wedding but I have just created The Wedding Yentas, A guide for the Jewish Bride along with my friend Alison (who will be celebrating her 2 year anniversary in a few weeks). When planning my own wedding there were very few resources online, and while there are quite a few more they seem to be very inactive and boring. I wanted to create a site where Jewish brides could get lots of information, ideas, find great vendors etc. We are just in our second week and I would love to get some feedback from Jewish brides out there. Is there anything in particular you would like to see? Questions answered? What do you think of the site so far?We want to be a resource to all Jewish brides out there. We aren't selling anything on our site, just giving out lots of great information..oh and we have contests too, so you can win fun things for your weddings!! :) http://www.theweddingyentas.com~Nicky

I'm Married!

slbriz34 — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:34:08 +0000

Hey guys,

It was a super long weekend and my body still hurts from all the dancing. I can't say that everything went exactly as I wanted/hoped, but it was pretty darn close. I'm just happy we got through it and I got to spend some time with my friends and family.

Only pics I have are from a few friends, who posted via facebook. It'll be awhile before we get any teasers; you access through my profile (some how) or through this link...

http://www.theknot.com/profiles/slbriz34/media/album/organize/37368

Reviews to follow either tomorrow or Thursday.

Hope the rest of the Memorial Day weekend weddings went smoothly as well and that everyone had an enjoyable weekend!

Kallah chair- bedeken

talgirl84 — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:30:42 +0000

I'm getting married in Tel Avivl on June 27. I'm importing our local chabad American Rabbi. He wants there to be a veiling ceremony with a bridal chair but when I e-mailed the designer, she said she didn't have any pictures of examples to show me because "they don't do that here". My mom is going to be there a week before to supposedly make sure everything is in order by the time I get there. I'm still going to the venue one last time before the wedding day to make sure everything is in order.

Are you having a bridal chair? What does it look like?

My rabbi says it just has to be different looking from the other chairs. I went to my BIL's wedding in Jerusalem a couple of years ago and his wife had a large oversized chair draped in white with flowers. My FI is worried about the price since we're already over budget but if we have to have a bridal chair, let's not do it half asked.

Finally coming together!

ciaraman — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:35:48 +0000

I know I don't post all that much, but I had to share this with some people who would understand! (Most of my friends aren't engaged/married yet.)

My FI and I FINALLY set a date with our rabbi for June 19, 2011. Setting a date was extremely difficult given my upcoming conversion and his vacation time next summer. AND, we just signed a contract for our venue, which includes our catering and alcohol, so that's a HUGE stress I'm done with.

I'm so relieved to have this done and excited to get working on the next pieces =D

slbriz34

Rachiemoo — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:28:03 +0000

Just wanted to wish you all the best on your auf ruf and wedding this weekend! I hope everything goes wonderfully :)

Changing name - even if it results in a very silly name???

goldiegibbons — Wed, 12 May 2010 23:18:13 +0000

After my first date with my fiance, I told my mom that I couldn't marry him because his last name is Goldstein. My name is Goldie. Goldie Goldstein!?! Yes, people meet him, then meet me, then have the "aha" moment where they figure out my potential married name. It's a fun game we now play with people we meet. Anyways, now it's 6 months till our wedding and I'm still completely on the fence stuck somewhere between a name that will either be cute or totally crazy.

Part of me has always believed that it's a wonderful thing for a family to all have the same last name.

I'm also in the academic community, haven't published anything yet, so there's no real reason stopping me, just fear.

I would love all of your thoughts on name change in general. I think we all go through doubts and it's great to hear what other modern women think.

Thanks!

Hora Help Please!!!

alygoo615 — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:08:23 +0000

Hi All- I am getting married next Saturday (eek!) Now I am taking care of all the last minute details that are coming up. My family is Jewish and my Fiance's family is Irish Catholic. We are going to have the Hora (sp?) But it has been so long since I have been to a Jewish Reception and I am trying to remember how it goes!

I need to give my DJ a list of songs (songs to play during the Hora) and I am coming up flat... I found this youtube video that I liked- it sounded upbeat and looked fun but I don't know where to find those versions...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblldr00aQk

He found this version of Hava Nagila but it seems too folky-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHSNZK4Je-Y&feature=related

I don't mind traditional but because there will only be a smaller amount of Jewish guests, I want everyone to be able to have fun with it. Does anyone of a list of songs (artist/version) that I can give to my DJ? THANK YOU!!!!!

bringing ketubah to wedding

lyss3210 — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:54:03 +0000

I ordered a diy frame ketubah from mp artworks. It looks great, however it's bulky. I'm wondering how other people transported their ketubahs to their wedding location. TIA!

Reception - Help!

goldgold — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:03:34 +0000

I wanted to get an idea if people are generally doing the birchot hamazon and sheva brochot after the meal or not. FI has been to a lot of Jewish weddings and says he's only seen that at Orthodox weddings. We're Conservative and the Rabbi's pushing this and we're not super keen on the idea.

Please give me some insight so we can discuss with our Rabbi! Thx!

Also, if you did a handwashing station where did you have it? At the entrance to the room, with the challah and wine, somewhere else?

does FI where tallis?

jendawn80 — Tue, 25 May 2010 11:41:43 +0000

Hi ladies,

I haven't been on in awhile, but just thought I'd ask you a quick question. I'm meeting with our rabbi on wednesday to finalize the ceremony details and am going to ask him this question. Did your FI where his tallis during the ceremony? I've seen some pictures where they do and some they don't.
Thanks!
Jen

displaying ketubah during reception

eden822 — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:25:56 +0000

How are you going to display your ketubah during the reception? I have seen many pictures where it looks like the ketubah has been professionally framed & matted while on display... but there isn't time to do that between the ceremony and reception... What are you planning to do?

Thanks

Chuppah rental

jsgpenguin — Mon, 17 May 2010 23:12:59 +0000

Hello, I live in San Antonio, TX and I'm getting married in October. Finding a chuppah to rent here is challenging since most people don't even know what one is! Anyway, I have found a few wedding coordinators that will build one for me but they seem pricey. Anyone have any thoughts/experience about what appropriate rental fees are for a basic chuppah including set up, etc.?

Thanks!

Websites for Ketubah?

RainLaurel — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:44:46 +0000

Hi,

If you ordered your ketubah online, from where did you get it? Would you recommend this place?

Thanks!

Judaica registry?

TeamTarcus2011 — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:13:49 +0000

Has anyone registered for Judaica items (Seder plate, mezuzah, etc.) online? What website(s) did you use/would you recommend? We are planning our wedding from a distance, and having trouble figuring out the best way to register for these items when there aren't really any "chain" Judaica stores people can go to! Thanks!

I am my beloved on invite

caraellen23 — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:58:52 +0000

Hello! We are hoping to use the english quote on our wedding invitation. Does anyone know if this should get a period at the end? It looks strange without it, but I was told that there is no period.

Thanks!

genetic testing

jnj111410 — Sun, 02 May 2010 21:58:32 +0000

any one having the jewish genetic testing done???

Where in the ceremony to sign our Ketubah?

SummerBoston10 — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:20:37 +0000

We are having an interfaith (I'm Christian he is Jewish) ceremony officiated by both a Rabbi and a priest. I know that it is traditional for the birde and groom to sign the Ketubah BEFORE the ceremony but we do not want to see each other until I walk down the aisle. Because of this, we plan to sign the Ketubah during the ceremony.

Currently we plan to sign the Ketubah during a "musical interlude" which will occur after the readings. Does anyone have any experience with this and if so, where in your ceremony did you sign the Ketubah or have you seen it signed?

Thanks!

Is your rabbi saying a blessing before your reception meal?

ckcurls — Tue, 18 May 2010 19:33:01 +0000

I'm reform and I was wondering if it is tradition for Rabbis to say a blessing before the food is served at the reception? I remember this at my bat mitzvah but can't recall seeing this at any of the Jewish weddings I've been to. Did you ask your rabbi to say a blessing?

Rachiemoo

Musicheals71 — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:27:19 +0000

Congrats on your pregnancy!

Cloth for Ketubah?

caraellen23 — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:11:28 +0000

Hello!

I met with one of my officiants the other day (a cantor), and she mentioned that I needed a cloth or a handkerchief to lay over the ketubah? My Rabbi didn't list this in my "things I need for the ceremony" paperwork. Can someone please explain this to me? What's it for? Does it need to be big enough to cover the whole thing? Does it have to be pretty, or do I just need something functional?

Thanks!

Signing the Ketubah after the ceremony?

AlphaMuffy6 — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:44:31 +0000

Hi Ladies!

I'm new to the topic but have been reading a lot of the threads and you all seem so great and knowledgeable! I'm so happy to be able to talk to other Jewish brides, because sometimes I feel like they are few and far between!

I was wondering if anybody had any thoughts about signing the Ketubah AFTER the ceremony as opposed to before. If any of you have seen the movie "The Wedding Planner," she says that her favorite part of the ceremony is the first time that the groom sees his bride coming down the isle, and I want that moment without having him see me before the ceremony! I also want to respect the religious aspect of signing the Ketubah, so I wanted to hear if anybody had any thoughts about what to do. Thanks ladies! :0)

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

DaniMiriam — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:36:07 +0000

I'm an orthodox Jewish woman. Not only am I orthodox, but I'm chassidish. Now, most of you by now are wondering what I am doing on The Knot, but I am here for the same reason you are: I'm getting married.

A little background:

I was not raised religious and basically had no Jewish idenity beyond knowing I was Jewish. In fact, I'm the first in my family to be religious in six generations. My chosen (name for groom in orthodox weddings and is pronounced "CH-oo-san") is the first in his family to be religious since the Communitst take over in Russia. However, we've both been religious for years and this is our second wedding.

The reason I'm posting this is because the wedding is constantly on my mind, but I'm boring my friends with constant wedding talk. I've also wanted to open up the floor for those of you interested in what differences can be seen in an orthodox wedding. I am happy to discuss any topic or answer any question regarding Judaism, Orthodoxy and chassidism. My only request is that you show me respect just as I show you respect and do not criticize me for my choices. Judgement is for the Heavenly Tribunal...lets be friends.

My wedding is planned for two days before Rosh HaShannah and it will be held in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York. Most likely the chuppah will be held right outside 770 like most Lubavitcher weddings.

Add me as a friend! Send me questions! Lets talk weddings!

Regards,
Miri

This Week's Kallahs

Rachiemoo — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:14:39 +0000

Congrats to zobo410 and Mimi63 on their weddings this weekend.
Mazel Tov from all your knottie friends!

Also wishing Princess Irachka, tamaries, AmyinBensalem and olechka a happy anniversary!

Wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom and lovely Shavuot!

Our Future Kallahs:

2010

5/29/10 - abrown351: Indianapolis, IN

5/30/10 - katester25: Pittsburgh, PA
5/30/10 - goldgold: Vancouver, BC
5/30/10 - jendawn80: Jacksonville, FL
5/30/10 - browneyed bride: Philadelphia, PA
5/30/10 - lacebride: Tel Aviv, Israel
5/30/10 - vlevitt

6/10/10 - jewishmilitarybride: Chicago, IL

6/13/10 - ChemPhD_2012: Cleveland, OH

6/20/10 - RainLaurel: Livingston, NJ

7/11/10 - girliegirlral: Camarillo, CA

8/1/10 - parker624: Cincinnati, Ohio

8/8/10 - razdazzle: Washington, DC
8/8/10 - lenabear813: El Paso, TX

8/15/10 - samara267

9/5/10 - Musicheals71: Marlton, NJ
9/5/10 - viewfromheaven05: Atlantic City, NJ

9/6/10 - DaniMiriam: Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY

10/2/10 - caraellen23: Philadelphia, PA

10/10/10 - october010bride: Boston, MA

10/16/10 - Lynniearudner: Lake Placid, NY

11/14/10 - jnj111410: Boca Raton, FL
11/27/10 - leoraanna: Akron, OH

Anniversaries:
1/13/08 - Aliza131
1/18/09 - mmedov01

2/14/09 - A&Aa
2/15/09 - SydSk8Gr8
2/28/09 - angie74; BenandDina

3/1/08 - Cyndi&Matt
3/2/08 - kjbfchapin; loutowedcraig
3/6/10 - BallAndChain10
3/7/09 - yankeegirl125
3/8/09 - marclovesme
3/9/08 - sms-lovett, TheBachelorette
3/13/10 - Liz4444
3/15/09 - jhdance111
3/19/10- joesbby
3/20/10 - singingjulie
3/29/08 - DC+PittsburghBride
3/30/08 - Mrs_W_Pookie

4/4/09 - Krisrolo
4/6/08 - melibean; jessicarajs
4/12/08 - MAtoNC
4/24/10 - courtneybrooke921
4/24/10 - reddie36

5/2/10 - jojod1075
5/4/08 - 2LOVE4LIFE
5/15/10 - zobo410
5/16/10 - Mimi63
5/16/09 - Princess Irachka
5/17/09 - tamaries
5/18/08 - AmyinBensalem
5/21/06 - olechka
5/24/09 - becca.coleman, mhalpern16
5/30/09 - bekijoy
5/31/08 - LaurenAndDan

6/1/08 - mjwtexas
6/6/09 - jenvalet
6/7/08 - lnallis
6/14/09 - daventamara
6/15/08 - Soon2BMRS615
6/19/05 - LBR_NJ
6/21/09 - betsyherm
6/22/08 - robynlesley
6/28/08 - dglatstian; jrl2929
6/28/09 - RedZee; penaltyshot
6/29/08 - Princess Buttercup Bride; aspade

7/2/09 - teamAandE
7/4/08 - oiler02
7/5/09 - rblucy; amt912; deborahandsteven
7/6/08 - FutureIsGold
7/12/09 - emerlyn

8/2/09 - abbydonde
8/8/09 - foozzle
8/9/09 - LeoraVeShimon
8/9/09 - bayshale
8/9/09 - Danaz1
8/16/09 - Shosh816
8/23/09 - alinaandjared
8/24/08 - jessicajoy
8/30/09 - ozziejules
8/31/08 - JoelsGirl07; Rachiemoo; sunshine7388; 2Travelerz; AEMShiksa; & LylaWedding

9/9/08 - nservidio
9/9/07 - Mrs.Knit/Chocolate Soda
9/14/08 - fish24
9/6/09 - dianas76/phkesner

10/4/08 - srwren
10/5/08 - Nuit
10/6/08 - almostmrsE
10/6/09 - 2dBride & NotFroofy
10/11/09 - hbrynn
10/12/08 - cros8380, LindsayHeather, Chuppa08
10/17/09 - The Little One
10/18/09 - mickeyisagyrl
10/19/08 - BlueberryVal
10/21/07 - Shoshie
10/25/09 - chicagoamber
10/26/08 - jessicaskyy

11/1/09 - bonniebrett
11/1/09 - salyse530
11/1/09 - NovBridie09
11/2/08 - Lauren9317
11/3/07 - GollyMolly/MoFree
11/8/09 - arcmtg
11/15/09 - dsm111509
11/17/07 - jblue20032003
11/22/08 - exhibitv
11/22/09 - Jennifer and Luis
11/23/08 - BetsyandDan

12/12/09 - anna.oskar
12/19/09 - rmfriedman
12/27/09 - Stahlop
12/31/09 - StarryIce

1/16/10 - beachprincess23
1/17/10 - lilbit255

As always, if your name is not on this list and you would like to be added, please reply to this post with your date and location.

Rainlaurel

[Deleted User] — Wed, 12 May 2010 01:38:10 +0000

Hey...how is the planning coming along. We just met with Barry tonight to go over the menu and finalize stuff. He is REALLY helpful with picking the menu. We decided tonight to have a bedeken which means the cocktail hour will start at 11. Is that what you are doing??

Our rabbi said yes!

sari5765 — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:54:47 +0000

Great news- our rabbi offered to marry us (which is a big deal since we're a same sex couple and my fiancee isn't Jewish)! We booked the date and everything today and it works for him- 3/6/11. It's also 30 Adar I, and since it goes past sunset, we'll be celebrating Rosh Chodesh of Adar II for our wedding! I'm super excited and just wanted to share the good news :)

Which are you doing?

LadyEmma — Sat, 01 May 2010 01:05:57 +0000

Hi Ladies,
My FI and I are getting married in October in NJ and I have a question regarding the ceremony.
I am Jewish and he is not, although he will be converting at some point after the wedding. We have decided to do a Jewish wedding with the Chuppah and all, but I'm not sure if I will have a role in the vows or if he'll just do the transliterated blessings and whatnot. Which are you doing?

I'm asking this question because I just watched Say Yes to the Dress and they showed a Jewish wedding with both bride and groom reciting vows.

Please give me a clue as to what's "right". Thank you!

Ketubah question

Bekkers — Thu, 06 May 2010 23:56:46 +0000

Hi there! I have a question about my ketubah. I had been planning on getting married by a rabbi, so there was no problem with the ketubah at my interfaith wedding (I'm Jewish, my FI is a heathen :). But now we have had to change our location, and couldn't find a rabbi here to do it (much smaller Jewish community). So now we're getting married by a generic interfaith officiant, a woman with the title of Reverend. But it's totally a "design your own" type of thing. I still want a ketubah, but can I even have her sign it since she's not Jewish? Any advice would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance.

LBRM_NJ and any other Crystal Plaza Brides

RainLaurel — Sun, 09 May 2010 10:46:19 +0000

Were there any things on the menu when you got married at the Crystal Plaza that you would recommend? I am in the process of choosing a menu. Thanks!

Aufruf

caraellen23 — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:34:20 +0000

Hello! We just scheduled our aufruf for a week before our wedding. Can someone please explain this tradition to me a bit more? I understand its a blessing for our wedding during shabbat services. Can anyone fill in the details? I need to explain it to FI so he can really explain it to his (jewish) parents so they understand how important it is that they be there.

Thanks!