Chuppah question... (long, sorry)

SpceCadet

There are very few things my FI REALLY wants for our wedding. One of his three requests was to have a homemade chuppah. Being that I'm not Jewish and he is, planning a mixed wedding has been/is challenging for me. I'm learning a lot and it's been wonderful reading this board and being able to research and ask questions. I've been reading about chuppahs and seem to be finding a lot regarding the components but nothing about physical size. FMIL wasn't sure the answer either, so I thought I'd see if you ladies had some recommendations. What size is common? Here is how I am envisioning our chuppah - please tell me if I'm doing something wrong. Light, nearly sheer white fabric sewn into a square or rectangle with a contrasting color down the middle for decoration; grommets on all four corners to hold the fabric onto poles (using dark bamboo); some kind of flowers attached to the guest-facing poles; poles will be held by WP. TIA for your help.

signingjulie

Sounds about right. I'm sure it will turn out beautifully! Chuppahs can really be any fabric, material for poles, etc. as long as its 4 cornered and the top is covered. As far as size, I'm not really good with that but it should at least be big enough for you, FI and the rabbi (and parents if you want) to stand under. HTH

robinmsw

Ditto PP.  There is no set size for the chuppah--just as long as it's big enough to fit you, your fiance and the officiant.  If you're curious, ours ended up being about 5' X 5'

goldgold

We're having ours made by an artist (a gift from my parents) and it will be 5' x 5'. Your description sounds great! Ours will act as a wall hanging after the wedding. The artist is incorporating our homes, where we met (Israel), and other symbols. It will be a similar weight to a quilt I'm guessing.

silversparks

What you're describing sounds beautiful. My mom made our chuppah, I think it's 7x7 (big) - but 5x5 is pretty standard.

2dBride

We made ours 8' by 8', in part because we were able to find a portable gazebo that size and used the frame from it as the base.  However, there is no set size.  A lot depends on how many people you want to have under it:  the whole wedding party?  the parents?  or just the couple and the rabbi?  The only real requirement is that it be open on all four sides.  Here is a picture of ours in use:[url=http://sites.google.com/site/2dbride/ceremony/chuppah/ChuppahInUse.jpg][img]http://sites.google.com/site/2dbride/ceremony/chuppah/ChuppahInUse.jpg?height=315&width=420[/img][/url]

BambooArbor

We rent Chuppah's and decorate them with Fabric if you would like us to. Http://www.bambooarborrentals.com