Hi, I'm new to this board but I have a few questions.
First, a little background...I converted to conservative judaism about four years ago and my FI has been a conservative Jew his whole life. The problem is that neither of us have ever been to a Jewish wedding, as my family is not Jewish, and my FI is the oldest of his cousins and the first to marry. Our religion is important to us and it is important we have a traditional Jewish wedding.
We have a great rabbi so he will help to make sure the ceremony is just right, but I have a few questions and/or concerns.
First, what are some good websites for ordering wedding judaica? I've looked into Judaism.com and we have registered there cause we liked the selection, but what about places for ketubahs and kippot? Also how in advance should I order these items?
2. What are some ideas for ceremony music? My best friend since high school has a masters in trumpet so he will be playing and will learn any song I want, but what are some good suggestions?
3. Our rabbi is going to do the ceremony in English and Hebrew for our guests since the majority of our guests will not be Jewish. I also am thinking about explaining elements of the ceremony in the program so people understand the significance, any examples of this?
4. I have concerns that because most of our guests are not Jewish, I am worried not enough people will be able to dance the hora to make it fun, or not enough people will shout mazel tov at the end, or sing Siman tov. Are these legitimate worries, is there a way to make it so people who are unfamiliar still feel comfortable enough to partake and know how to participate?
I'm sorry I have so many questions, I just want to make sure things are right and that our guests feel included and can participate.
Re: Conservative Jewish wedding questions from a newbie
2. A good way to get an idea for ceremony music is to go on youtube and search "Jewish wedding." You'll get to see and hear what other Jewish people are using at their weddings. Sunrise Sunset from the movie Fiddler on the Roof might be nice. Here's some other info I found: http://jewish-wedding-rabbi.com/processional-wedding-music.html/ and https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/chuppah-music-most-popular/id467132838
3. I think it is thoughtful and considerate to put simple explanations about the main parts of the ceremony, and what they mean, so that all guests can understand what is going on.
4. Many non-Jews know what the horah is, and a simple explanation from the DJ is enough to get most people interested (e.g. "Attention guests, the bride and groom are now going to do the Horah, which is a traditional Jewish celebratory chair dance. We'd like everyone to get in the swing of things and have fun! Please join us on the dance for as Mr. and Mrs. Sea Otter dance the horah for the first time as husband and wife"). You can also include an explanation in your reception program, if you're having one. As for the Mazal Tov at the glass breaking, you can include instructions for this in the ceremony program. Also, you can ask your rabbi to explain to the guests that after your husband steps on the glass, everyone can shout out "Mazal tov."