Jewish weddings

Traditionally wedding ceremonies are performed beneath the open sky with a Prayer Shawl held above the couple by four men. Today, ceremonies are also performed indoors but amongst observant Jews I he canopy is placed below a special opening in the ceiling/roof. The canopy itself can be very simple, a prayer shawl or special velvet/satin square held aloft by four men or attached to four mobile poles. You also see very elaborate constructions to which magnificent canopies are attached. These lend themselves to floral decoration.
Outside Israel, Jewish weddings usually take place in synagogues. In Israel it is most common for the ceremony and reception to be held either within a function hall or outside in its garden surroundings. Outdoor summer weddings can be planned with confidence as there is virtually no danger of inclement weather.
Arranged marriages are an accepted practice in religious circles. The engagement is a big celebration where flowers play a dominant role. This is traditionally the first time that the bride and groom njeet. Arrangements are sent to the fiancee from the groom, from one family to the other and to ‘the bride to be’ from family and friends.
On the Saturday morning before the wedding the groom takes part and is blessed at the Sabbath service in the synagogue. This is known as the ‘Shabbath Chatan’. After the service the congregation are invited to partake in the ‘Kiddush’ which is a reception where blessings are made ai id food and drink are served.
The amount spent on the ‘Shabbath Chatan’ depends on the budget of the families. It can range from the very modest to the most extravagant which would entail the decoration of the Synagogue, arrangements for the reception – both buffet and table centerpieces – and possibly even corsages for the women.
Over the years the floral decorations at weddings have been greatly influenced by western and other religious customs. Most important is the bridal bouquet, often accompanied by a headdress and accessory flowers for the mothers, groom, fathers, bridesmaids and other special guests. Ivy and a sprig of Myrtus are of traditional importance as they signify fertility and long life.
At the ceremony there can be floral decorations at the entrance for the pie-reception cocktail party. The reception can have buffet/bar decorations, flowers on the main and other tables, on the divider if required and on the bandstand. Today even the car can be decorated. Family and friends send flowers to the families of the bride and groom on the occasion of the wedding and some even send them to the venue.
If invited to decorate a synagogue it is important to remember that it is not-permitted to take food in with you.
Most Israeli wedding ceremonies are held in the evening and a meal is served. They are normally large affairs with many guests including children of all ages. As it is not customary to send invitations with RSVP the families have to guess the number of guests!
Tuesday is the most popular day for weddings because it is written in  a chuppah in an outdoor setting. * the Bible that on this day God said ‘It will be good’ – twice.