Step-by-Step Guide

How to Choose Your Key Elements for Jewish Wedding Invitations

As couples plan their Simcha celebration, they have many decisions to make. Jewish wedding invitations provide a special way to incorporate their values and important symbols like the Chuppah, Tree of Life, Jerusalem, Star of David, Tallit, and more, conveying a meaningful message to their guests.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve gathered information to help you choose your Jewish or Hebrew wedding invitations.

1. Bilingual Invitation

• Decide if you want your invitation in both Hebrew and English.
• A. One Side Invitation: Side by side or English at the top and Hebrew at the bottom
• B. Two-Sided Invitation: Identical Hebrew invitation on one side and English wording on the other.
• C. Folder Invitation: The front displays your invitation design; inside, Hebrew is on the right, and English is on the left.

or One Card – English with Few Hebrew Details: Invitation details in English, including the couple’s names and the date in both English and Hebrew, are all printed on one card.

Folder Invitation: The front displays your invitation design; inside, Hebrew is on the right, and English is on the left.

English with Few Hebrew Details – one cards:

Invitation details in English, including the couple’s names and the date in both English and Hebrew, are all printed on one card.

Hebrew Invitation –

The invitation is entirely in Hebrew

2. Choosing Your Jewish Wedding Invitation Pasook:

It is common for couples to want to include a Hebrew Pasook (verse from the Torah) in their Jewish or Hebrew wedding invitation.

I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine – אני לדודי ודודי לי

This pasook is derived from the Shir Hashirim (Song of Solomon 6:3). This phrase signifies the mutual love and commitment between the bride and groom. It emphasizes the idea that in marriage, each partner belongs to the other, and they are bound together in love and devotion. It is a beautiful and poetic expression of the deep connection and partnership that marriage represents.

I have found the one whom my soul loves – מצאתי את שאהבה נפשי

This quote is from Shir Hashirim (Song of Solomon 3:4) and symbolizes finding one’s soulmate, deep love, and commitment in a Jewish wedding. It adds a romantic and spiritual touch to the ceremony.

Od Yisama B’ari Yehuda U’Bechutoz Yerushalayim” עוד ישמע בערי יהודה ובחוצות ירושלים

This Pasook: “Od yisama b’ari Yehuda u’bechutoz Yerushalayim,” means “And it will be heard again in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem.” It’s often used in Jewish weddings to express the hope and happiness that weddings bring. It symbolizes the joy and celebration that fill the streets of Jerusalem and the cities of Judah during a wedding, highlighting the festive nature of the ceremony. 

Kol Sasson V’Kol Simchah Kol Chatan V’kol Kallah –
עוד ישמע בערי יהודה ובחוצות ירושלים, קול ששון וקול שמחה קול חתן וקול כלה

The phrase “Kol Sasson V’Kol Simchah Kol Chatan V’Kol Kallah” קול ששון וקול שמחה קול חתן וקול כלה is from ירמיהו, פסוק י”א and is often used in Jewish weddings. It means “The voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride.” This phrase represents the happiness of a wedding, with the voices of the couple joining in the celebration. 

It Is Not Good For The Man or Woman To Be Alone – לא טוב היות האדם לבדו

holds deep significance in Jewish weddings. It’s from Genesis 2:18 and is commonly included in Jewish wedding invitations. This verse emphasizes that marriage brings completeness, companionship, and unity, aligning with Jewish tradition’s value of togetherness.

B”H” is a common abbreviation, mainly used by Ashkenazi Jews, for “Behezrat Hashem” ב”ה or “baruch Hashem,” ברוך השם both meaning “G-D Willing.” This abbreviation is frequently included in Jewish wedding invitations or Jewish Benchers Cards or Jewish Bencher Folders to invoke a sense of divine support and blessings for the celebration.

BS”D (besiata d’shmaya): BS”D בס”ד is an Aramaic phrase, meaning “with the help of Hashem,” primarily used by Sephardic Jews. This abbreviation is frequently included in Jewish wedding invitations or Jewish Benchers Cards or Jewish Bencher Folders to invoke a sense of divine support and blessings for the celebration.

Be’Ezrat Hashem Yitbarach בעזרת השם יתברך: All these expressions convey the idea of “with the help of G-D” or “with God’s help” and are predominantly used by Orthodox Jews.

This abbreviation is frequently included in Jewish wedding invitations or Jewish Benchers Cards or Jewish Bencher Folders to invoke a sense of divine support and blessings for the celebration.

With gratitude to Hashem – ′בשבח והודאה לה

This phrase is mostly used by Orthodox Jewish couples. Traditional Jewish wedding invitations in this style radiate joy and celebration, avoiding a solemn or formal tone. They begin by praising and thanking Hashem for this special moment. Phrases like “with gratitude to Hashem” adorn these Jewish wedding invitations, elevating the tone with reverence and thankfulness, in contrast to the more traditional “request the honor of your presence.

Hebrew Date – תאריך עברי

Orthodox couples often choose to include the additional Hebrew date on their Jewish wedding invitations, reflecting their commitment to preserving Jewish traditions and customs.

Kabalat Panim – קבלת פנים

During the Kabbalat Panim, guests gather to greet and entertain the bride and groom. Orthodox couples may specify the timing of this event on their Jewish wedding invitations so that guests can join in this cherished tradition.

Bedeken

This cherished pre-wedding ceremony involves the groom veiling the bride. To ensure that guests don’t miss this heartfelt moment, Orthodox couples opt to include the Bedeken’s timing in their Jewish wedding invitations, warmly inviting everyone to be part of this special and meaningful tradition.

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Dress code

Dressing modestly at an Orthodox Jewish wedding is similar to wearing black tie at formal events. It shows respect for traditions, includes covering shoulders, appropriate skirt/dress length, and no jeans or shorts for men. The choice of the heading for your Jewish wedding invitation is not just a matter of aesthetics; it carries profound cultural and emotional significance.

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Tree of Life

A prevalent choice in Jewish wedding designs, couples frequently incorporate a Tree of Life design into their wedding invitations. This serves as a meaningful Jewish element, symbolizing prosperity and the establishment of a strong foundation for their life together. Tree of Life designs often feature pomegranates, apples, or leaves, infusing a modern touch into their Jewish wedding invitations, while retaining a deep symbolic connection.

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Jerusalem

A prevalent choice in Jewish wedding designs, couples often incorporate a Jerusalem design into their Jewish wedding invitations. This serves as a meaningful Jewish element, symbolizing a profound connection to the holy land of Israel. For couples who choose to get married in Jerusalem, including the city’s design on their wedding invitations beautifully reflects their special connection to this sacred place, adding a spiritual and cultural dimension to their wedding stationery.

Star of David

A common and deeply meaningful choice in Jewish weddings, couples frequently incorporate a Star of David design into their Jewish wedding invitations. This iconic symbol holds profound significance, representing a deep connection to the Jewish faith and heritage. Whether presented in a modern or traditional design, including the Star of David on their Jewish wedding invites is a beautiful way for couples to express their special connection to this Jewish element, infusing their wedding invitation with a layer of spiritual and cultural importance.

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Tallit

In Jewish weddings, it’s customary and meaningful for couples to include a tallit design in their Jewish wedding invitations. This design symbolizes the tallit worn under the Chuppah, signifying shelter and unity for the bride and groom. It adds tradition and depth to their celebration.