How to Commission a Ketubah
Although many beautiful, pre-made ketubot exist, many people nevertheless choose to commission a ketubah for their wedding. A commissioned ketubah is much more expensive than a pre-made one, but it affords you flexibility, as well as the satisfaction of having original artwork that really captures your relationship. The following are some tips for commissioning your own ketubah.
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Instructions
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Commissioning a Ketubah Artist
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Research various ketubah artists. One good place to start is a store that carries mass ketubot, as a worker there may be able to tell you which of the artists the store represents does commissioned work, or to give you the name of other artists who do commissioned work only. The Internet is also an excellent place to find artists, some of whose sites are listed below.
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See if you can peruse the artist's work. If he doesn't have a website showcasing his portfolio, you may be able to set up a meeting to do this in person (if you live far away from the artist, you still may be able to request that he send you materials to review before you make a commitment). You also want to make sure you feel comfortable with the artist personally, as you will be working closely together.
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3
Discuss design and text options with your partner. What version of the Ketubah text do you want to use? Will you use Hebrew or English or both? What writing style do you like? What kind of design do you want? This is also a good time to discuss how you can personalize your ketubah with art that is personal to your relationship.
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Determine your budget, and discuss options with your artist. Prices for commissioned ketubot can run into the thousands, so determine how much you are willing to spend and see what your artist can do in your price range (do not even think about commissioning a ketubah if you aren't willing to pay several hundred dollars).
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Get the details. Once you have your idea solidified, get the details. Will you be able to approve a sketch of the final work? When will it be complete? What is the artist's billing structure? Knowing this information is essential to having the process run smoothly.
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Share your ketubah. Many couples choose to read from and display their ketubah during their ceremony. You should also display your ketubah in your home after your wedding so that others can enjoy this personal and meaningful work.
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