How to Create a Huppah

Jewish wedding ceremonies traditionally take place under a huppah, or special canopy, which is held up by four poles and represents the presence of God as well as the couple's future home. It also serves as a sanctified place where the bride and groom's vows can be exchanged.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tallis
• Flowers
• Tables
• Wines
• Wine Glasses
• Huppah Stand
• Poles

1. Explore the possibilities. Ask your rabbi and your florist to show you pictures of huppahs from other weddings to get some ideas about your options.
2. Consider using a customary huppah made of velvet with embroidery and fringe, which you can buy from a wedding supply shop that carries Jewish items or obtain through your temple.
3. Borrow a Jewish prayer shawl, or tallis, from your father or grandfather to serve as the huppah canopy.
4. Hand-embroider a piece of fabric yourself. Or, if you prefer, stencil or hand-paint some designs on fabric to create your huppah.
5. Hire an artist, designer or seamstress to create a unique huppah that incorporates special traditions, memories or ideas that you and your partner will bring to the marriage.
6. Buy or rent poles for a canopy-style huppah from a Jewish wedding supply shop or florist, or ask if you can borrow them from your temple, Jewish community center or local religious organization. Do a search online if you can't find them in your area.
7. Ask your florist to create a huppah out of flowers. This type of canopy might be formed using a wrought iron archway. (In this case, you won't need poles.)
8. Invite family or friends to hold the four poles that will serve as the base to support whatever canopy you choose. Or, rent or buy a huppah stand.

Tips & Warnings

• The huppah dates back to the Middle Ages, when Jewish weddings were often held outdoors. The canopy helped to separate the bride and groom from the rest of the world.
• Set up a small table beneath the huppah with two wine glasses and a small bottle of kiddush wine for a wedding toast.
• Remember that according to Jewish tradition, the bride stands to the right of the groom underneath the huppah. In an Orthodox wedding, the bride may circle the groom seven times to represent the seven wedding blessings before she takes her place beside him.

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