What’s Happening Before the Ceremony: Smorgasbord, Tish & Bedekin

The Smorgasbord
Before the wedding ceremony under the chuppah, it’s customary for the bride and groom to each host a pre-nuptial reception.

• Bride’s Reception: The bride sits on a beautiful, throne-like chair, greeting guests who come to wish her mazal tov and share blessings. Hors d’oeuvres, light refreshments, and l’chaims (toasts) are served, and this reception is often a bit more elaborate.

• Groom’s Reception: In another room, the groom gathers with family and friends for singing, words of Torah (inspiration), and celebration. At some weddings, traditional documents like the tena’im (engagement conditions) or the ketubah (marriage contract) are signed here, and in Chabad tradition, the groom may share a short Chassidic teaching on the deeper meaning of marriage.

• Why Separate Receptions? In many traditions, the bride and groom do not see each other during the week leading up to the wedding, so these receptions keep the joy building until the two meet again.

The Tish
The tish (“table” in Yiddish) is part of the groom’s reception — a lively gathering of singing, blessings, and sometimes playful interruptions when the groom tries to share a teaching from the Torah. It’s also where important wedding documents are signed, and where the energy of the day truly kicks in.

The Bedekin (Veiling Ceremony)
The bedekin is a moving tradition where the groom, joined by family and friends, walks to the bride’s reception to place the veil over her face. He may recite a blessing, and both sets of parents may share words of prayer. This moment is deeply symbolic — representing dignity, modesty, and the couple’s commitment to one another. In many communities, it’s also a joyful moment of music and dancing as the two sides finally come together.

We can’t wait to share these traditions with you. They’re full of joy, music, and heartfelt blessings — the perfect way to begin our wedding celebration.