You've chosen a beautiful ketubah and you can't wait for that intimate signing moment. But then you sit down to write your wedding program and realize: how do you explain the ketubah to guests who've never been to a Jewish wedding?
Whether your guest list is entirely Jewish, entirely non-Jewish, or a wonderful mix, a brief ketubah description helps everyone feel included in one of the most meaningful parts of your day. Here's how to write it well, with sample wording you can use or adapt.
Why Include the Ketubah in Your Program
Wedding programs help guests understand what's happening and why it matters. For unfamiliar guests, the ceremony can feel beautiful but mysterious. A program that explains each element — including the ketubah — transforms confusion into connection.
Even for guests who've attended Jewish weddings before, a brief description adds depth. It tells them what this ketubah means to you as a couple, not just what a ketubah is in general. And when the ketubah is read aloud under the chuppah, informed guests will be listening — not wondering "what's that document?"
What to Include
A good ketubah description has three elements in three to five sentences: what a ketubah is (Jewish marriage document, thousands of years old, contains the couple's promises), what it means to you (a sentence about why it's personally meaningful), and what guests will see (when it's signed, when it's read, whether it will be on display).
Sample Wording: Traditional or Orthodox
"The Ketubah — The ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract dating back nearly two thousand years. Written in Aramaic, it records the commitments the groom makes to his bride. Ours was signed before the ceremony by [Groom's name] and two witnesses. It will be read aloud during the ceremony as a public declaration of these promises. After today, it will hang in our home as a daily reminder."
Sample Wording: Reform or Egalitarian
"The Ketubah — The ketubah is a Jewish marriage document that has been part of Jewish weddings for thousands of years. We chose a modern egalitarian text that reflects the equal partnership at the heart of our relationship. We signed our ketubah together before the ceremony, and it will be read aloud during the service."
For a more personal touch: "Our ketubah is the written expression of the promises we're making today. We chose every word together, and we signed it together — the perfect way to start our marriage."
Sample Wording: Interfaith
"The Ketubah — The ketubah is a Jewish marriage tradition dating back over two thousand years. Ours is an interfaith ketubah, written to honor both of our backgrounds and the love we share. It contains our promises about partnership, respect, and building a life together. We signed it before the ceremony, and we can't wait to hang it in our home."
A nice addition for interfaith ceremonies: "Our ceremony weaves together traditions from both of our families, and the ketubah is one of the Jewish traditions we're proud to include."
Sample Wording: LGBTQ+
"The Ketubah — The ketubah is a Jewish marriage document with a history spanning thousands of years. Ours celebrates our love and commitment with words that feel authentic to who we are. We signed it together before the ceremony, and it will be read aloud under the chuppah."
Sample Wording: Quick and Simple
If you prefer brevity: "The Ketubah — A Jewish marriage document containing the promises we're making to each other. Signed before the ceremony; read aloud during the service."
There's no minimum length. A single line works perfectly in a concise program.
Writing Tips
Match Your Tone
Your ketubah description should sound like the rest of your program. Formal program? Keep it elegant. Casual "welcome to our big day" vibe? Let the description be warm and conversational too.
Define or Skip Jargon
If you use terms like "chuppah," add a parenthetical: "the chuppah (wedding canopy)." A pronunciation guide is a thoughtful touch: "ketubah (keh-TOO-bah)." Your Jewish guests know these terms; your non-Jewish guests will appreciate the help.
Keep It Brief
Guests are skimming, not studying. Three to five sentences is ideal. Save longer explanations for your wedding website.
Mention the Display
If your ketubah will be on display during cocktail hour, say so: "Our ketubah will be on display during cocktail hour — we'd love for you to see it up close." Guests are often genuinely curious.
Where It Goes in the Program
Place the ketubah in chronological order. If the signing is pre-ceremony, mention it at the beginning: "Before the ceremony: Ketubah Signing." If it's read during the ceremony, include it at that point in the order of service — typically after the ring exchange and before the seven blessings.
Your Wedding Website
Your program has limited space, but your website doesn't. Consider sharing your ketubah design, explaining your text choice, or offering a brief history of the tradition. If you found your ketubah at Ketubah Tov, you can share the design page from our ketubah collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include the full ketubah text in the program?
Generally, no — it's too long and would overwhelm other elements. A brief description is more effective. If you want guests to read the full text, display the ketubah during cocktail hour or include the text on your wedding website.
How do I explain the ketubah to guests who've never been to a Jewish wedding?
Keep it simple and warm: it's a marriage document, it's been part of Jewish tradition for thousands of years, and it contains the promises you're making. Avoid heavy theological language and emphasize the personal meaning.
Should I include the pronunciation of "ketubah"?
If many guests are unfamiliar with Hebrew, yes — "ketubah (keh-TOO-bah)" is a thoughtful addition that makes everyone feel welcome.
What if the signing is private?
Still mention it. A brief note — "Before the ceremony, we signed our ketubah privately with our witnesses" — gives context for the reading later. It builds a sense of intimacy and tradition.
Can I display my ketubah at the reception?
Absolutely. An easel near the guest book is a popular choice. Just place it away from food and drinks. After the reception, it goes to the frame shop — or straight on your wall if you chose canvas.
Let Your Ketubah Shine
A thoughtful program description ensures every guest can appreciate this beautiful tradition and the promises you're making. If you're still choosing your ketubah, browse our full ketubah collection at Ketubah Tov. Every ketubah includes free personalization, designs start at just $99, and we offer express shipping. Pick your art, pick your text, and we'll take care of the rest.