The Ketubah Signing: The Calm Before the Celebration
Your wedding day is going to be a whirlwind. A beautiful, amazing, once-in-a-lifetime whirlwind—but a whirlwind nonetheless. From the moment you wake up, it’s a flurry of hair, makeup, photos, and happy chaos. So how do you carve out a moment of calm, a pocket of intimacy, in the midst of it all?
Two words: Ketubah Signing.
This isn’t just another box to check off your wedding to-do list. It’s your chance to create a truly special, meaningful moment with your partner before you say “I do.” The signing is often paired with another moving tradition—the bedeken, or veiling ceremony—giving you not only a private pause but also a powerful ritual that connects you to generations past. Together, these moments become the quiet before the beautiful storm of your ceremony.
The Quiet Before the Storm
Imagine this: The guests are arriving, the music is starting, and the excitement is building. But you and your partner are tucked away in a quiet room, surrounded by your closest family and friends. For a few precious minutes, it’s just you. No distractions, no chaos—just the two of you, about to sign a document that binds you together in love and partnership.
This is the magic of the ketubah signing. It’s a moment to pause, to breathe, and to connect deeply before stepping into the public celebration.
The Bedeken: Ancient Ritual, Modern Meaning
For many couples, the ketubah signing flows directly into the bedeken, or veiling ceremony. Dating back to the biblical story of Jacob and Rachel, the bedeken symbolizes the groom’s promise to protect and cherish his bride. Today, it’s an incredibly emotional and meaningful experience, often filled with tears, smiles, and heartfelt blessings.
When woven together, the ketubah signing and the bedeken create a private, powerful prelude to your wedding ceremony.
Planning Your Signing Moment
- Timing is Everything: The ketubah signing usually happens about 30 minutes before the ceremony. This gives you space for a meaningful moment without feeling rushed.
- Location, Location, Location: Choose a quiet, private spot for your signing—whether it’s a bridal suite, a library, or a serene garden corner. The key is stepping away from the bustle of arriving guests.
- Guest List: The ketubah signing is intimate. Typically, you’ll invite your immediate family, wedding party, and your chosen witnesses.
Witnesses: More Than Just Signatures
Your witnesses are more than just signatories. They’re the official guardians of your marriage vows—the people affirming your commitment. Tradition holds that witnesses cannot be blood relatives, making this a beautiful way to honor two trusted friends or mentors.
Capturing the Moment
These are moments you’ll want to relive forever. Ask your photographer and videographer to document not just the signing but the emotions: the quiet, the laughter, the happy tears, the look in your partner’s eyes as you sign your names. These memories will become some of your most cherished.
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Running late? Witnesses stuck in traffic? Don’t panic. The beauty of the ketubah signing is its flexibility. It can happen right before the ceremony or even a few days earlier. What matters most is creating a moment that feels authentic and meaningful to you.
Starting with Love
Your wedding will be full of grand, joyful celebrations. But it’s the smaller, intimate moments like the ketubah signing and bedeken that you’ll hold closest. They’re your chance to slow down, connect, and begin your marriage with a moment of pure love and intentionality.