Jewish weddings make up a large portion of the Elegante by Michelle J portfolio, both in the UK and throughout Mediterranean Europe. You could say I have a lifetime of experience of Jewish weddings; attending them, having one of my own, and planning them with my couples for more than a decade now. As such I feel well placed to say that if you are planning your own Jewish wedding and beginning to reach out to wedding planners, you really do need a Jewish wedding expert to support you.
3 Reasons to Plan Your Celebrations with a Jewish Wedding Expert
ONE: They understand traditions and customs commonly found at Jewish weddings
Jewish weddings are distinct in many ways, from traditions such as the Tisch and Bedeken to the religious customs taking place at the chuppah, not to mention considerations around kosher catering and the many points in the timeline reserved for Israeli dancing, toasts and religious formalities during dinner.
One of the first conversations I always have with my couples is around their level of observance and how strictly they would like to adhere to tradition and custom, and as such I help couples plan Jewish and Jew-ish weddings on all levels of orthodoxy. Only a Jewish wedding expert is equipped to understand and help couples navigate this part of the planning, taking into account their wishes, accommodations for family and guests, and the requirements of the Rabbi.
We also have in depth conversations about kosher catering, particularly when the wedding is taking place abroad where it might be less easy to find. There are many things to consider and technical complexities to navigate around kosher catering, and you can find out more in my Kosher Catering Guide for Destination Weddings.
Crucially, a Jewish wedding expert is able to craft your wedding day timeline to ensure the schedule works for everything you have chosen to include or omit. This also means your suppliers know exactly what to expect, which I’ll come onto in more detail in section 3.
TWO: They can help you navigate tricky family dynamics and scenarios
One of the key components to planning a harmonious Jewish wedding is balancing the wants and wishes of my couple with the requests of their family, and I have become adept at navigating and mediating so-called ‘family drama’ that may arise. It is so important to consider and respect the families of the couple, particularly where the parents are paying for all or the lion’s share of the wedding.
I recently wrote an article for Smashing The Glass outlining 5 common familial scenarios we come across during wedding planning, with some advice on how to tackle them effectively and empathetically. Follow the link below to go into more detail on issues such as guest list queries, catering quarrels, budget battles, seating plan disagreements and timeline troubles.
Working with a Jewish wedding expert who understands, and has experienced first-hand, these situations is the most stress-free way to deal with them.
THREE: They can help you find great suppliers for your Jewish wedding
Just as it is important to work with a Jewish wedding expert for your wedding planning, so too is it key to hire the right suppliers. When planning my couples’ weddings I place particular emphasis on choosing florists, photographers and/or videographers and caterers who are experienced in Jewish weddings and know what to expect. A quality wedding planner will introduce you to their network of suppliers, and I will often suggest particular vendors who I think will suit my couples and their desired atmosphere for their wedding day.
I go into detail about using your wedding planner’s recommended suppliers in THIS blog.
When it comes to photographers and videographers, working with Jewish wedding expert suppliers in this field is key. They will understand that they’ll need a second shooter to capture everything happening throughout the day, and will know what to expect from the timeline – so you won’t find they have vanished for a break during one of the important dance sets between meal courses!
I also have wonderful connections with Jewish wedding bands, who can provide fabulous singers and musicians for every part of your day – from the chuppah right through to the DJ set at the end of the night, with every Israeli song, sing-a-long anthem and classic favourite you could want in between. When you work with a Jewish wedding expert on your wedding planning, there is no frantic Googling or uncertainty about who you’ll have turning up to your wedding – just complete assurance that you’re getting the best.
To find out if I’m the right Jewish wedding planner for you and start talking about your plans for celebrations in the UK or abroad, get in touch – my approach is like a hug, not a handshake, and offers experience, efficiency and expertise wrapped up in warmth and approachability.
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Images by Rachel Takes Pictures. Cover by Violetta Minnick.