Yihud
Immediately following the ceremony, the bride and groom, now husband and wife, are escorted to a private room where they have an opportunity to spend a few moments in each other’s company (Yichud means alone-together). During this private time in the Yichud Room, they may not be disturbed. Seculsion in the Yichud room immediately following the Chupah is only practiced by Ashkenazim. T

Simchat Chatan V’Kallah
A Jewish wedding reception may range from a sit down dinner with music and dancing to a carnival like atmosphere. At Orthodox Jewish weddings it is considered a mitzvah (good deed) to entertain the bride and groom. Some guests may wear costumes, shake tambourines, do acrobatics, and even set their hats on fire in their seal to entertain the couple. Much of the dancing is done in large circles – otherwise known as “Simcha Dancing.”

Siman Tov u’Mazal Tov
A common song at Jewish weddings, “Siman Tov u’Mazal Tov” is a musical way of wishing the couple well. “Siman Tov” means a good sign. “Mazal Tov” means good fortune.

The Horah
The Horah is the name given to the circle dance that is often done at weddings. A well known Horah dance song is Hava Nagillah.

Mezinke Dance

The Mezinka is a dance of celebration reserved for parents who have just married off their last child. The happy parents are seated in the center of the dance floor, encircled by dancing guests. Often times a crown of flowers will be placed on the parents’ heads.
*This is not a universal custom, even among Ashkenazim.

Birkat Hamazon
At the end of the festive meal, Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals–also known by the Yiddish term Bentching) is recited to thank G-d for the food and sustenance that has been enjoyed. This is followed immediately by a second recitation of the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) repeating the same blessings that had been recited under the chuppah.

There are two cups of wine involved in the formal Birkat HaMazon. The first cup of wine is held by the one who leads the Birkat HaMazon, and after the Grace has concluded, the second cup is passed around to the individuals who are honored with reciting six of the seven Sheva Brachot. The leader then recites the blessing over the wine, the seventh blessing. After the seven blessings are completed, the two cups of wine are blended together and divided among the bride, groom and leader to drink.

Sheva Brachot Week
During the week following the wedding, it is customary for friends and relatives to host festive meals in honor of the new couple. This is called the week of Sheva Brachot because the seven blessings are repeated after the Grace After Meals at each of these festive meals.