Editorial Cartoon: Cutting the cake

By Steve Greenberg
Published on October 17, 2012

Cost-conscious weddings back in style

By Karmel Melamed
Published on July 18, 2012

Lavish weddings featuring guest lists upward of 500 people were seemingly de rigueur in Southern California's Iranian-Jewish community just five years ago. But the growth of six-figure simchas strained middle-class families, leading some couples to either call off a wedding or divorce a few months after getting married.

Over-the-top nuptials an Israeli specialty

Published on July 18, 2012

Born into a poor Moroccan immigrant family that settled in the development town of Dimona, Yardena Ovadia always dreamed of giving her daughter a fairy-tale wedding.

The bachelor party grows up

Published on May 15, 2012

There are many things that come to mind when the words “bachelor” and “party” are said in the same breath, and often the sum of this equation is not pretty. Despite Hollywood’s depiction of this rite of passage as a final gasp of protracted adolescence (from the Tom Hanks camp classic “Bachelor Party” to the “Hangover” movies), there are men who are not interested in acting silly (or worse) for its own sake.

Am I Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Bitch?

By Tamara Shayne Kagel
Published on May 10, 2012

Garden wedding in Israel

Published on March 14, 2012

When Miriam Sushman and her then-fiancé, Owen, were planning a summer wedding, they searched for an outdoor venue that would reflect their love of nature.

Marriage, family pressure and Jewish geography

By Pini Herman
Published on March 14, 2012

What is the difference between a pit bull and a Jewish Mother? The pit bull eventually lets go.

Brides reflect: the most important takeaways for wedding planning

Published on February 7, 2012

On my wedding day last fall, I was very nervous. My husband and I planned our celebration, to be held in Chicago, entirely on our own and all the way from Boston. We were also combining a Russian-Jewish family with a Sabra-Israeli family, and members of each took long flights to the U.S. for the wedding.

Alternative religious weddings allowed to continue

Published on November 10, 2011

An organization of Modern Orthodox rabbis that performs alternative religious wedding ceremonies for non-religious couples can continue to register the couples.

Lawmakers slam end of aternative religious wedding project

Published on November 9, 2011

Israeli lawmakers from diverse parties slammed the decision of the religious services minister to prevent an organization of Modern Orthodox rabbis from performing religious wedding ceremonies for non-religious couples

Focus on fitness

Published on October 20, 2011

From reality TV shows to ads for bridal boot camps, it’s no secret that many women want to slim down for their wedding.

Friends, Love, God & the High Holidays

By Ilana Angel
Published on October 9, 2011

Iranian American Simin has a passion for fashion

By Danielle Berrin
Published on September 14, 2011

Egg Rolls and Matzoh Brei: A look at Asian-Jewish marriages

Published on July 19, 2011

After her husband stepped on the glass at their wedding, and she survived the chair dance without falling, Emily Brecher changed into a traditional red Chinese dress.

Extravagant Jewish celebrations — Have we gone too far?

Published on July 19, 2011

A wedding that costs $100,000? A bar mitzvah that costs $20,000? When did extravagance and luxury become such primary Jewish values? I can’t remember the last simcha (Jewish celebration) I attended at which there were not tremendous amounts of wasted food, overly expensive napkins and bands large enough for a royal banquet.

While gays push to marry, heterosexuals fear commitment

By Rabbi Shmuley Boteach
Published on June 27, 2011

Curaçao’s Sea Change

Published on May 10, 2011

Although most islands in the Caribbean have been an easy sell for honeymooners, Curaçao for years was a diamond in the rough, lost in the destination shuffle. However, in recent years, that diamond has been polished to such a brilliant shine that it has become as much of a paradise for foodie and culture-vulture couples as it is for beachcombers.

To each his own… Ketubah

By Anita K. Kantrowitz
Published on May 10, 2011

For Rabbi Mike Comins and his bride-to-be, Jody Porter, the decision to commission a custom ketubah was a no-brainer. Comins, who had advised many couples about matrimonial matters over the course of his career, firmly believed in the centrality of a ketubah to the covenant of marriage. Porter agreed, adding that “since a spiritual journey was part of our courtship, it was important for us to have this [a ketubah] be a part of our wedding.”

These bridal gowns are icing on the cake [SLIDESHOW]

Published on May 10, 2011

Israeli wedding dresses typically run the gamut from over-the-top ballroom showstoppers to gracefully minimalist renditions. While these three prominent Israeli designers showcase very different trends, they all appeal to the masses with their signature styles. From Victor Bellaish’s specialty boho-centric creations to Lihi Hod’s extra-romantic sheaths and Hila Gaon’s streamlined, modern garments, Israeli wedding design is inspired by the past and the present, by the local market and European craftsmanship — but, most significantly, by the brides themselves. With that said, expect some inventive and sassy designs (truly sabra). And take note, most Israeli wedding dress designers rent their dresses out per occasion (although there is always the option to buy, as is the custom in the United States and Europe).

The sky’s the limit

By Lauren Bottner
Published on May 10, 2011

The only requirement of a chuppah, or bridal canopy, is that it be a temporary structure open on all sides, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent to welcome their friends and family. So anything is possible from a creative standpoint.

Bridal shower survival guide

Published on May 10, 2011

When a woman hits a certain age, she’s likely been to more bridal showers than she cares to remember. She’s sat through innumerable toasts, idle chitchat, wedding dresses made from toilet paper and hours upon hours of watching her nearest and dearest open boxes of linens and wine glasses from Crate & Barrel.

Words from the heart… but not too many

Published on May 10, 2011

Jeremy would be standing in front of 220 people the next day, including colleagues, friends, family and his bride. As he walked the streets, the groom-to-be mentally composed his wedding speech. The following evening, without missing a single beat, Jeremy had the audience in fits of laughter and bouts of tears as he delivered a sincere, witty and memorable speech.

Bringing more than one culture to the wedding table

Published on May 10, 2011

When Debbie Miller and her then-boyfriend, Ofer Valkurlker, decided to marry, they knew their wedding would be a fusion of East and West. Miller is American-born and Ashkenazi while Valkurlker, who is a member of the Bnei Menashe community, was born in India. Although the couple anticipated that cultural differences would influence their wedding plans, Miller was caught totally off guard when her fiancé, whose community is believed to be descended from one of the 10 lost tribes of Israel, insisted that every wedding invitation to his side of the family be delivered in person.

Advice from the Yentas

Published on March 16, 2011

These are not your grandmother’s yentas. The Wedding Yentas, a Conejo-based Web site offering planning advice to the modern Jewish bride, is the brainchild of Alison Friedman and Nicky Kahn.

Romancing the Stone

Published on January 19, 2011

Apryl Levine (nee Carson) had thought of everything the morning before her wedding. Every decision was made, from food to flowers, right down to the exact glass that her husband-to-be, Joshua Levine, would break.

Beautiful bridal showers and receptions on a budget

Published on January 19, 2011

Even if real life affects the bottom line of your bridal budget, you can still make your shower or brunch reception the first-class affair of your dreams.

Natalie Portman to wed

Published on December 30, 2010

Actress Natalie Portman, who is expecting her first child, announced she will marry the baby's father.

Not too shabby

Published on December 14, 2010

Six months after Chelsea Clinton married investment banker Marc Mezvinsky, the granddaughter of President’s George HW Bush has announced she is to marry another New Yorker of Jewish descent.

Thanks Anyway, But We’ll Plan Our Own Wedding

Published on April 15, 2009

One of the first things I learned about wedding planning is that it’s not as easy as I thought it would be. Oh, I knew it would take time, money, teamwork and a slew of help from my family and friends, but what I never took into account was just how political the entire process would become. Having never been a big fan of politics — personal or otherwise — I was less than thrilled at this discovery.

Keep the youngest wedding guests happy—and keep your sanity

Published on June 12, 2008

Fortunately, it's perfectly possible to welcome children at your wedding without compromising the sanctity of the event or the sanity of any involved parties.

Fascinating wedding facts

By Jay Firestone
Published on June 12, 2008

It happens like some sort of divine intervention. You're single, depressed and desperate for a relationship, but just as you hit rock bottom, when you've given up all hope, the right person makes a grand entrance into your life

Some Iranian Jews still follow old traditions for preparing their weddings

By Karmel Melamed
Published on April 19, 2008

‘Mixed’ marriages lose stigma among Iranians

By Karmel Melamed
Published on December 13, 2007

If Arash Saghian's recent marriage had taken place in the late 1980s or early 1990s, he would likely have faced ostracism from Los Angeles' Iranian Jewish community. The family of the 25-year-old businessman might have also frowned upon the match, all because his spouse Maya was Ashkenazi.

‘Wedding planner to the stars’ focuses on details, details and also details

By Lisa Keys
Published on December 13, 2007

Jackie and Adam Sandler. Shaunie and Shaquille O'Neal. Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale. Heidi Klum and Seal. Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler. Janice and Billy Crystal. When these high-profile pairs have a star-studded soirÃÂ(c)e to host -- anything from a wedding to a bridal shower, a bar mitzvah to a birthday or business bash -- they all leave the preparations to one party planner: Mindy Weiss, owner of the Beverly Hills-based Mindy Weiss Party Consultants. But if you think her job is just about selecting flowers and ordering cakes, you're sorely mistaken.

Briefs: Peres elected President of Israel; Oprah criticized for pro-Israel stance

Published on June 14, 2007

Briefs

Adding Personal Touch Puts Your Stamp on Celebration

By Pearl Salkin
Published on July 13, 2006

Whether a Jewish wedding is white tie and tails at a five-star hotel, blue jeans and bare feet on a beach or something in between, today's betrothed couples are choosing to custom mix and match the components that come together to form a unique and perfect union.

When Just ‘I Do’ Just Won’t Do

By Pearl Salkin
Published on February 9, 2006

The traditional Jewish wedding ceremony as we know it has evolved over thousands of years. But suddenly, today, in what seems like a nanosecond out of all of recorded Jewish history, couples standing under the chuppah are seeking a whole new script.

Jewish Weddings in Space

By Ron Magid
Published on September 22, 2005

Based on Whedon's short-lived 2002 TV series, "Firefly," whose fan base helped spur the movie, "Serenity" revolves around the outlaws' attempts to discover the telepath's true identity after she beats up everyone in a bar.

Yeladim

By Abby Gilad
Published on June 2, 2005

Yeladim

Tips for Picking Holy Land Locales

By Yael Adar
Published on February 10, 2005

Israel has scores of unique wedding venues. Most couples typically choose a venue between Jerusalem and Caesarea, thereby missing out on the many special venues in Israel's periphery.

From the Mouths of Babes

By Joan G Friedman
Published on November 11, 2004

Marital advice from the under 11's.

Communal Joy for Seven Days

By Mark Mietkiewiczis
Published on November 13, 2003

May there soon be heard, Lord our G-d, in the cities of Judea and in the streets of Jerusalem, the sound of joy and the sound of celebration, the voice of a bridegroom and the voice of a bride, the happy shouting of bridegrooms from their weddings and of young men from their feasts of song. -- From the Sheva Brachot, the Jewish wedding blessings, www.ou.org/wedding/7brachot.htm

Educating Rita

By Amy Rosner
Published on February 13, 2003

Rita Milos Brownstein, author "Jewish Weddings" (Simon & Schuster, 2002) said she wishes she had known about yichud before she was
married.

Waiter, Hold the Knishes

By Debra Nussbaum Cohen
Published on December 13, 2001

A group of 27 influential Charedi rabbis will soon issue a takhana, or rarely issued formal guideline, setting strict limits on the number of people who are to be invited to an Orthodox wedding, the number of musicians hired to play, and even the type and amount of food that is to be served.

My Best French Weddings

By Michael Aushenker
Published on July 12, 2001

Of all the weddings I've attended, nothing compares to the spectacle that is the Jewish French wedding.

Flowers Make the Wedding Bloom

By Diana Edel
Published on July 12, 2001

Flowers are often a big part of anyone's wedding day, from the bouquets the bride and her attendants carry to the chuppah decorations and the table centerpieces at the reception hall. Many times the flowers are what the guests remember about the wedding (unless a minor disaster strikes). Deciding which flowers to use for what arrangements, though, can be a dizzying experience, thanks to the availability of different types and colors of flowers at all times of the year.

Finding Their Way

Published on June 5, 1997

Like most converts, the Hardins take the precepts of their adopted faith more seriously than many born to it, and they display an intense hunger for knowledge, as if to make up for what they missed during their childhoods.