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The Jewish marriage ceremony has multiple parts, they are (according to orthodox tradition):
Kabbalat Panim
The bride and groom sit in different rooms. The bride sits on a "throne" that is usually on a small stage and receives her guests. The groom is surrounded by the male guests who sing and toast him.
Ketubah
Before the public ceremony, a private ceremony is held where the groom and two witnesses sign the ketubah (marriage contract), in most non-Orthodox communities the bride also signs the ketubah. The language used for ketubot is Aramaic and it outlines the groom's responsibilities to the bride.
Badeken
The groom is escorted by the male guests to the bride, all the while the men sing, and he lowers the veil over the bride's face.
Chupah
The public ceremony takes place under the chupah, a canopy that represents the home the couple will build together. Traditionally, the chupah was a tallit (prayer shawl) held over the bride and groom by four people. Today, a cloth canopy is used. The groom and bride are escorted to the chupah by both sets of parents. The bride then circles the groom 7 times, in which she is symbolically building the walls of the couple's new world together.
Kiddushin
The blessing for becoming engaged is said over a cup of wine, and the bride and groom drink from it.
Giving of the Ring
The groom gives an item of value (customarily a gold ring) to the bride; and, in Hebrew, declares his intention to marry her (see Tosafot commentary, to Talmud Ketubot 3a). He says to the bride: "Behold, you are betrothed unto me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel." He then places the ring on her finger. Then a blessing is said (Talmud, Ketubot 7b). Technically, this actually constitutes the binding stage of the engagement, and in ancient times was usually done separately from the wedding ceremony.
Ketubah
At this point the ketubah (marriage contract) is read. The ketubah is signed by two witnesses and becomes the property of the bride.
Sheva Brachot
Seven blessings (see Talmud, Ketubot 8a) are sung over a cup of wine, and the bride and groom take a drink from the cup.
Breaking the Glass
This is probably the most famous part of a Jewish wedding ceremony. A glass or plate is placed on the floor and the groom steps on it to break it, to symbolize that even in this happy time, we remain aware of the Destruction of the Temple (Tosafot commentary, on Talmud Berakhot 31a).
Yichud
The bride and groom retire in privacy for several minutes to a room. This constitutes a symbolic consummation and finalizes the formal portion of the marriage. During this seclusion they break the fast which they observed on their wedding day.
Seudah
The festive meal. While the bride and groom are spending time alone together, the guests will move to the reception room/hall where the meal is held. At this time, the guests will line up on either side of the entrance to welcome the bride and groom with large amounts of fanfare. It's considered a mitzvah (good deed) to bring happiness and joy to the bride and groom so guests will dance, perform tricks, etc to make the couple laugh and entertain them (see Talmud, Ketubot 17a). After the meal, the Birkat Hamazon (Grace after meals) is said and then the Sheva Brachot are repeated.
What else can I help you with?
Are Jewish weddings important?
It is to the Jewish people.
Does Jewish weddings have flowers girls?
She normally does a bouquet toss just like at non-Jewish weddings.
What starts off a Jewish weddings?
Jewish wedding music
Do Jewish weddings have music?
Absolutely!
Do Jewish wedding dresses always have to be modest?
Yes and no. Orthodox Jewish weddings demand modesty at all times, while Conservative and Reform Jewish weddings you can go strapless!
What is the proper said for the challah at a Jewish wedding?
Challah is not served at Jewish weddings.
Is Kaddish included in Jewish weddings?
It can be at the end of the ceremony.
Who escorts the bride and groom to the Jewish wedding canopy?
At Orthodox Jewish weddings, the groom is escorted by both fathers and the bride is escorted by both mothers. At modern Jewish weddings, the bride and groom are escorted by their parents.
Do all Jewish weddings have dancing?
Yes, in Jewish tradition, weddings are a major celebration and it is the job of the guests to keep the bride and groom entertained. A part of making the wedding a celebration is dancing. In Orthodox Jewish weddings, the men and women dance separately, often with a barrier between the two groups.
Why are Jewish wedding special?
All weddings are special in their own ways. Jewish weddings may have unfamiliar customs to some people, but the wedding is beautiful and congratulates the bride and groom.
Do Jewish weddings have wedding bells?
Synagogues do not have bells and there is no tradition of having bells at a Jewish wedding.
What was the job of the badchan?
To entertain before and after Ashkenazic Jewish weddings
