As a wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed countless beautiful celebrations. Recently, I was excited to interview Abby Newburger, a passionate wedding planner serving the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Abby shared her expertise on planning a Jewish wedding, offering insights on blending traditions with modern touches. In this post, I’ll share what I learned from our interview, covering everything from incorporating Jewish customs to navigating interfaith ceremonies.

The Journey to Planning Jewish Weddings

Abby’s path to planning Jewish weddings was a natural progression from her background in event planning. “Prior to starting my own business, I had planned events ranging from small gatherings to extravagant galas,” she explained. Abby quickly realized that”any event is the same formula just with different variables inputted.”

Key Elements in Planning a Jewish Wedding:

While every wedding has common elements, Jewish weddings have unique considerations. Abby broke down these elements and their significance:

While every wedding has common elements, Jewish weddings have unique considerations. Abby broke down these elements and their significance:

1. Venue selection: When planning a Jewish wedding, it’s crucial to find a space that can accommodate both the ceremony and reception. The venue needs to have ample room for the chuppah and, if the couple is keeping kosher, allow for the separation of meat and dairy.
2. Ceremony content: The Jewish wedding ceremony blends tradition with personal touches. From the ketubah signing to the recitation of the Seven Blessings, each element can be customized to reflect the couple’s values and beliefs.
3. Entertainment choices: Music plays a significant role in Jewish weddings. The planning process involves selecting appropriate music for various parts of the celebration, from the processional to the lively hora dance and beyond.
4. Food & beverage: Kosher considerations are an important aspect of many Jewish weddings. Options can range from fully kosher catering to having kosher alternatives available. The goal is to respect tradition while ensuring all guests are accommodated.
5. Guest communication: Jewish weddings often involve explaining traditions to non-Jewish guests. Creating informative programs or infographics can help all attendees feel included and understand the significance of various customs.
6. Aesthetic design: The visual elements of a Jewish wedding tie everything together. From the design of the chuppah to the table settings, Jewish symbolism can be tastefully infused into the overall decor, creating a cohesive and meaningful atmosphere.

Embracing Traditions When Planning a Jewish Wedding

When planning a Jewish wedding, Abby emphasizes the importance of understanding and honoring traditions. “Judaism is a huge part of how I live my life, see the world, and interact with others,” she shared. This personal connection allows her to guide couples in incorporating meaningful Jewish customs into their special day.

“One of my favorite parts of planning a Jewish wedding is helping couples discover the ‘why’ behind each tradition,” Abby explains. “For example, the breaking of the glass at the end of the ceremony. Some couples see it as a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, while others view it as a symbol of the fragility of relationships. Understanding these meanings helps couples decide which traditions resonate with them.”

Customizing Your Jewish Wedding Plans

One of the most rewarding aspects of planning a Jewish wedding, according to Abby, is helping couples find the perfect balance between tradition and personal style. She approaches this by first understanding what the couple wants to celebrate in their relationship, then offering traditions that align with their vision.

Venue and Vendor Selection for Jewish Weddings

Throughout her career, Abby has worked with various venues and vendors suitable for Jewish weddings in the DC area. For couples seeking a rustic, outdoor setting, she recommends The Estate at Whitehall Vineyard near Fredericksburg, VA.

For catering, Abby has been consistently impressed by Signature Caterers, noting that “They can bring almost anything to life in terms of a menu.” She also maintains a curated list of talented vendors to suit different styles and preferences.

Timeline for Planning a Jewish Wedding

Abby advises couples to start planning their Jewish wedding by setting a date and working backward. “I think that planning a wedding should take no more than 1 year,” she suggested. Key considerations include:

1. Deciding on the level of planning assistance needed
2. Hiring a planner early for comprehensive help
3. Bringing in a planner 1-2 months before the wedding for last-minute organization
4. Ensuring a day-of coordinator at minimum

Interfaith Considerations

Interfaith weddings can present unique challenges, but they also offer beautiful opportunities for blending traditions. Abby’s approach is to ensure that “everyone’s voice is heard and respected.” She’s worked with co-officiants, intermingled traditions, and found creative ways to honor both faiths. The key, she stressed, is that “the final decisions about how the wedding should operate should be made by the couple themselves.”

Budgeting for Your Jewish Wedding

When it comes to wedding budgets, Abby is always upfront with her clients. “Weddings are more expensive that you will initially expect,” she cautioned. However, she also emphasized that there are many ways to create a beautiful celebration within different budget ranges. Her advice:

1. Determine your vision
2. Set a realistic budget
3. Research options within your budget
4. Be open to adapting your vision

Incorporating Unique Spaces

Over the years, Abby has helped plan some truly unique celebrations. One standout was a wedding held in a DC bar, where they transformed the space multiple times throughout the evening. Another memorable event took place in an art gallery, which allowed the decorations budget to be minimal while creating a modern, artistic atmosphere.

Recommended Resources

For couples looking to learn more about Jewish wedding traditions, Abby often recommends two resources: Chabad.org and “The Jewish Book of Why.” These provide a solid foundation for understanding traditions, which she can then discuss and personalize for each couple.

As Abby looks ahead, her goal is to continue growing her Jewish wedding planning business. “In 5 years, I would love to see my business flourishing with maybe 2-3 employees working for me,” she shared. This growth would allow her to help even more couples create meaningful, joyous celebrations of their love and faith.

Your Journey Begins Here

Planning a Jewish wedding is a beautiful process that blends rich traditions with personal touches. Whether you’re planning an orthodox ceremony or an interfaith celebration, remember that your wedding should be a meaningful expression of the relationship between you and your partner!

Planing your own Jewish wedding?

When it comes to preserving the precious moments of your special day, consider working with a photographer who understands the nuances and significance of Jewish wedding traditions. As a Jewish wedding photographer, I’d be honored to capture the joy, emotion, and sacred moments of your celebration.

Ready to start planning your dream Jewish wedding? Let’s connect! You can explore my portfolio and learn more about my approach to photographing Jewish weddings. Together, we can ensure that every meaningful glance, tender touch, and joyous dance is preserved for generations to come.