How To Choose Jewish Wedding Invitation Wording (2024)

What to include

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Choose Your Key Elements for Jewish Wedding Invitations

As couples plan their Simcha celebration, they have many decisions to make. Jewish wedding invitations provide a special way to incorporate their values and important symbols like the Chuppah, Tree of Life, Jerusalem, Star of David, Tallit, and more, conveying a meaningful message to their guests.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve gathered information to help you choose your Jewish or Hebrew wedding invitations.

1. Bilingual Invitation

  • Decide if you want your invitation in both Hebrew and English.
  • A. One Side Invitation: Side by side or English at the top and Hebrew at the bottom
  • B. Two-Sided Invitation: Identical Hebrew invitation on one side and English wording on the other.
  • C. Folder Invitation: The front displays your invitation design; inside, Hebrew is on the right, and English is on the left.

or One Card – English with Few Hebrew Details: Invitation details in English, including the couple’s names and the date in both English and Hebrew, are all printed on one card.

Hebrew and English on One Card: Side by side

Two-Sided Invitation: Identical Hebrew invitation on one side and English wording on the other.

The layout is simple: English at the top of the invitation and Hebrew at the bottom of the invitation.

English with Few Hebrew Details – one cards:

Invitation details in English, including the couple’s names and the date in both English and Hebrew, are all printed on one card.

Hebrew Invitation –

The invitation is entirely in Hebrew

2. Choosing Your Jewish Wedding Invitation Pasook:

It is common for couples to want to include a Hebrew Pasook (verse from the Torah) in their Jewish or Hebrew wedding invitation.

I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine – אני לדודי ודודי לי

This pasook is derived from the Shir Hashirim (Song of Solomon 6:3). This phrase signifies the mutual love and commitment between the bride and groom. It emphasizes the idea that in marriage, each partner belongs to the other, and they are bound together in love and devotion. It is a beautiful and poetic expression of the deep connection and partnership that marriage represents.

I have found the one whom my soul loves – מצאתי את שאהבה נפשי

This quote is from Shir Hashirim (Song of Solomon 3:4) and symbolizes finding one’s soulmate, deep love, and commitment in a Jewish wedding. It adds a romantic and spiritual touch to the ceremony.

Od Yisama B’ari Yehuda U’Bechutoz Yerushalayim” עוד ישמע בערי יהודה ובחוצות ירושלים

This Pasook: “Od yisama b’ari Yehuda u’bechutoz Yerushalayim,” means “And it will be heard again in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem.” It’s often used in Jewish weddings to express the hope and happiness that weddings bring. It symbolizes the joy and celebration that fill the streets of Jerusalem and the cities of Judah during a wedding, highlighting the festive nature of the ceremony.

Kol Sasson V’Kol Simchah Kol Chatan V’kol Kallah –
עוד ישמע בערי יהודה ובחוצות ירושלים, קול ששון וקול שמחה קול חתן וקול כלה

The phrase “Kol Sasson V’Kol Simchah Kol Chatan V’Kol Kallah” קול ששון וקול שמחה קול חתן וקול כלה is from ירמיהו, פסוק י”א and is often used in Jewish weddings. It means “The voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride.” This phrase represents the happiness of a wedding, with the voices of the couple joining in the celebration.
Two Birds - Hebrew Wedding Invitations feature a beautifully simple design that is sure to impress anyone who receives it. The Jewish Hebrew invitation features two birds sitting on tree branches, adorned with delicate green leaves and kissing each other. The design is further enhanced by a pair of love birds perched atop a banner that reads the unique Hebrew phrase "It is not good that the man or woman be alone." The best part is that the color of the birds can be customized to suit your preference and wedding theme. It's a perfect way to convey your love and commitment to each other and invite your guests to share in your special day.

It Is Not Good For The Man or Woman To Be Alone – לא טוב היות האדם לבדו

holds deep significance in Jewish weddings. It’s from Genesis 2:18 and is commonly included in Jewish wedding invitations. This verse emphasizes that marriage brings completeness, companionship, and unity, aligning with Jewish tradition’s value of togetherness.

SHOP JEWISH WEDDING INVITATION

Choosing Jewish and Hebrew Wording for Your Wedding Program

You’ll need to choose the wording elements for your Jewish wedding invitation based on whether you’re Reform, Orthodox, Ashkenazi, or Sephardic.
B”H” is a common abbreviation, mainly used by Ashkenazi Jews, for “Behezrat Hashem” ב”ה or “baruch Hashem,” ברוך השם both meaning “G-D Willing.” This abbreviation is frequently included in Jewish wedding invitations or Jewish Benchers Cardsor Jewish Bencher Folders to invoke a sense of divine support and blessings for the celebration.
BS”D (besiata d’shmaya): BS”D בס”ד is an Aramaic phrase, meaning “with the help of Hashem,” primarily used by Sephardic Jews. This abbreviation is frequently included in Jewish wedding invitations or Jewish Benchers Cardsor Jewish Bencher Folders to invoke a sense of divine support and blessings for the celebration.
Be’Ezrat Hashem Yitbarach בעזרת השם יתברך: All these expressions convey the idea of “with the help of G-D” or “with God’s help” and are predominantly used by Orthodox Jews.
This abbreviation is frequently included in Jewish wedding invitations or Jewish Benchers Cardsor Jewish Bencher Folders to invoke a sense of divine support and blessings for the celebration.

With gratitude to Hashem – ′בשבח והודאה לה

This phrase is mostly used by Orthodox Jewish couples. Traditional Jewish wedding invitations in this style radiate joy and celebration, avoiding a solemn or formal tone. They begin by praising and thanking Hashem for this special moment. Phrases like “with gratitude to Hashem” adorn these Jewish wedding invitations, elevating the tone with reverence and thankfulness, in contrast to the more traditional “request the honor of your presence.

Hebrew Date – תאריך עברי

Orthodox couples often choose to include the additional Hebrew date on their Jewish wedding invitations, reflecting their commitment to preserving Jewish traditions and customs.

Kabalat Panim – קבלת פנים

During the Kabbalat Panim, guests gather to greet and entertain the bride and groom. Orthodox couples may specify the timing of this event on their Jewish wedding invitations so that guests can join in this cherished tradition.

Bedeken

This cherished pre-wedding ceremony involves the groom veiling the bride. To ensure that guests don’t miss this heartfelt moment, Orthodox couples opt to include the Bedeken’s timing in their Jewish wedding invitations, warmly inviting everyone to be part of this special and meaningful tradition.

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Dress code

Dressing modestly at an Orthodox Jewish wedding is similar to wearing black tie at formal events. It shows respect for traditions, includes covering shoulders, appropriate skirt/dress length, and no jeans or shorts for men. The choice of the heading for your Jewish wedding invitation is not just a matter of aesthetics; it carries profound cultural and emotional significance.

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4. Jewish Wedding Invitation Designs

When designing a Jewish wedding invitation, couples have the opportunity to infuse their invitation with a rich tapestry of Jewish symbols and design elements that hold profound cultural and spiritual significance. These elements not only add a unique and meaningful touch to the Jewish wedding invitation but also serve to convey the couple’s connection to their Jewish heritage and traditions.

Chuppah

A prevalent choice in Jewish wedding designs, couples often incorporate a chuppah design into their wedding invitations, symbolizing the significance of the chuppah ceremony. This creative and meaningful Jewish element is frequently adorned with flowers, roses, or leaves, enhancing the beauty and creativity of the invitations.

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Tree of Life

A prevalent choice in Jewish wedding designs, couples frequently incorporate a Tree of Life design into their wedding invitations. This serves as a meaningful Jewish element, symbolizing prosperity and the establishment of a strong foundation for their life together. Tree of Life designs often feature pomegranates, apples, or leaves, infusing a modern touch into their Jewish wedding invitations, while retaining a deep symbolic connection.

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Jerusalem

A prevalent choice in Jewish wedding designs, couples often incorporate a Jerusalem design into their Jewish wedding invitations. This serves as a meaningful Jewish element, symbolizing a profound connection to the holy land of Israel. For couples who choose to get married in Jerusalem, including the city’s design on their wedding invitations beautifully reflects their special connection to this sacred place, adding a spiritual and cultural dimension to their wedding stationery.

Star of David

A common and deeply meaningful choice in Jewish weddings, couples frequently incorporate a Star of David design into their Jewish wedding invitations. This iconic symbol holds profound significance, representing a deep connection to the Jewish faith and heritage. Whether presented in a modern or traditional design, including the Star of David on their Jewish wedding invites is a beautiful way for couples to express their special connection to this Jewish element, infusing their wedding invitation with a layer of spiritual and cultural importance.

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Tallit

In Jewish weddings, it’s customary and meaningful for couples to include a tallit design in their Jewish wedding invitations. This design symbolizes the tallit worn under the Chuppah, signifying shelter and unity for the bride and groom. It adds tradition and depth to their celebration.

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How To Choose Jewish Wedding Invitation Wording (2024)

FAQs

How should I word a wedding invitation response? ›

4) Response options

You should include phrases such as “accepts with pleasure” or “declines with regret”, or opt for more informal response options. You can also add a number attending line so that people can specify whether or not they are bringing their children.

What to write on a Jewish wedding card? ›

Short Sayings
  1. Mazel tov! (" good luck," in Hebrew)
  2. L'Chaim! (" to life," in Hebrew)
  3. "! מזל טוב" ("Mazel tov," written in Hebrew)
  4. Mazel tov! ...
  5. Ahavah (love) to you both on your special day.
  6. May your love be forever blessed.
  7. Congrats on your special day!
  8. Here's to a happy and prosperous life together!
Oct 26, 2023

What do you say for a Jewish wedding? ›

Mazel Tov and L'Chaim

Since the phrase also means “good luck”, it is the perfect way to wish a newly married couple the best. L'Chaim is a Hebrew toast that means “to life”, which you will certainly hear at any Jewish wedding reception any time someone raises a glass to celebrate the newlyweds.

How do you address a rabbi and wife on an invitation? ›

Rabbi. Distinguish between the title of Rabbi and his spouse, and drop the first names on the inner envelope, when applicable.

What is an example of a response card? ›

Some examples of simple response cards could include a card printed with “yes” on one side and “no” on the other, a card with a thumbs up and a thumbs down, or a card with the letters “a,” “b,” “c,” or “d” printed on it that a student uses to point to the correct answer given a multiple-choice question (Archer & Hughes ...

What are the best replies for invitation? ›

These are my answers:
  • That sounds great. I'd love to come. It's going to be great!
  • Thanks for the invitation. I'm not sure whether I can but I'll check my calendar and let you know.
  • That is so kind of you. Unfortunately, I already have plans, I'll be out of town. I hope it goes well.
Dec 5, 2018

What does the M mean on RSVP? ›

The letter M is simply the beginning of the person's title — Mr., Miss, Mrs. and Ms. — which would then be followed by the person's name. Lots of wedding response cards have replaced the “M” with less traditional (but entirely clearer!) “Name” or a simple blank line: Featured RSVP Card: Modern Floral.

How do you say congratulations on marriage in Yiddish? ›

"Mazel tov" (Yiddish: מזל טוב, romanized: mázl tov) or "mazal tov" (Hebrew: מזל טוב, romanized: mazál tov; lit. "good fortune") is a Jewish phrase used to express congratulations for a happy and significant occasion or event.

How do you politely respond to an invitation? ›

If it is an invitation to a place that you would like to attend, I would say, “Thank you for thinking of me and I am looking forward to being there.” If it is something that you are not interested in, say, Oh, I am so sorry that I won't be able to attend.”

How do you properly respond to an RSVP? ›

Polite and Timely Responses

"Thank you for the invitation. I'll respond by the specified date." "I appreciate the invite. I'll confirm my attendance by the deadline."

How do you professionally respond to an RSVP? ›

Hi (Recipient's name), I have received your invite to (event details) and can confirm that I would like to attend. I've provisionally added the date to my calendar and will wait to hear from you with further details. You can contact me here if you choose to reschedule the event for another date.

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