Tuesday, August 24, 2010

How to design your own chuppah

design your own chuppah


It's interesting:
"Oh. Is there a wedding going on? .... You may never see a wedding like this one again … not now that they've banned multi-buys on supermarket booze. ..."

The chuppah, also known as a huppah, has long been a Jewish wedding tradition. This square canopy is held over the couple during the ceremony to symbolize the new home the husband and wife will build together. Incorporate this Jewish tradition into your wedding ceremony while also adding some personal flair by designing your own chuppah. Creating your chuppah design allows you to plan and customize the canopy before constructing it for the big day.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Paper

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk with your spouse-to-be to create a general idea of what you desire in your chuppah. Some chuppahs are simple, using no more than four poles and a piece of fabric. Others are intricate and permanent structures. The Jewish religion has no specific design requirements for the chuppah other than having a canopy elevated overhead by four poles. Decide what kind of style you want for your wedding, as well as how much effort you want to put into building it. Also, discuss the idea with your rabbi to understand whether he has any chuppah requirements.

    • 2

      Visit your wedding venue to get a better understanding of how large the chuppah should be. Measure the surface area of the ground where the chuppah will stand, as well as how high the chuppah can be without running into trees or other obstacles overhead.

    • 3

      Decide what type of fabric you'll use for the chuppah. This can be any piece of square fabric material, such as wool, velvet, cotton or silk. Ensure it's large enough to fit both you and your spouse underneath, although the fabric can also extend over the canopy to drape down the side. When choosing the fabric, use a family heirloom, such as a prayer shawl or favorite tablecloth. Or choose a fabric that specifically matches your wedding colors and theme. Incorporate loved ones in making the chuppah by passing out fabric squares to friends and family members to decorate.

    • 4

      Design a way to hold up the chuppah fabric using four poles. Use four sticks, such as bamboo or birch tree branches, that members of the bridal party can hold throughout the ceremony. Or plan to create a free-standing structure using PVC pipes placed in concrete blocks. Whatever method you use, be sure the poles will create a chuppah canopy that's high enough for the tallest person to comfortably stand underneath.

    • 5

      Sketch your chuppah design on a piece of paper. Note what materials you'll use where, as well as the dimensions of each feature. Describe in the design how you'll attach the fabric to the poles, whether it's by tying knots or creating holes in the fabric.

    • 6

      Bring your chuppah design to life and build the canopy using your sketch. Work with a professional to create your one-of-a-kind chuppah. Or spend some time with your spouse-to-be building the chuppah yourselves.


Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your chuppah, your wedding, chuppah design, four poles, with your, your chuppah design