Breaking the glass at a Jewish wedding
Understanding the ceremony moment and the celebration that immediately follows.
What it is
A glass is broken near the conclusion of many traditional Jewish wedding ceremonies. The custom and its explanation belong to the ceremony you are planning with your rabbi or officiant.
Where it fits in your day
The preparation, the breaking action and the guests’ celebration form a short sequence. They should be anticipated together, rather than treated as one still photograph.
Planning photography and video
Tell us who will take part and where the action will happen beneath the chuppah. We plan for both the couple and the guests’ response. For video, the sound of the break and the voices afterward can help preserve the energy of the moment.
The details that matter to your family
We follow the actual ceremony without asking you to repeat a symbolic action for the camera. Share any differences in your ceremony sequence and whether the celebration leads straight into greetings, a recessional or private time.
Questions for your planning conversation
Who is participating? Where will the glass break happen? What happens immediately afterward?
Explore related traditions
Explore the jewish wedding traditions guide
Explore the Wedding Event Dictionary