Chatunah
(kha-too-NAH) n. Jewish wedding. Chatan is the groom; Kalah is the bride; Edim are witnesses. The elements of a Jewish wedding normally include the following: one
chosson (the groom), one kallah (the bride), and a ceremony sometimes referred to as kiddushin. Separate steps usually accompany a traditional wedding:
1. Shidduch - it's a match!
2. Vort - formal engagement
3. Ketubah - marriage contract
4. Bedekin - the visit from the
chosson to the veiled bride
(after a week of no contact after the engagement)
5. Chuppah - the wedding canopy
6. Kiddushin - The giving of the ring
7. Sheva brachot - seven blessings recited over the couple
8. Breaking of the glass - remembering the exile even in our joy
9. Cheder yichud - "room of privacy" - the closed room
where bride and groom are together for the first time.
Normally they share a meal here, directly after the ceremony.
10. The reception - dancing, music, etc.
The Hebrew Glossary