December 13, 2007

A Charming Chuppa

A wedding accessory traditionally used in Jewish wedding ceremonies, a chuppa is a large canopy stretched over four poles used to symbolize the home the couple will share together and acts as the altar where they exchange their wedding vows.

Another version of the chuppa is a mandap used in traditional Indian-styled weddings, which also serves as an altar for the bridal couple to sit or stand in to exchange their vows.

Today chuppas are used by many couples, regardless of their religion, as their own special altar where they can exchange their vows, separate from the rest of their wedding guests.

The materials used can be as varied as the locations they can be found in, including silk, organza, lace or other draping material and can be decorated incorporating greenery in the form of vines or plants, flowers or ribbons. A chuppa can also be decorated to follow a theme, or color scheme, and are quite popular with couples who hold their weddings outdoors as a way to protect themselves from the elements.

Like most wedding accessories, chuppas can be found for sale or rent at wedding supply stores, but be can easily and inexpensively create from the many garden styled gazebos that are popular on the market today.

Whether used in a traditional religious ceremony as a way to turn a venue into a romantic ceremony cite or as a way to carve out your own special place in an outdoor setting, chuppas are the latest fashionable altar accessory for your wedding.

©2007 Weddingstar Inc.