What is the minimum floor space for a Jewish Hora circle?

The Hora requires a clear circular dance floor. For 50 people dancing simultaneously, a minimum 20-foot diameter (approximately 314 sq ft) is needed. For 100 dancers, plan for 28-foot diameter (615 sq ft). The inner circle needs 18 inches per person, with chairs to be raised by 4 attendants in the centre.

Can a Jewish wedding take place on Shabbat?

Jewish law (Halacha) prohibits weddings on Shabbat (Friday sundown to Saturday night). Ceremonies cannot begin until after Havdalah, which marks the end of Shabbat — typically 45-60 minutes after sunset on Saturday. Most rabbis require the ceremony to start at least 1 hour after Shabbat ends. This means Saturday evening weddings start between 8pm and 10pm depending on the season.

Jewish Wedding Planner — Chuppah, Ketubah, Hora & Kosher Tools

🌅 Shabbat Date Conflict Checker

Jewish law prohibits weddings on Shabbat. Saturday evening weddings can proceed after Havdalah — but timing is critical by season.

Proposed Wedding Date

Ceremony Start Time

Enter your proposed date and start time to check for Shabbat conflict.

💃 Hora Dance Floor Calculator

The Hora requires significant floor space — guests form large concentric circles. Calculate the minimum clear floor area needed for your guest count.

Total Guest Count

% Expected to Dance

Inner Circle Chairs

Enter guest count to calculate dance floor requirements.

📜 Ketubah Witness Tracker

The Ketubah (marriage contract) requires two witnesses who are not related to either spouse. Track witness confirmation and signing logistics.

Witness 1 — Name Relationship to Couple Confirmed Available

Witness 2 — Name Relationship to Couple Confirmed Available

Witnesses must not be related to either spouse or to each other (in most traditions). Both must be present at the signing ceremony before the Chuppah.

🥘 Kosher Venue Verification Checklist

Questions to ask every venue before booking for a Kosher wedding. Check off each item as confirmed with the venue.

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Mashgiach (Kosher Supervisor) Available

A certified Kosher supervisor must be on-site for the duration of food preparation and service

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Separate Meat & Dairy Preparation Areas

Physical separation of meat and dairy — separate prep surfaces, cookware, and utensils

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Kosher Certification (Hechsher) on All Ingredients

All meat must be certified Kosher and slaughtered by a Shochet

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Separate Meat & Dairy Dishwashing

Separate sinks or industrial dishwashers for meat vs dairy service items

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No Shellfish or Pork on Menu or in Kitchen

Confirm venue will not serve or store non-Kosher items during your event

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Wine is Yayin Mevushal (Kosher Certified)

All wine served must be Kosher-certified and handled appropriately

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6-Hour Meat-to-Dairy Wait Observed (if applicable)

If serving meat at dinner and dairy at dessert — confirm timing separation policy

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Rabbi Approval for Venue & Caterer

Officiating rabbi has reviewed and approved the catering arrangements

🕍 Chuppah Positioning Guide

Key requirements for Chuppah placement — indoor vs outdoor, orientation, and structural considerations.

Indoor Chuppah

→Minimum ceiling height: 12 feet (standard); 14+ feet ideal for floral hanging
→Chuppah poles: 8–10 feet tall, 8×8 foot canopy minimum
→Face East (toward Jerusalem) if possible
→Clear aisle of 5 feet minimum for processional
→Space for Rabbi, couple, and 2 witnesses under canopy

Outdoor Chuppah

→Under open sky is traditional and preferred in many traditions
→Secure poles with sandbags or stakes — 25 lb minimum per pole
→Wind contingency: backup indoor location on standby
→Face guests with sun behind them (not in their eyes)
→Nighttime: add spotlights aimed at canopy, not into crowd

✡️ Jewish Wedding Planner

Indoor Chuppah

Outdoor Chuppah