Kosher Wedding Planner
Planning a Jewish wedding means coordinating a rabbi, a kosher caterer, music, photography, a chuppah, guests from near and far — and a week of sheva brachot. This planner puts it all in order, from the engagement to the last sheva brachot meal, with tips for South Florida venues and suppliers.
Customs differ between communities. Use this planner as a practical checklist, and ask your rabbi about anything related to halacha or minhag.
Preview: the first steps
10–12 months before
- Choose the date with your rabbi — some periods of the year are not used for weddings in many communities.
- Ask the rabbi who will be mesader kiddushin and confirm availability.
- Set the budget and agree how costs are shared between the families.
- Visit halls and taste caterers; confirm kosher supervision and the mashgiach.
- Draft the guest list for both sides.
7–9 months before
- Book hall, caterer, band, photographer and videographer.
- Choose the florist and chuppah design.
- Bride: start gown shopping (allow months for modest alterations); sheitel if applicable.
- Start chosson and kallah classes with a teacher your rabbi recommends.
- Reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests, within walking distance if there is a Shabbat sheva brachot.
The full timeline, budget worksheet and supplier tracker are in the free PDF.
South Florida tips
- Winter (November–April) is peak season in South Florida — popular halls book a year ahead.
- Ask outdoor venues for a rain and heat plan; summer evenings are humid.
- Many families use one caterer for the wedding and smaller ones for sheva brachot — KlalFlorida lists both.
- Keep one shared document with every supplier contact, deposit and balance date.