Frum Bride - Planning Your Jewish Wedding

11 Tips To Help You Plan Your Financial Future

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1. Consolidate. Consolidate. Consolidate. Ask Yochanon Gordon at Southland Wireless (818-986-1370) for help combining your cell phone plans. Also, some insurance companies offer discounts for married couple.

2. Pay Off Credit Card Debt. Call the 1-800 number on your credit cards and ask if they can lower your annual APR (interest rate). Transferring balances from a high interest credit card to a low interest credit card can help also, but beware that doing this too often could effect your credit score.

3. You'd Better Shop Around. You or your (future) spouse might be paying too much for internet, insurance, phone, or many other services. Shop around.

4. Avoid Surprise Bills. Ask your (future) husband and look over past statements to see what gets automatically billed to his credit card annually that can be eliminated. That long-forgotten about subscription to Classmates.com, Yahoo super-mail, or other services can turn up as a surprise bill on your credit card statement.

6. Have a Savings Strategy. Look for high interest CDs or savings accounts to sock away money. If you want quick access to the funds, a liquid CD might do the trick. Talk to your bank to find the best option for you.

7. Introducing Mister and Misses. Make sure to add your name to his accounts and vice versa. This includes bank accounts as well as retirement savings accounts. Contact disability and life insurance providers and make sure you are listed as your spouse's beneficiary.

8. Know Who Pays the Bills. Avoid late fees by having a clear understanding of who opens the mail and who pays the bills. Have an organized system of making sure bills are paid on time.

9. Don't Spend More than You Can Afford.

10. Make Shabbos Special. The rest of the week, live simply and save your money.

11. Give Tzedakah. As stated in Malachi (3:10): “Bring all the tithes into the treasury so that there may be nourishment in My House. Test Me, if you will, with this, says the L-rd of Hosts, [see] if I will not open for you the windows of the heavens and pour down for you blessing until there be no room to suffice for it.”

5 You Should Know BEFORE You Get Pregnant

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1. Find an OB/GYN You Trust. Go for regular OB/GYN exams. The tests and advice you can get from your doctor is invaluable.

2. Take Your Vitamins BEFORE You Get Married. Talk to your OB/GYN, but most women should be consuming folic acid and iron before pregnancy.

3. Avoid Certain Foods If You Might Be Pregnant. There are foods to avoid in pregnancy, including early pregancy. This list includes deli meats, lox (sorry bagel fans), and alcohol. Check out the list and reasons at americanpregnancy.org

4. Beware of Spousal Abuse. Instead of disappearing when the baby comes, spousal abuse often translates into child abuse. Any signs of abusiveness in your (future) husband should be taken very seriously and discussed with a Rabbi who takes you seriously and has experience dealing with these issues. An excellent resource for marital problems is The Ness Center.

5. Ashkenazim and Sephardim Should Both Get Tested for Genetic Diseases. Discuss this with your Rabbi, Doctor, and fiancee. Ashkenazic diseases also appear in Sephardim. They are only called "Ashkenazic Diseases" because that was the population it was first studied in. (If you are not yet engaged, you can call Dor Yesharim at 718-384-6060).

Wedding Registry Checklist

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Here are some suggestions for your wedding registry:

Meat/Fleishig
__ Casual Dinnerware
__ Casual Soup/Cereal Bowls
__ Drinking Glasses
__ Mugs
__ Flatware Set
__ Cutting Board
__ Knife Block Set
__ 8 or 10 piece Cookware (Pots and Pans) Set
__ Wok or Stir-Fry Pan

Dairy/Milchig
__ Casual Dinnerware
__ Casual Soup/Cereal Bowls
__ Drinking Glasses
__ Mugs
__ Flatware Set
__ Cutting Board
__ Knife Block Set
__ 8 piece Cookware (Pots and Pans) Set

Bakeware
__ Measuring Spoons
__ Measuring Cups
__ Cookie Sheets
__ Cake Pans
__ Pie Pan
__ Toaster/Convection Oven (especially helpful if your oven is meat and you'd like to be able to bake
dairy or pareve goodies)

Shabbos/Yom Tov
__ Dinnerware Place Settings
__ Soup Bowls
__ Dessert Set (if not included in Place Setting)
__ Salt Shaker
__ Serving Platters - Small
__ Serving Platters - Large
__ Salad Bowl
__ Serving Bowls
__ Cake Plate
__ Ice Bucket
__ Ice Tongs
__ Sugar and Creamer Set
__ Corningware Set
__ Red Wine Glasses
__ White Wine Glasses - Optional
__ Shot Glasses
__ Drinking Glasses
__ Formal Flatware Set
__ Serving Flatware/Hostess Set (at least 2 sets)
__ Flatware Chest
__ Tablecloths
__ Napkins
__ Napkin Rings

Passover/Pesach
__ Dinnerware
__ Soup Bowls
__ Salt Shaker
__ Serving Platters - Small
__ Serving Platters - Large
__ Serving Bowls
__ Corningware
__ Red Wine Glasses
__ Beverage Glasses
__ Formal Flatware Set
__ Serving Flatware/Hostess Set (at least 2 sets)
__ Flatware Chest
__ China Protectors
__ Tablecloths
__ Napkins
__ Napkin Rings
__ Food Processor (especially recommended if you don't eat gebrochs)
__ Crockpot (manual temperature control/NOT automatic - great for soups and goulash)

Kitchen Electronics
__ Hot Water Urn (for Shabbos/Yom Tov)
__ Crockpot (manual temperature control/NOT automatic for Shabbos/Yom Tov)
__ Hot Plate (for Shabbos/Yom Tov)
__ Food Processor (especially useful for making Kugels and chopping vegetables for salads)
__ Blender (good for making homemade smoothies, hummus, and salad dressings)
__ Stand Mixer (good for mixing large quantities of batter and dough)

Bedding
__ White Sheet Sets (for observing Taharas Mishpacha)
__ Colored Sheet Sets (for observing Taharas Mishpacha)
__ Comforters and Duvet Covers (machine washable unless you don't mind a large drycleaning bill)

Judaica

__ Baruch HaBayis
__ Judaica Artwork
__ Seforim (Books)
__ Pushke/Tzedakah Box
__ Mezuzahs

__ Shabbos Candlesticks and/or Candleabra
__ Kiddush Cups
__ Challah Board and Knife
__ Challah Cover
__ Havdallah set (Spice box, candle holder, cup, plate)

__ Seder Plate
__ Matzah Plate
__ Matzah Cover
__ Haggaddahs

__ Menorah
__ Apple and Honey Tray

10 Ways to Save Money On Your Wedding

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1. Dry-Cleaning Your Wedding Dress. Dry cleaning a wedding dress can easily cost as much as $1000.
The last time we checked, Snow White Cleaners (17701 Ventura Blvd. Encino,CA 91316 - 818-705-8841) only charged about $40, and they did a really nice job! Our only complaint was that the dress did take a couple weeks to come back, so if you absolutely need express service, you might want to try somewhere else.

2. Hair and Cosmetic Services. Newberry School of Beauty in Northridge offers waxing, cosmetology, hair, and massage services for VERY CHEAP (Here's their price list)! The only drawback is that you get a student doing the
work, so I wouldn't recommend having your hair dyed or your facial hair waxed there....but you can get an excellent manicure and pedicure (after the Mikvah, of course!) and a full leg waxing for a fraction of what it will cost you elsewhere.

3. Hiring Student Photographers or Cosmetologists. Sometimes you can find a talented student cosmetologist or photographer who is still putting together their portfolio. Since they need the experience as much as you need a cosmetologist or photographer, they will often work at more affordable rates. Check listings at http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ats/ and e-mail an ad if the person running it looks promising or contact your local college or trade school.

4. Saving on Centerpieces. If you are having separate seating, you might save money by having floral centerpieces on the women's side and creating simple or decorative basket centerpieces to hold benchers and/or yalmulkes on the men's side. (You can recycle the baskets with Shaloch Manos at Purim). If you are getting married at night, you can go light on the flowers, and use tea lights in your arrangements.

5. Fill Up On Flowers. Speak to your florist about what flowers will save you money. Also, consider arrangements that are heavy on filler flowers (i.e. Baby's Breath) and/or greenery. Our Types of Flowers section can help you choose flowers, but be sure to consult with your florist directly.

6. Be Savvy. Shop around and bargain with vendors until you find one within your budget. Make sure the vendor meets all your needs and you won't have additional unexpected expenses. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!

7. Use Gemachs Wisely. Use gemachs wherever it will help save you money, but be sure you have a way to transport the goods you borrow to and from the location in a timely fashion. If you don't have a large enough vehicle for a mechitzah, borrowing from the gemach may cost you more in truck rental fees than finding a
location that supplies a mechitzah. Also, ask your Rabbi about Hachnassat Kallah funds.

8. Talk to Your Rabbi, Florist, Caterer, and Hall. Some Rabbis supply the Ketubah and the break glass. (If you are responsible for getting your own Ketubah, make sure it is an Orthodox-accepted Ketubah. Also, make sure the break glass is stemless -- we have heard of accidents using glasses with stems). Some florists
have chuppahs, some halls have bedekin chairs, and both caterers and halls sometimes have tablecloths and napkins.

9. Ditch the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen. It's not a Jewish tradition anyway. According to Wikipedia, "the Western bridesmaid tradition seems to have originated from later Roman law, which required ten witnesses at a wedding in order to outsmart evil spirits believed to attend marriage ceremonies. The bridesmaids and
ushers dressed in identical clothing to the bride and groom, so that the evil spirits would not know who was getting married."

10. So Much for Having Your Cake. The Wedding Cake is also not a Jewish Tradition. According to Wikipedia, "The origins of the tradition of the wedding cake date back to medieval times, when each guest at a wedding was supposed to bring a small cake, the cakes would be stacked on the table in levels and layers
(If the bride and groom were able to kiss over the top of the stack it was considered good luck)....The tiered design of the wedding cake originates from the tiered spire of a well known medieval church in London, England."

Chupahs and Ketubahs

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Chuppahs

Is your florist or hall supplying your chuppah? If not, here are some beautifully decorated chuppahs:

http://www.mpartworks.com/e-chuppah.htm

http://www.mychuppah.com/products.html&Start=1&Count=5

Ketubahs
Is your Rabbi supplying the
Ketubah? If not, make sure the
Ketubah is Orthodox!!!

http://www.shabsaisart.com/ketubot

http://www.judaism.com/search.asp?sctn=920&aref=frumbride

Hair Covering Store

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If you're looking for hair coverings on-line, take a look at www.coveryourhair.com

Sheva Brochas Schedule

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IMPORTANT NOTE: The first set of "Sheva Brochas" of the seven you will B"H
have takes place during the bentching which follows the wedding meal. For
the remaining six, here are sample schedules. Remember, if your wedding
takes place in the daytime, you'll need to arrange for a "Sheva Brochas" that
evening.

Wedding: Monday Evening (bentching after shkia)

Sheva Brocha Meal/Refreshments Name Address Phone Number

Tuesday Night

Wednesday Night

Thursday Night

Friday Night

Saturday Night

Sunday Night

Wedding: Tuesday Evening (bentching after shkia)

Wednesday Night

Thursday Night

Friday Night

Saturday Night

Sunday Night

Monday Night

Wedding: Wednesday Evening (bentching after shkia)

Thursday Night

Friday Night

Saturday Night

Sunday Night

Monday Night

Tuesday Night

Wedding: Thursday Evening (bentching after shkia)

Friday Night

Saturday Night

Sunday Night

Monday Night

Tuesday Night

Wednesday Night

Sample Wedding Schedule

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NOONTIME CHUPAH

9 am - Chassan's Family Pictures

10 am - Kallah's Family Pictures / Florist Sets up Chupah and Distributes
Coursages to Mother

11 am - Kabbalas Panim
Caterer serves Sodas and Liquor
Caterer serves Hors Douerves

11:20 am - Tish
Caterer serves Cakes for Tish
Caterer serves Soda and Liquor

11:40 am - P.A. is set up outside at Chupah/ Bedekin /Coordinator gathers
Flower Girls and Ring Boy

11:45 am - Empty the Bedekin Hall / Family Lines Up / Florists Gives Flower
Girls Baskets / Coordinator preps Ringbearer / Music Gets Set up for Chupah

12:05 pm - Chupah
Coordinator sets out placecards
Coordinator sets out tablecards on tables
Florist sets up men's centerpieces
Florist sets up women's centerpieces
Hall sets out tables and chairs
Caterer sets out wine on tables
Caterer sets out 2 soda tables (1 on men's side, 1 on women's side)
Caterer sets up washing station
Caterer sets out bread and salad
Caterer sets up food in Yichud room
Coordinator sets out silver spoon

12:45 pm - Guests Eat Salad / Chasson and Kallah go to Yichud Room
Pin up train on Kallah's dress (so she can dance comfortably!)

1:00 pm - Pictures of Bride and Groom with Family

1:15 pm - Bride and Groom Enter
Band plays Entrance and first set

1:40pm - Caterer Serves Soup

1:45pm - Speeches (Parents and Rabbi)
Caterer - NO SERVICE DURING SPEECHES

2:10 pm - Caterer Serves Main Course

2:40 pm - Band Plays Second Set
Dancing

3:15 pm - Caterer Serves Dessert

3:45 pm - Benching

4:00 pm - Wedding Ends

Shopping List

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(Your list may vary from ours. We tried to cover most of the important items.)

INVITATIONS
___Invitations
___Invitation Envelopes
___RSVP Cards
___Small RSVP Card Envelopes
___Mailing Labels (# of guests times 2 plus some extra)
___Return Address Labels (# of guests times 2 plus some extra)
___Stamps (the post office sometimes sells a wedding invitation stamp sets that come
with standard invitation stamps and less expensive (smaller) RSVP stamps)

TABLE CARDS
__Table Number Cards
__Table Seating Cards
__"Reserved" Seating Cards

FAVORS
__Yarmulkes
__Benchers

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
___Wedding Dress
___Bedekin Veil
___Comfortable Shoes for Dancing
___Shoes for the Chupah (optional)
___Wedding Jewelry (optional)

MISCELLANEOUS
__Bobby Pins
__Hair Spray
__Powerade (to recharge you between dances)
__Safety Pins
__Small Sewing Kit
__Stemless Wine Glass (stemless - so the groom is less likely to cut his foot when he
steps on it...We've unfortunately heard of accidents)
__Bottle of White Wine for Chupah

BEVERAGES (if not supplied by Caterer)
__Wine
__Hard Liquor
__Soda

RENTALS
__Tables (if needed)
__Chairs (if needed)
__Tents (if needed)
__Yichud Tent (if location is outdoors)
__Chupah (if needed)
__Mechitzah (if needed)
__Dance Floor (if needed)

Sample Family Pictures/Photographer Schedule

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NOONTIME CHUPAH

9 am - Choson's Family Pictures

1. Choson
2. Choson with his Parents
3. Choson with his Siblings
4. Chosom with his Grandparents
5. Choson with his entire Family

10 am - Kallah's Pictures / Florist Sets up Chupah, Distributes Coursages to Mothers

1. Kallah
2. Kallah with her Parents
3. Kallah with her Siblings
4. Kallah with her Grandparents
5. Kallah with her entire Family

11 am - Kabbalas Panim (women)
Photographer takes snapshots
Caterer serves Sodas and Liquor
Caterer serves Hors Douerves

11:20 am - Tish (men)
Photographer takes snapshots
Caterer serves Cakes for Tish
Caterer serves Soda and Liquor

11:40 am - P.A. is set up outside at Chupah/ Bedekin - photographer takes snapshots of groom lifting the
veil on the bride/ Wedding Coordinator gathers Flower Girls and Ring Boy

11:45 am - Empty the Bedekin Hall / Family Lines Up / Florists Gives Flower Girls Baskets / Wedding
Coordinator preps Ringbearer / Music Gets Set up for Chupah

12:05 pm - Chupah - THIS IS THE WEDDING CEREMONY!!!
Photographer takes lots of snapshots

12:45 pm - Guests Eat Salad / Choson and Kallah go to Yichud Room

1:00 pm - Pictures of Bride and Groom with Family

1. Choson and Kallah
2. Choson and Kallah and Choson's Family
3. Choson and Kallah and Kallah's Family
4. Choson and Kallah and both sets of parents

1:15 pm - Bride and Groom Enter
Band plays Entrance and first set
Photographer takes snapshots of dancing and band

1:40pm - Caterer Serves Soup
1:45pm - Speeches
Photographer takes pictures of speeches and a few randomized pictures of guests at various tables
(MEN and WOMEN)
2:10 pm - Caterer Serves Main Course
2:40 pm - Band Plays Second Set
Photographer takes snapshots of dancing and band
Dancing
3:15 pm - Caterer Serves Dessert
3:45 pm - Bentching
4:00 pm - Wedding Ends

Assigning Ceremony Honors

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Use the Honors Form to designate who wedding honors (i.e. sheva brachot under the chuppah, reading the ketubah, etc.) Be sure ask permission of all designees to be included in the honors, so they know when they are requested to be present and available.

Distribute a copy of this form to your Rabbi, Parents, Wedding Coordinator, Caterer,
Photographer, Videographer, and the Band

Name Phone Number Relation

Chasson

Kallah

Chuppah Escorts
1.
2.
3.
4.
(5.)
(6.)

Witnesses

1.
2.

Rebbe's Letter (Chabad)

"Baruch Haba" Singer

Ketuba Reading

Kohanim Blessing

Chupah Shevah Brachot
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Wine Drinkers
1.
2.

Speechmakers at Meal
1.
2.

After Meal Lead Bentching

After Meal Sheva Brachot
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Back Up (in case
an honored guest is
absent)
1.
2.
3.
4.

Challah Cutting (if not
Chasson)

Party Supply Rentals

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AAA Rents & Events
Tents, Dance Floors, Tables, Chairs
818-785-1105

Pico Party Rentals
Wedding Arches, Dance Floors,
Tables, Tents, Bars, Canopies
Los Angeles, CA
310-275-3402

American Rent All
Tables, Chairs, Linens,
Candelabras, Umbrellas, Dance
Floors, Chuppahs, Heaters, Lighting
Tarzana, CA and Westlake Village, CA
818-345-4102
805-227-4632

Classic Party Rentals
Carpinteria, CA
805-566-3566

Dress My Chair
Chaircovers, Overlays,
Tablecloths, Accessories
949-515-1517

Wedding Favors Directory

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The Chassan's Place
Benchers
www.thechassansplace.com/gifts/pc/Benchers-c58.htm

Benchers.com
Benchers and Yarmulkes
www.benchers.com

Weinfeld Skullcap Manufacturing Company
Yarmulkes and Benchers
www.yarmulkes.com

Kippah King
Knit Yarmulkes
www.kippahking.com

Marriage Licenses

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1) Both bride and groom must show up together to apply for the license within 90 days of the
wedding date.

2) Bring your Driver's License or other valid, government issued I.D.

3) Fees range from $50 - $80, depending on the county. Most offices only take cash, check,
or money order.

Los Angeles County/San Fernando Valley

To fill out your marriage license
application using the internet,
(NOTE: Bride and groom MUST go
to the Recorder's office to
complete the process), visit
https://regrec2.co.la.ca.us/SECURE
D/MARRIAGE/mrglicense.asp

Beverly Hills
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Beverly Hills Court House
9355 Burton Wy, 1st Fl
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 288-1261
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / M - F
Closed 12-1:30 for Lunch (To apply
and obtain license on the same day,
you must apply before 3 pm)

Van Nuys
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
14340 West Sylvan Street
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 374-7176
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / M - F
(To apply and obtain license on the
same day, you must apply before 3 pm)

Norwalk
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 East Imperial Hwy, Room 2207
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 462-2137
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (for Licenses) /
M - F
(To apply and obtain license on the
same day, you must apply before 3:30
pm)

Florence/Firestone
County Recorder
7807 South Compton Avenue, Room 215
Los Angeles, CA 90001
(323) 586-6192
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / M - F

East Los Angeles
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
4716 East Cesar Chavez Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 260-2991
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / M - F
(To apply and obtain license on the
same day, you must apply before 3 pm)

Lancaster
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
1028 W. Avenue J2
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-6446
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / M - F
(To apply and obtain license on the
same day, you must apply before 3 pm)

LAX Courthouse
11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., 6th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 727-6142
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / M - F
(To apply and obtain license on the
same day, you must apply before 3 pm)

Orange County

To fill out your marriage
license application using the
internet (NOTE: Bride and
groom MUST go to the
Recorder's office to complete
the process), visit
http://cr.ocgov.com/emarriage/

Santa Ana
County Clerk Recorder
211 West Santa Ana Boulevard,
Rm 201
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 834-2500
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / M - F

Laguna Hills
Laguna Hills Civic Center
24031 El Toro Road, Suite 150
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(714) 834-2500
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. / M-F

San Diego County

To fill out your marriage
application on the internet
(NOTE: Bride and goom MUST go
to office to complete the
process), visit
www.sdarcc.com/arcc/services/m
arriage_licenses.aspx#licenses

San Diego
County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway, Room
273
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-6248
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / M - F

Kearny Mesa
9225 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123
(619) 531-6248
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / M - F

Chula Vista
590 Third Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / M - F

San Marcos
141 East Carmel St.
San Marcos, CA 92078
(619) 531-6248
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / M - F

El Cajon
200 S. Magnolia Ave.
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 531-6248
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / M - F

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara
Hall of Records
1100 Anacapa St.
Santa Barbara, CA
93102-0159
(805) 568-2250
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / M - F

Santa Maria
(NOTE: You MUST call
to make an appointment)
511 E. Lakeside Parkway,
Suite 115
Santa Maria, CA 93455-1341
(805) 346-8370
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / M - F

Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz
County Recorder
701 Ocean Street, Rm 210
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 454-2470
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / M - F

Ventura County

To fill out your marriage
application on the
internet (NOTE: Bride and
goom MUST go to office
to complete the process),
visit
recorder.countyofventura.org

Ventura
County Clerk Division
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009
(805) 654-2263
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / M - F

Tips for a Bride's First Trip to the Mikvah

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1. Enjoy the mitzvah!

2. If you are getting your legs or other hair waxed,
do it a few days before Mikvah.
Wax can be sticky, and you don't want residue
right before you dunk.

3. Get your wedding shoes early.
Avoid breaking in new shoes the week before your Mikvah appointment.
New shoes can sometimes leave unexpected blisters/scabs.

4. If you have a question, ask it.

5. For an evening wedding (especially in winter):
You might want to plan your chuppah late enough so that,
if need be, you can dunk that night.

6. Well-meaning people may make you feel pressured
not to be in niddah at your chuppah. IGNORE THEM!!!There is nothing wrong with a chuppah niddah. Be proud that you are keeping the laws of Taharat Mishpacha!!!

Mikvah Directory

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Find a mikvah near you at mikvah.org

Gemach Directory

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Hachnassat Kallah (financial)
Los Angeles, CA
323-938-8074

David Weiner Memorial Free
Loan Society of the Valley
Los Angeles, CA
818-508-9114

Jewish Free Loan Association
Los Angeles, CA
323-761-8830
valley 818-464-3331

Chupah, Candleholders, Poles,
Kallah Chair (to borrow)
Los Angeles, CA
323-933-3377

Hats, Sheitls (Human Hair
Only), Make-up
(Donations accepted of sheitls)
Los Angeles, CA
323-934-2448

Benchers (to borrow)
L’ilui Neshama Ahron Ben Yissachar
Los Angeles, CA
ms-k@ca.rr.com

Wedding Dress
Los Angeles, CA
e-mail rootsmusicpr@yahoo.com with your phone
number to obtain contact information

Centerpieces and Mirrors (to
borrow)
Los Angeles, CA
323-938-2406

Shtick
Los Angeles, CA
818-761-5077

Shtick
Los Angeles, CA
ndenbo@westcoastmohel.com

Mechitza
Los Angeles, CA
818-331-3884

Wedding Gifts (Donate gifts
you don't need or find what you
do!)
Los Angeles, CA
individuals: 323-574-7054
volume donations: 323-935-3791

Tznius Wedding Dresses

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Start your search for a tznius wedding gown here!!!

***For the Los Angeles wedding dress gemach, please e-mail rootsmusicpr@yahoo.com with your phone number, and we will do our best to get you in touch!!!***

Stores

Mon Atelier
119 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA
323-937-1189

Eliana Ben-Zeev
464 S Robertson Bl
Los Angeles, CA
323-848-8844
888-848-0440

Stephanie James Couture
438 Main St, Ste 110
Huntington Beach, CA
714-315-9464

Simcha Wear
www.simchawear.com/subcategoryitems-tznius_wedding_dress-kallah_gowns-146-189.html

Dress of A Lifetime
www.dressofalifetime.com/wedding/traditional.cfm

Zori Fashion
www.zorifashion.com

Raza Designs
www.razadesigns.com/gallery/items.asp?ca=31

Bridal Secrets
www.bridalsecrets.com

The Bridal Shop
www.thebridalshop.com

Kleinfeld Bridal
110 West 20th St
New York, NY
646-633-4300 (by
appointment only)

Majestic Bridal
5 Route 59
Monsey, NY
845-356-6225

Bridal 2000
168 Rutledge St
Brooklyn, NY
718-384-4798

Videographers Directory

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Daniel Jankovic
Southern California
310-927-5320

David Notowitz
Southern California
310-203-4721

Ken Saltzman
Southern California
818-343-3200

Photographers Directory

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Jonah White
Southern California
310-556-7759

Rikka Zimmerman
Southern California
805-705-7919

Aynav Yefet
Southern California
310-903-3101

Issa Sharp
Southern California
323-930-1808

Srdjan Simonovic
Southern California
949-654-5873

Marianne Lozano
Southern California
310-801-4434

Jack Slomovitz
Southern California
877-213-6447

Daniel Photography
Southern California
888-480-4481

Global Photography
Southern California
800-529-7557

George Akashyan
Southern California
818-982-3035

Ayssa Nicol
Southern California
323-791-2536

Alex Neumann
Southern California
805-376-0612

Frame 36 Photography
Southern California
805-217-8493

Graham and Graham
Southern California
310-545-6291

Red Loft Studios
Southern California
562-590-9326

B & G Photography
Southern California
310-441-1581

Jules Bianchi
Southern California
323-428-6402

Signature Photography
Southern California
818-774-0989

Ruth Miller
Southern California
805-646-3103

Florist Directory

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Flowers by Orie
818-222-7415

Moe's Flowers
323-653-5444

Fiore Designs
818-980-6410

Empty Vase Couture Florals
888-283-9890

The Hidden Garden
310-575-6600

Buds and Blossoms
866-910-2837

Jewish Wedding Band Directory

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Eighth Day
benzm24@gmail.com

Simcha Orchestra
310-271-6909

Moshav
yehuda@moshavband.com

Ariel Luke
323-997-2647

Yossi Saffi Levi and The Sabras
818-706-8765
sabrasband@yahoo.com

The Golden State Klezmers
KlezGold@aol.com

Kings of Klezmer
leo@kingsofklezmer.com

Kosher Caterer Directory

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IMPORTANT TIP: Many hotels, halls, and shuls will only allow certain caterers or
in-house catering. Secure your wedding location BEFORE contacting caterers.

NOTE: A listing on FrumBride.com NEVER implies endorsement.
Contact caterers directly to ensure that you are comfortable with the level of Kashrus they provide.

A Cow Jumped Over The Moon
310-274-4269

Pat’s Restaurant
310-205-8705

Catering by Brenda
310-203-8365

Orange Delight
818-986-6388

Sinai Catering
310-820-0048

Elegant Caterers
310-274-8856

Embassy Caterers
323-937-1374

Temptations
818-995-4700

Judy’s
323-934-7667

Aria Glatt Kosher Catering
818-342-7000

Classique Raphy’s
818-487-9531

Creations by Chumie
818-225-1405

Golan
818-763-5375

N.Y. Kosher Catering
818-788-0007

Sharon’s Caterers
818-344-7472

Kosher on Location
818-759-5222

Unique Cafe
818-757-3100

Sassi
818-986-5345

LA Glatt Kosher Catering
323-658-7730

Prestige Catering
310-453-3700

Simon’s Catering
310-474-4011

Questions to Ask a Caterer

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Here is a worksheet of possible questions to ask caterers.

Catering Company______________________
Phone Number__________________
Contact Person______________________

Seudah
What is the cost per plate? ___________________________
Is there a difference in cost if we want to do a buffet? ____________________________
Is there a difference in cost if it’s a lunch, brunch, or dinner? ______________________
What types of foods are on your menu? Meat/Fish/Pareve/Dairy? ________________________________________________________________________
Do you have a vegetarian option for guests?
________________________________________________________________________

Hors Douevres for the Bedekin
Do you supply hors douerves for the bedekin? __________________________________
What is the cost? _________________________________________________________

Cakes and Cookies for the Tisch
Do you supply cakes and cookies for the Tisch? _________________________________
What is the cost? _________________________________________________________

Beverages and Liquor
Do you supply beverages? ______________________________
What is the cost?___________________________
Do you supply liquor? ____________________________
What is the cost? __________________________
Can we supply our own liquor and/or beverages? ___________________________
Do you supply bartenders? How much do they cost?______________________________
Do you charge a corkage fee? _____________________________

Kashrus
How much is the fee for the Mashgiach?_________________
Do you know if the hall charges a kitchen fee? How much will it cost us?_____________
Do you need to kasher the kitchen? If yes, how much will that cost us? _____________

Tablecloths and Napkins
Do you supply tablecloths and napkins? __________________________
What colors do you have available? _____________________________________
How much do they cost? _________________________________________

Taxes, Service Fees, and Gratuities
Do you charge a service fee? How much? _____________________________
How much will we be expected to pay in gratuity (tips)?________________________
What is the tax rate?_______________________________________________

Payment Arrangements
How much of a downpayment do we need to give you and by when? _____________________________________________________________
When is the remainder of the money due?
______________________________________________________________
When do you need to know our guest count by?
______________________________________________________________
Do you accept checks/Visa/MC/Discover/Amex/etc?
_______________________________________________________________

Explanation of Ceremony for Non-Frum Guests

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Here is a sample of a Ceremony Explanation Sheet,
which can be enclosed with your invitations
so non-Frum guests don't feel completely clueless.
Please feel free to use our version or modify it.

BS’D

Dear Guests,

We feel blessed to celebrate our wedding with you! Our wedding, in the tradition of our heritage, is rich in beauty and meaning. It is our honor to share a glimpse of the day’s events with you…

Kabbalat Panim
According to our Torah, a couple is regarded as royalty on their wedding day. Separate receptions, called Kabbalat Panim, are held just prior to the wedding ceremony. The Kallah (bride) will be seated on a throne to receive her guests, while the men surround the Chatan (groom) to sing and toast him.

Tisch
The signing of the Ketubah takes place during the Tisch. The Ketubah is a binding document of confidence and trust, which details the husband’s obligation to his wife. The Chatan pledges to his new bride to “work for you, honor, provide for and support you, in accordance with the practices of Jewish husbands who work for their wives’ honor, provide and support them in truth.”

Bedeken
The Bedeken is the veiling of the Kallah by the Chatan. The veil symbolizes modesty and conveys the lesson that however attractive physical appearances may be, the soul and character are paramount.

Chupah
The wedding ceremony takes place under the chupah (canopy), a symbol of the home to be built and shared by the couple. As our ancestors, Avraham and Sarah, opened their tents to welcome friends, relatives, and strangers in unconditional hospitality, so too, the chupah is open on all sides.

The Chatan and Kallah wear no jewelry under the chupah. Their mutual commitment to one another is based on who they are as people, not on their respective material possessions.

Under the chupah, the Kallah circles the Chatan seven times while he prays. This act recalls the seven times Joshua circled Jericho to bring down its walls. Similarly, so circles him seven times to break down any walls that might remain between them.

Mechitzah
The mechitzah (partition) enhances the celebration --- giving the women an uplifting opportunity to bond and rejoice with other women, while the men dance with their peers.

Seudah
It’s a great mitzvah for guests to bring simchah (joy) to the Chatan and the Kallah on their wedding day. Enjoy a seudah (festive meal), music, and dancing as you celebrate!

We look forward to rejoicing with you at our wedding!

-The Chatan and Kallah

Directions to Location (to include in invitation)

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You can use mapquest.com to print directions to the site for your guests.

Creating Address and Return Labels

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR
CREATING AND PRINTING LABELS
(Note: Not all versions of MS Word follow this format)

Return Address Labels
(Helpful Hint: You will need to print enough labels to use
for both the large invitation envelopes and the RSVP
envelopes.)

1. Insert your labels into the printer
2. Open Microsoft Word
3. Select Tools
4. Select Envelopes and Labels
5. Click on Options
6. Match the "Product Number" to the number
on your labels or on the label package.
7. Click on Okay
8. Type your return address in the box
9. Click on Print

Creating Labels from a Guest List
(First create your guest list in a spreadsheet with the first row marked Titles (Mr. & Mrs./Rabbi and Rebbetzin/etc) First Names, Last Names, Address, City, State, and Zip)

1. Insert your labels into the printer
2. Open Microsoft Word
3. Select Tools
4. Select Mail Merge
5. Select Create
6. Select Mailing Labels
7. Select New Main Document
8. Select Get Data
9. Select Open Data Source
10. Find your guest list in the browser. (If it doesn't
appear, make sure the bottom box reads "All files" and
not "Word files"). Select My Wedding Guest List, then
press Okay
11. Select Entire Spreadsheet and press Okay
12. Select Set Up Main Document
13. Match the "Product Number" to the number on
your labels or on the label package.
14. Select Okay
15. Select Insert Merge Field, and select Titles,
then hit the SPACEBAR, then First_Names, then hit
the SPACEBAR, then Last_Name. Hit ENTER. Then
select Address. Hit ENTER. Select City, Insert a ","
(comma), then select State, then select Zip. When you
are done, the box should look like this:

«Titles» «First_Names» «Last_Name»
«Address»
«City», «State» «Zip»

16. Select Okay
17. Select Merge
18. When the box pops up, select Merge

VOILA! You should have your labels!!!

Wedding Invitation Printers Directory

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All printers in this directory told us they can print Hebrew invitations.

Name
Phone Number

Colortrend
818-380-8191

Minuteman Press
818-762-7501

Sir Speedy
310-473-9256

The Art of Paper
818-708-3352

Lucky Paperie
626-440-9440

The Location

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The following are questions to ask yourself about your location choice. For a list of locations that claim to have or allow kosher catering, please see "Location Directory" in this blog.

IMPORTANT TIP: Many halls and shuls will only allow certain caterers or in-house catering. It is best to secure your location BEFORE you contact caterers.

The ideal location will:

* Be a place the chosson, kallah, and both families agree upon.
* Facilitate the number of guests you expect at your wedding.
* Allow you to bring in the caterer of your choice and/or provide kosher catering to your standards
* Have handicap access
* Have easy access to bathrooms
* Have space for the chupah
* If outdoors, have a "Plan B" location in case of poor weather
* Assist you in floor planning the table and chairs set-up
* Have plenty of convenient parking for your guests
* Not have other events scheduled in the same area at the same time

IMPORTANT TIP: DO NOT pay a deposit until you have a written contract in hand!!!
Sometimes, the person who rents you the hall will forget to mention other non-optional unexpected charges, which you will have to pay. This may include (but is not limited to):

* a security fee
* security guard fees
* a kitchen and/or catering fee
* table fee
* chairs fee
* dance floor fee
* sound system (PA) fee
* chupah fee
* runner fee
* parking fee
* per guest fee
* liquor fee
* insurance fee
* dressing room/yichud room fee
* outdoor night lighting fee
* clean-up fee
* ceremony fee
* reception fee

Remember, the salespeople who rent you the hall are usually trying to give you accurate information, but sometimes they forget what they have or haven't told you. Get EVERYTHING in writing! Look over your contract carefully before signing it!

The Date

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If your minhag is Chabad or you are simply looking for which dates are prohibited for weddings, visit Chabad.org's Approved Dates for A Wedding.

Dear Kallah

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This blog is dedicated to the Orthodox Jewish Bride, complete with a Los Angeles
gemach directory, wedding vendors, budget tips and advice!!! Planning an Orthodox Jewish Wedding just got easier!

I hope you find this site useful in planning your wedding. If you have any
suggestions, vendors, or anything else you think should be added to the site,
please e-mail me at e@frumbride.com.

Some of the listings may need updates. Please feel free to e-mail me at rootsmusicpr@yahoo.com if something desperately needs attention.

Also, a listing on this site does not imply endorsement nor accuracy.

Mazel Tov on your upcoming wedding!!! May your wedding day be a gateway for blessing for you, your family, and Klal Yisroel!

-Eliana

Location Directory

2009-12-22T01:07:00.000-08:00

The following hotels, halls, and synagogues told us they either offer kosher catering
or allow you (sometimes for an additional fee, on certain days, or with a certain number of guests)to arrange for an outside kosher caterer. Please check with each location for their policy!!!

NOTE: We have not done any research into the kashrus standards of any of these locations, so please make sure that you are satisfied with the supervision BEFORE booking.

HALLS

Chabad of Tarzana
18181 Burbank Bl
Tarzana, CA
Rabbi Baitelman
or Gladys
818-758-1818

The Olympic Collection
Banquet and
Conference Center
11301 W. Olympic
Bl
West Los Angeles, CA

Catering Manager
310-575-4585

Temescal Gateway
Park
15601 Sunset
Boulevard
Pacific Palisades
Event Coordinator
(310) 454-1395 x.103.

Los Verdes Golf Club
7000 W Los
Verdes Dr
Palos Verdes, CA
Any Event
Coordinator
310-377-7888 x20
(direct)

HOTELS

Sportsman's Lodge
12825 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA
Any Catering Manager
818-755-5000 (hotel)

The Westin (LAX)
5400 W Century Bl
Los Angeles, CA
Patty Burns
310-417-4525 (hotel)

Luxe Hotel
11461 Sunset Bl
Los Angeles,CA
Judith Feldman
310-691-7510 (direct)

Woodland Hills
Marriott
21850 Oxnard Street
Woodland Hills, CA
Laura Ellis
818-887-4800 (hotel)

Universal Hilton
555 Universal Hollywood Dr
Universal City, CA
Elvia Fernandez
818-506-2500 (hotel)
818-509-2090 (direct)

Sheraton Universal
333 Universal
Hollywood Dr
Universal City,CA
Steven Ciccarelli
818-980-1212 (hotel)

Los Angeles
Downtown Marriott
333 S. Figueroa St
Los Angeles,
CA
Yvette Minassian
213-617-1133 (hotel)
213-617-6030 (direct)

Hilton Woodland Hills
6360 Canoga Av
Woodland
Hills, CA
Barbara Cuba
818-595-1000 (hotel)
818-444-2592 (direct)

Crowne Plaza
Redondo Beach
300 N Harbor Dr
Redondo
Beach, CA
Sheree DeWeese
310-318-8888 (hotel)
310-318-7782 (direct)

Los Angeles Airport
Marriott
5855 West Century Bl
Los Angeles,
CA
Laura Apodaca
or Cheryl Frasier
310-641-5700 (hotel)

Park Plaza
607 South Park View
St
Los Angeles,
CA
Debbie Bau
213-381-6300 x4103
(direct)

Crowne Plaza
Beverly Hills
1150 S. Beverly Drive
Los Angeles,
CA
Robin Allison
310-553-6561 (hotel)
310-651-3243 (direct)

Sheraton Gateway
Los Angeles
6101 West Century Bl
Los Angeles,
CA
Felicia Daniels
310-642-1111 (hotel)
310-642-4830 (direct)

Long Beach Hyatt
(requires 300 or more guests)
200 South Pine Ave
Los Angeles,
CA
Any Catering
Department Wedding
Manager
562-491-1234 (hotel)

Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey
(non-holiday weekend
Sundays through Pat's
Catering ONLY)
4375 Admiralty Way
Marina Del Rey
Ellen Thornton
310-823-1700 (hotel)
310-574-4343 (direct)

Hyatt Westlake Plaza
880 South Westlake
Bl
Westlake
Village, CA
Catering Manager
805-557-4650 (direct)

Los Angeles Airport
Hilton
5711 West Century Bl
Los Angeles,
CA
Elaina Morales
310-410-4000(hotel)
310-410-6115 (direct)

Marina Del Rey
Marriott
4100 Admiralty Way
Marina Del Rey, CA
Catering Manager
310-448-4890 (direct)

Beverly Hilton
9876 Wilshire Bl
Los Angeles,
CA
Sandra Zuckerman
310-274-7777 (hotel)
310-285-1266 (direct)

Hilton
Torrance/South Bay
21333 Hawthorne Bl
Torrance, CA
Meghan
310-765-4421

Loews S. Monica
Beach Hotel
1700 Ocean Ave
S. Monica, CA
David Houde
310-458-6700
310-576-3195

Wyndham Orange
County
3350 Avenue of the
Arts
Costa Mesa,
CA
Richard Uribe
714-751-5100 (hotel)
714-442-8609 (direct)

Four Points
Sheraton LAX
9750 Airport Bl
Los Angeles,
CA
Val Bargas
310-645-4600 (hotel)