The wedding day is a special time that marks the end of one period of life and the beginning of a new one. According to tradition, one’s past transgressions are forgiven on one’s wedding day. Consequently, there is an element of seriousness, and even soul searching, on this day.

On the day of the wedding, it is customary for the bride and the groom to each be accompanied by an escort, so that they are never left alone. There are two reasons for this custom:

(1) to provide protection against harmful spiritual forces;

(2) on their wedding day, the bride and groom are compared to a queen and a king, who do not go anywhere without an escort.

It is a widespread custom, especially among Ashkenazim, for the bride and groom to fast on their wedding day. The reason for this is that the wedding day is considered to be a time of forgiveness and atonement, and so it is appropriate to fast on this day. Another reason is that this ensures that the bride and groom will not drink alcoholic beverages before the ceremony, and they will thus arrive at the wedding in a state of complete mental clarity.

This fast ends immediately after the wedding ceremony, when the bride and groom enter a private room, known as the yihud room, where they may eat and drink as they wish. Even if the wedding ceremony is conducted before sunset, the fast ends immediately after the ceremony; there is no need to wait until nightfall.

When a wedding is held on certain dates, the couple does not fast. These days are Rosh Hodesh, Hanukkah, Purim, Tu BeShvat, and Tu BeAv.

On their wedding day, it is customary for a bride and groom to add, at the end of the afternoon silent Amida prayer, the confession of sins that is recited on Yom Kippur.

Further reading: For more on the special confession of Yom Kippur, see p. 170; A Concise Guide to Mahshava, p. 69.

Many Ashkenazim have the custom for the groom to wear a white garment that is worn on Yom Kippur [kittel] at the wedding ceremony, as the color white symbolizes kindness and forgiveness. Furthermore, white is reminiscent of the shrouds of the dead, and the wearing of the kittel conveys the message that our time in this world is limited and must be utilized properly.