breaking of the glass

The breaking of the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony serves to remind of everyone of two very important aspects of a marriage. The bride and groom - and everyone - should consider these marriage vows as an Irrevocable Act - just as permanent and final as the breaking of this glass is unchangeable. There have been many different explanations for the breaking of the glass. Today, the fragility of the glass suggests the frailty of human relationships. The glass is broken to protect this marriage with the implied prayer. ”May your bond of love be as difficult to break as it would be to put together the pieces of this glass.” After the groom breaks the glass, I invite everyone to shout the Hebrew words “Mazel Tov,” meaning “Good Luck” and “Congratulations.”

The glass is usually a light bulb wrapped in a white towel. The best man will place the glass before the groom. However, it is not broken at this point. Instead, the officiant continues to declare the bride and groom to be "husband and wife". With "congratulations, you may kiss your bride!" the groom then smashes the glass with his foot and kisses the bride.