Frequently Asked Questions
Q -- What's the meaning of a chuppah?
A -- A chuppah, (also transliterated as "chuppa" or "huppah" or "huppa") is the Hebrew word for canopy or roof. It's a traditional wedding canopy used in Jewish marriage ceremonies. The poles, together with a fabric "roof" symbolize the first home the new couple will create together. The open sides of the chuppah are meant to symbolize the openness of the new home to family, friends, and needy strangers.
Q -- Are any poles available for rental?
A -- Yes, a limited number of free-standing and hand-held chuppah poles are available for rent. These poles are generally available in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas, or elsewhere under special circumstances. Please contact me for additional details.
Q -- How long will it take for a chuppah set to be made?
A -- Generally 6 to 8 weeks after a final design is selected. The complexity of the design will determine the actual time requirements.
Q -- Are the poles free-standing or does someone need to hold them?
A -- We make both types of poles. Free-standing poles are constructed to be exceptionally stable, with a weighted base enclosed in wood that is designed to match the poles themselves. While any pole may be knocked over if pushed far enough, with proper usage it will remain upright even on a windy day. Our hand-held poles are made of a combination of woods and provide an opportunity for members of the family to friends to be more intimately involved in the ceremony.
Q -- Some poles have decorative tops. Are there options regarding tops?
A -- The hand-held poles come with either "plain" finials or more decorative finials representing Jewish themes: a kiddush cup for ritual, a pomegranate representing righteousness and fruitfulness, a house representing the couple's home together, and a book representing knowledge and learning. I also have a larger set of these finials which can be used on the free-standing poles. Custom finials are also available. Please see my gallery page for examples of available finials.
Q -- How much input will I have in choosing a design?
A -- You can have as much input into the process as you like. After initial conversations, we can meet in person to discuss the design and your ideas. I have a number of small samples of finished poles and woods to examine, but they are only a starting point. You get to choose the wood and the design. I can offer suggestions if you like, but the design will be yours!
Q -- Do you offer fabric for the chuppah canopy?
A -- I can provide a number of different fabrics for rental poles, including a selection of colorful large talleisim. Because the dimensions of the rental poles can be adjusted, I can generally accommodate your own fabric. I don't normally provide fabric for custom made poles since most folks already have a fabric in mind but if needed I can help with obtaining an appropriate fabric.
Q -- What size chuppah will the poles support?
A -- The poles will support any chuppah up to approximately 8'x 8', depending on the weight of the fabric you choose.
Q -- Where can I find reviews of your work and chuppahs?
A -- I've included a few testimonials at the bottom of the custom poles section and the rental poles section of my site. But please also check out my page on WeddingWire for more reviews!
A -- A chuppah, (also transliterated as "chuppa" or "huppah" or "huppa") is the Hebrew word for canopy or roof. It's a traditional wedding canopy used in Jewish marriage ceremonies. The poles, together with a fabric "roof" symbolize the first home the new couple will create together. The open sides of the chuppah are meant to symbolize the openness of the new home to family, friends, and needy strangers.
Q -- Are any poles available for rental?
A -- Yes, a limited number of free-standing and hand-held chuppah poles are available for rent. These poles are generally available in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas, or elsewhere under special circumstances. Please contact me for additional details.
Q -- How long will it take for a chuppah set to be made?
A -- Generally 6 to 8 weeks after a final design is selected. The complexity of the design will determine the actual time requirements.
Q -- Are the poles free-standing or does someone need to hold them?
A -- We make both types of poles. Free-standing poles are constructed to be exceptionally stable, with a weighted base enclosed in wood that is designed to match the poles themselves. While any pole may be knocked over if pushed far enough, with proper usage it will remain upright even on a windy day. Our hand-held poles are made of a combination of woods and provide an opportunity for members of the family to friends to be more intimately involved in the ceremony.
Q -- Some poles have decorative tops. Are there options regarding tops?
A -- The hand-held poles come with either "plain" finials or more decorative finials representing Jewish themes: a kiddush cup for ritual, a pomegranate representing righteousness and fruitfulness, a house representing the couple's home together, and a book representing knowledge and learning. I also have a larger set of these finials which can be used on the free-standing poles. Custom finials are also available. Please see my gallery page for examples of available finials.
Q -- How much input will I have in choosing a design?
A -- You can have as much input into the process as you like. After initial conversations, we can meet in person to discuss the design and your ideas. I have a number of small samples of finished poles and woods to examine, but they are only a starting point. You get to choose the wood and the design. I can offer suggestions if you like, but the design will be yours!
Q -- Do you offer fabric for the chuppah canopy?
A -- I can provide a number of different fabrics for rental poles, including a selection of colorful large talleisim. Because the dimensions of the rental poles can be adjusted, I can generally accommodate your own fabric. I don't normally provide fabric for custom made poles since most folks already have a fabric in mind but if needed I can help with obtaining an appropriate fabric.
Q -- What size chuppah will the poles support?
A -- The poles will support any chuppah up to approximately 8'x 8', depending on the weight of the fabric you choose.
Q -- Where can I find reviews of your work and chuppahs?
A -- I've included a few testimonials at the bottom of the custom poles section and the rental poles section of my site. But please also check out my page on WeddingWire for more reviews!