history of the chuppah

In Talmudic times, the chuppah, or marriage tent, was provided by the groom's father for the wedding ceremony and consummation afterward.  By the 16th century  the chuppah had evolved into 4 handheld branches. When a child was born, the family planted a tree, and its branches would be used years later for chuppah poles. The canopy was made from a garment, usually a talis or a veil.

Today, a chuppah is a fabric canopy attached to a 4- post temporary structure. It symbolizes the home a couple will create together.  It should be open on all four sides to symbolize a welcome home. Customarily, the canopy is beautiful yet modest, and may be any style, size, design or material a couple desires.