The Israeli Wedding

Over the past two weeks, I have been to two Israeli weddings. There have been a few things that are worth mentioning:

1) A couple either loves or hates mizrachi music. Either way, there may or may not be a short or long Hora set.
2) The super frum family members get airplane meals- even at the kosher wedding.
3) The chuppah takes about 15 minutes total and often there are not even seats- people stand (and applaud). Some people don't move from their tables, even when they can't see what is happening.
4) In the states, there is often a speach about Ish, Isha and God, here it is Chatan=nachat, Kallah=haKol. Different words, still repetative.
5) When chairs are not easily accessable, lift the couple on your shoulders.
6) If you wear a tie to a friend's wedding, an employee of the hall, or even a distant relative that has not "seen" you since your Bar Mitzvah might wish you a mazal tov- thinking that you are the groom.
7) Anything from strapless gowns to jeans are appropriate guest attire- at the same wedding.
8) It is not out of the ordinary for the bar tenders to come around the dance floor with shots and bottles of alcohol- I mean who doesn't think that it is important to stay hydrated...
9) Smoking indoors is allowed and therefore why would it not be ok for individuals to smoke at the tables, on the dancefloor or even right next to the chuppah.
10) Common for weddings to be on a weeknight- and since people have to work that day, the chuppah does not usually begin until 8:30 (or later).
11) mmmmmm.....meat........
12) Toasts are recited by table- there is no dais. Therefore there are no limits on how many toasts are recited....Russians drink a lot of vodka, and are occationally poets.
13) Whistling can either bring on another toast or signal that you want the photographer to come over...sometimes both.
14) YMCA is still popular.
15) Almost any song can be put to a techno/trance beat.
16) It is common to bring your children to the wedding. They often sit on the floor at the foot of the chuppah and pick their noses.
17) There is a ton of great dancing! (which is made even better when you have someone to dance with)