Green(er) Chuppahs, by guest contributor Simmy Haber

The chuppah, or wedding canopy, has been part of Jewish wedding ceremonies for generations, but you don't have to be Jewish to like the idea of getting married under a beautiful canopy! Couples from all backgrounds can incorporate this lovely wedding tradition. The chuppah symbolizes a couple's first "home" as husband and wife, and in today's eco-chic weddings, chuppahs are becoming more personalized, providing the perfect opportunity to express individual style and earth-friendly values.

Image: Personal Choices, Perfect Celebration

Since there are no rules for creating your chuppah-other than making sure the couple and officiant fit underneath-you're only limited by your imagination. There are practical concerns: you'll need to consider whether you can suspend the chuppah from an arbor or some existing structure at the ceremony site. If not, it's customary to have the chuppah attached to four poles, which can be held by helpers during the ceremony, or placed into sturdy anchors such as weighted flowerpots.

 Handmade chuppah poles can take on special significance, and even become heirlooms. The poles shown below, created by the groom's father, were made from branches gathered from his property. The bride and groom's name are etched onto the poles, which will be handed down at the next family wedding.

Image: Home Brewed Wedding Celebration

 Many couples look to their florist to create a chuppah, but this can get pricey. Instead of stretching your budget on a florist-made canopy, gather natural materials such as branches and vines to craft a beautiful and budget-friendly chuppah yourself.

Image: Tree Free in NC

If you would like to incorporate flowers, choose local, seasonal, and/or organic blooms.

Image: California Vineyard Wedding

You might also consider silk flowers that you can re-use, like this couple did.

Image: Green Wedding in Winter

There are just as many options for creating the chuppah itself. Some couples use a tallit, or prayer shawl, from a family member. The couple pictured below used an afghan made by the groom's grandmother.

Image: Trekkies in Texas

For this wedding, a talented bride and her mother collaborated on a chuppah.

Image: Perfect Picnic Wedding

If you're not that crafty, consider asking friends and family to embellish squares of fabric, and then have a local quilter combine them into a quilt. For a memorable touch, print out images of friends or family onto the fabric; this is a special way to feel the presence of family members who can't be with you on your wedding day.

 If you want something truly spectacular that can become a gorgeous and lasting family heirloom, consider a custom chuppah, handmade by a professional. This will last long after the food and flowers, and can be used again at other family celebrations.  Find a chuppah maker who can design the chuppah of your dreams, or take a look at the wealth of beautiful ready-made chuppahs online for inspiration.

Image: Simmy Haber

 Whether they are purchased from a quilter or made by the bride herself, chuppahs can be crafted using eco-friendly techniques and materials such as organic cotton, fabric colored with safer dyes, hemp or "peace" silks, or vintage or repurposed fabrics. Quilted chuppahs can incorporate batting with organic cotton and/or bamboo, a more sustainable plant.

Image: A Weekend of Fun in North Carolina

 Don't just tuck your beautiful canopy away after the ceremony! Chuppah fabrics can do double duty as reception decor, or can be worked into the decor of your new home as a reminder of your wedding day. One bride and groom hung their chuppah over their bed after the wedding. "Every morning when I wake up," the husband says, "it's like getting married all over again!"

 Most importantly, remember to cherish those special moments standing under the chuppah during your ceremony, face to face with your soon-to-be spouse. In the swirl of activity on your wedding day, the chuppah, your first home together, is a place to soak in the joy of your love for each other.

Guest blogger Simmy Haber creates one-of-a-kind contemporary chuppahs from her studio in Boulder, CO. She works with silk and cotton, and can incorporate eco-friendly features.