3D Ketubahs
Make your statement of marriage come Alive...
5 STEPS TO THE PERFECT KETUBAH
What do ketubahs, wedding dresses, and husbands all have in common? Once you find the right one, you just know!
Shopping for a ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract from ancient tradition, is a very subjective and personal process. The possibilities are virtually limitless, so we set out to help guide you through the process. We asked 3D ketubah & Judaica artist Gabrielle Mizrachi-Mallin from 3D Ketubahs and Ashra Designs 3D Judaic Art to provide her insight into finding the perfect ketubah that speaks to you as a couple, without getting overwhelmed.
5 Steps to Finding the Perfect Ketubah:
Step 1 - About 3-6 months before the wedding, you should begin looking for your ketubah. This will give you time to consider all of the design, text, and font options. This also allows for any personalization or custom work, for example if you personalize your ketubah text or commission an artist to create a special custom ketubah design.
For 3D ketubahs, Gabrielle asks couples to give her about 6 weeks to create and ship their ketubah. This also includes working with their Rabbi to ensure that the text is perfect. If the couple decides on a flat print instead of a 3D ketubah, the turn around time is much shorter and can range from 1 to 3 weeks.
Step 2 – Start with the internet. You can browse mazelmoments.com for ketubah artists, or even search Pinterest for ketubah photo inspiration. Once you start looking, you will begin to get a sense of the style of ketubah that appeals the most, whether it be a traditional, modern, illustrated, photographed, papercut, graphic, simple, etc. Once you have a style you like, the process will begin to feel more focused.
If you find a particular ketubah artist’s work that you love, but don’t see the exact ketubah that’s right for you, you can contact the artist about creating a custom ketubah. While this is the most expensive option, it is perfect for couples who want a unique ketubah design that is theirs alone. This is where having extra time can be helpful in keeping the process stress-free.
Step 3 – Visit your local Judaica shop. It’s beneficial to see the ketubah designs in person, and will also give you a better idea of the size and scale of the ketubahs. A Judaica gallery that displays ketubahs that are already framed can also provide ideas for framing. You can also visit a framing shop to get a visual image of what the complete ketubah will look like.
Step 4 – Order your ketubah. If you’re ordering from an online store be aware that the ketubah may actually be a “picture” of the ketubah print. You can get the original print by ordering the ketubah directly from the artist’s website, or from a website that sells prints from the artist. These ketubahs are signed and numbered by the artist.
Step 5 – Triple check your ketubah proof. Have your family verify the information is correct, including English and Hebrew names. It is ALWAYS a good idea for the Hebrew text to be proofed by the Rabbi officiating the wedding to ensure that there are no typos or errors.
Mazel Tov on your upcoming wedding!
JEWISH WEDDING TRENDS - 3D KETUBAHS
3D ketubahs themselves seem to be something new to the market, and have only recently begun to catch on. A 3D ketubah is in most cases a ketubah that has additional elements added to the top of the design to create dimension and add drama to the overall look.
3D ketubahs are gaining popularity because couples are desiring a document that reflects their own commitment of marriage, and is also a gorgeous piece of art. They are attracted to the drama that the 3-dimensionality adds to the overall design and how it brings an otherwise flat piece of paper to life. Beautiful art is important, relevant, and timeless, which can represent how couples view their own upcoming marriage.
For Gabrielle, creating 3D Ketubahs and Judaica was the result of a “light bulb” moment in the shower! She loved researching Judaic symbols, including the meanings of each of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, but something was missing. When it popped into her head to make the designs “3D”, she felt like she was finally on the right track artistically. And so Ashra Designs :: Judaic Art Creations and 3D Ketubahs was born.
There seem to be 2 different kinds of 3D ketubahs. The majority of the available designs are papercut ketubahs that allow a background and text to show through. The second type are ketubahs that feature elements of the design affixed to top of the ketubah. Most of these ketubot add one or more additional layer to the ketubah itself creating a 3 dimensional effect. Gabrielle explains her 3D ketubah designs, “My ketubahs fall into the second category where elements of the design are added to the top of the print, but I take a very different approach. My designs are created with the knowledge that they will be built into a 3D frame of 8-12 layers that will surround the ketubah text. I hand-cut and intricately trim each piece needed to create the 3D frame, and also add small rhinestones with a subtle hand to add drama and light to the design. A matted print of the ketubah is added to the back of the frame. This removable layer is the document that will be signed at the ketubah signing ceremony. An opening on the 3D ketubah frame allows the signed ketubah text to show through, completing the dramatic 3-dimensional design. All of her 3D ketubot come with a shadowbox frame.
Couples seem to be gravitating towards designs that have a clean and modern look, yet are still filled with symbolism that communicates the feelings that the couple share. Ketubah symbols can be Jewish symbols such as kiddush cups or a hamsa, symbols from nature such as flowers or water, or any symbol that speaks to the couple and represents their relationship. This ketubah trend is also reflected in the text choices made by many couples. They want to choose words that are a true reflection of their relationship and what they feel they want their marriage to be. Many couples that choose traditional Orthodox and Conservative Hebrew texts, (which reflect the legal obligations of the groom to the bride), are choosing not to have their English text be a direct translation of the contract, but instead, are choosing and English text that speaks from their hearts about the their commitment to the union. In some cases, couples even provide their own text that is unique and personal to them.
3D Judaic art and 3D ketubah designs that are filled with symbolism and reflect Jewish rituals and traditions, can make a meaningful and thoughtful gift. According to Gabrielle, people seem to be drawn to certain designs based on the symbols and colors when purchasing for an event. “Chai” seems to be very popular for Bat-Mitzvahs, “Legacy” for Bar-Mitzvahs, and “The Well Within” for those with illness. She also has a number of Home Blessings designs which make wonderful wedding gifts.