What is a kippah?
A kippah (plural kippot), also called a yarmulke in Yiddish, is a small, cloth head covering that serves as a Jewish sign of respect. It represents humility and a reminder that there is something greater than ourselves above us.
When officiating weddings, I do not require that you have kippot available or that the couple or any particular subset of guests wear them. Personally, I will be wearing a kippah while officiating and I am always delighted to wear one of yours if you provide them!
How many kippot should we order?
If you’re providing kippot for your guests, a good rule of thumb is to order enough for about one third of your total guest count.
One third tends to be a good starting point because while people of any gender can wear a kippah, at many weddings it’s more common for men to wear one. Jewish and non-Jewish guests are all welcome to wear a kippah. In practice, it’s more common for Jewish guests who are familiar with a kippah to do so. You know your guests best, so feel free to adjust up or down based on who’s coming!
What about the couple?
Some grooms choose to wear a kippah for the ketubah signing and the ceremony. This is completely optional; whatever feels comfortable for the two of you is perfect. A kippah can be a special reminder of the distinctiveness and sanctity of the wedding ceremony, but only to the extent that it doesn’t feel too foreign or uncomfortable for you.
Extra kippot
Some couples like to order or set aside a few extra kippot to keep. They make sweet keepsakes, and you can bring them out for holidays and family celebrations for years to come!