Gena and Tony’s chuppah | Photo by Lara Hotz
Yesss to DIY chuppahs! There’s something so meaningful about standing under a canopy you’ve built with your own hands (and if you’re looking for a full-on tutorial, we’ve got them here and here) – it really becomes a symbol of the home you’re creating together. That said, sizing it right is one of the most common questions we hear from couples. Let’s walk through how to make sure yours feels just right.
Who’s Standing With You?
The first thing you need to know is who’ll be standing under the chuppah with you. You’ll need your chuppah to accommodate a minimum of three – the two of you and your officiant. A good rule of thumb for a basic square chuppah footprint is about 5 feet x 5 feet.
If you’re picturing parents, siblings, or anyone else standing with you, or you just want it to feel a bit more expansive, consider bumping it up to around 6 feet x 6 feet – or even larger if you have the space, depending on the size of your crowd.
Don’t Forget the Height
Figuring out the correct height for your chuppah is just as important as getting the width right. You don’t want to be ducking under your own chuppah – and from a practical standpoint, you want the fabric to hang nicely without brushing the top of your heads.
A good rule of thumb is to make the lowest point of the canopy at least 6.5 to 7 feet, or even higher if anyone in your party is especially tall. If you’re outdoors with a high ceiling or open sky, going even taller (up to 8 feet) can feel pleasingly dramatic.
Lauren and Andrew‘s chuppah | Photo by Jaclyn Simpson
Measure the Space First
Before you settle on your final dimensions, if you can it’s a smart idea to visit your venue (or send a local representative, whether that’s a relative, friend, or planner) and do a little measuring test. Masking tape on the ground (or chalk, if your chuppah will take place outside) marking the footprint you think you want is the a great way to figure out if it feels too wide, too narrow, or just right.
Elsa and Stephane‘s chuppah | Photo by Moonriverprod
Hand-Held vs. Free-Standing
Are you planning on a freestanding chuppah, or will friends or family be holding the poles throughout the ceremony?
Hand-held chuppahs tend to be a bit smaller and lighter to make them easier to handle. Freestanding chuppahs work better larger – you’ll want sturdy poles and a solid base so they stay safe and upright.
Devorah and Yitzchak‘s chuppah | Photo by aya-avi
Fabric & Drape
Don’t forget that the canopy fabric will add visual weight and affect how the space feels. Heavier fabrics drape more, lighter fabrics float and feel romantic – but both change how big your chuppah looks. If you want a generous drape or cascading florals, a slightly bigger structure gives you more room to play.
Do you have a wedding-related question that you’d like me to answer in Dear Karen? Either email me or leave it in the comments section below. I look forward to hearing from you!
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