Smashing a glass under the chuppah is THE defining moment of a Jewish wedding (not that I’m biased or anything!).
There are so many beautiful explanations for why exactly we break the glass – you can read some of them here – but whichever you choose to believe, there’s no denying that breaking a glass under the chuppah is one of the most meaningful Jewish wedding traditions.
While some Jewish couples will opt to smash a cheap wine glass or even a light bulb, I’m seeing more and more STG readers opt to pick out a colorful glass specifically intended to be made into a bespoke wedding memento once the big day has passed – and this is one trend I absolutely adore!
There are wonderful glass artists out there who’ll work with you to turn your chuppah glass shards into a mezuzah, kiddush cup, picture frame, or so much more, and what could be more meaningful than a Judaica object or piece of art that is literally made of the love you and your partner shared on your special day – and continue to share every day after?
However, once you’ve decided you like the idea of having your broken glass from under the chuppah made into a keepsake, there are lots of choices to be made, and it can be tricky to sort through it all.
That’s why we were so delighted to chat with Talia Cywiak, the incredibly talented glass artist behind Talia C, about all things chuppah glass art.
Talia is such a font of wisdom – as well as a truly delightful person – and we so appreciate her sharing her insights into everything from why you might want to make a keepsake from your broken chuppah glass shards, to how exactly the process of turning your broken pieces into an art object works, to some of the most popular and attractive items to make with your glass. If you’ve yet to smash that glass – or if you have your old shards hidden away somewhere from years back – read on!
Why Make a Smash Glass Keepsake?
Plenty of couples will keep their smashed glass shards in a pouch as a souvenir, but it’s so easy for them to be forgotten at the back of the drawer or the bottom of a box this way – how much better would it be to turn those broken glass pieces into a keepsake you can cherish each day?
A Piece of Your Wedding Day to Cherish
There are so few physical mementos from your wedding that you get to take home with you after the day has drawn to a close – and even fewer you can display proudly in your home. A keepsake made from the shards of your chuppah glass – whether a decorative piece or a functional Judaica item – is the perfect reminder of your love for one another.
This wonderful mission of keeping all those beautiful memories of your wedding day, and all the love and commitment that day symbolizes, alive is exactly what inspired Talia C to develop her beautiful collection of Jewish wedding glass breaking kits, which not only ensure you’ll end up with a stunning heirloom-quality souvenir but also make the process as easy as can be.
The Ultimate Personalized Wedding Gift
While plenty of couples will purchase a chuppah glass kit for their own wedding, one of these sets also makes a wonderful, meaningful present to another engaged couple in your life – if you’re looking to gift friends or family approaching their big day with something a truly unforgettable, unique Jewish wedding gift, set them up with everything they need to create a beautiful keepsake item out of their smashed glass shards.
How It Works
If You Don’t Yet Have a Glass
If you’ve yet to smash the glass, by far the easiest way to guarantee a stunning chuppah glass keepsake is to order a kit that includes everything you need for the big day.
Talia C. offers Jewish wedding glass breaking kits that include a beautiful glass in the color of your choice and a pouch to smash it in. After the big day, you’ll send the shards back to her after the big day to be transformed into a mezuzah, kiddush cup, picture frame, or whatever you choose from Talia’s wonderful array of options (which she’s constantly expanding!).
Whatever you choose, you can opt to have your names and/or wedding date added if you like, too. Once your keepsake item is complete, Talia mails back the completed artwork, as well as the extra shards placed in a small bottle.
