Editing Chuppah (section)

== The Mitzvah ==
In the Torah, we don't find explicit reference to making a Chuppah before a groom marries his betrothed. It only states "and who has betrothed a woman and not taken her," which refers to the taking of marriage. According to basic law, if he is intimate with her for the purpose of marriage, she is considered married.

However, it is not the way of the Jewish people to conduct intimacy publicly, rather there are witnesses to this seclusion. Even if we say witnesses aren't required for the Chuppah, it still must be public, since blessings must be recited before the marriage and the Sheva Brachos (Seven Blessings) must follow. Therefore, our Sages established that the Chuppah should be at the place of marriage, and it has always been so, even in the time of the prophets, as it is written "like a groom emerging from his Chuppah" and "a bride from her Chuppah," and certainly this is how Moshe Rabbeinu led the Jewish people.

The Rebbe's Chuppah was at night after tzeis hakochavim (nightfall).

The clothes that the Chosson and Kallah wear at the Chuppah should be new.

The Chosson must wear a new kittel (white garment) at the Chuppah, and over the kittel he should wear a coat.

During the Chuppah, the Chosson should not have (in his pocket or hands) any items of silver, gold, precious stones, or the like. Also, before going to the Chuppah, the Chosson should untie all knots in his garments, including shoelaces and tie.

The Chosson and Kallah are escorted to the Chuppah with lit candles in hand by the "Shoshbinim" - two married couples. The custom is that the Chosson's Shoshbinim are the two fathers, and the Kallah's Shoshbinos are the two mothers.

If one of the mothers is pregnant or if a parent is in a second marriage - it's advisable that in addition to them, another married couple should serve as Shoshbinim.