Ketubah Design: How to Choose?

Why the Ketubah You Pick Is Important

Your ketubah is more than just a pretty piece of paper for your wedding; it’s a strong symbol of your values, your marriage, and your plans for the future. The style, text, language, and presentation you choose can say a lot about you as a couple.

Choosing the right ketubah means making a thoughtful blend of choices about how it looks, how it makes you feel, and how it will work for you. You might like traditional Jewish symbols or modern minimalism.

Step 1: Pick the Style of Your Ketubah

There are many artistic styles of ketubot, from classic designs that never go out of style to modern designs that are very bold:

• Traditional designs are based on Jewish culture and include menorahs, vines, Jerusalem architecture, lions, and floral borders.
• Modern and Abstract: Straight lines, geometric shapes, and artistic depictions of nature or love.
• Papercut: Beautiful layered methods with deep meaning.
• Art that is LGBTQ+ friendly: Pictures of people of different genders or same-sex couples.
• Intercultural and interfaith designs show two different backgrounds or shared modern values.

Need some ideas? Look at both Traditional and Modern Ketubah Art and Designs.

Step 2: Choose the Right Text for Your Ketubah

Picking the right text helps you show how you feel about each other and fits your ceremony perfectly:

• Orthodox (Aramaic): A traditional legal text that is mostly about obligations (halachic).
• Conservative with Lieberman Clause: Safeguards rights upon divorce.
• Reform / Egalitarian (Hebrew-English): Puts love, respect, and working together first.
• Interfaith or secular: Language that is open to people from all backgrounds.
• Custom-written texts that are romantic, poetic, spiritual, and fit your voice perfectly.

Need help? Check out our full Guide to Ketubah Texts.

Step 3: Language and Translation

You can make ketubot in:

• Aramaic: The standard legal form.
• Hebrew today.
• English: Or bilingual for ease of use.
• We can speak French, Spanish, or other languages on request.

Most couples choose bilingual versions, like Hebrew and English or Aramaic and English.

Step 4: Choose the Size, Layout, and Frame Options.

• Common sizes for ketubahs are 16×20″ and 19×25″.
• Things to think about when laying out: One or two text columns, depending on the languages used.
• Framing Advice: We recommend acid-free picture mats and high quality glass.

Want some ideas? Check out our guide on how to Frame and Display Your Ketubah.

Step 5: Work with Your Officiant

Always check your ketubah text with your rabbi or officiant, especially if:

• You are getting married in a halachic Orthodox or Conservative way.
• You want to write your own text.
• You are adding certain rules or customs, like the Lieberman Clause.

Step 6: Place Your Order On Time!

To make sure planning goes smoothly:

• Order at least 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.
• Give yourself time to proofread, personalize, and frame.
• Expedited options might be available for orders placed at the last minute.

Step 7: Putting Your Ketubah on Display

Most couples show their ketubah:

• At the signing ceremony, which was before the chuppah.
• Under the chuppah for guests to see.
• At home, framed as meaningful art.

Pick a design that works well with both the ceremony and where you will live in the future.

Things You Shouldn’t Do

• Taking too long to order your ketubah.
• Not going over the text with your officiant.
• Picking a text that is too long for the design you like.
• Not checking the dimensions before framing.

Questions That Are Often Asked (FAQ)

How long before the wedding should we order our ketubah? It would be best to do it 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding so that you have time to make changes and get it delivered.

Should we show the ketubah during the ceremony? Yes, a lot of couples put it under the chuppah or near the door.

Can we write our own vows in the ketubah? Yes, especially in secular, interfaith, or reform ceremonies.

Can I pick a text that is bilingual? Yes, most designs can easily fit both Aramaic/Hebrew and English texts.

Last Thoughts and Next Steps

Your ketubah is one of the few things from your wedding that will really last forever. It’s more than just a contract; it’s a piece of art, a spiritual symbol, and a picture of your love.

Look through our collection of artistic ketubot made by Danny Azoulay: See the Ketubah Collection

Are you still not sure? Get in touch with us for a free meeting with the artist.

Make your ketubah as special as your love story.