Do we need to have a challah at our ceremony?
Wedding Challah [a large braided loaf of egg-rich bread] is a tradition at the reception of Jewish Weddings. Prior to the meal being served, there is a wine and challah blessing. It is not a requirement, but if you have practicing Jews at the reception, they might miss it.
It is customary to ask your rabbi to lead the brachot [prayers] for this. If you are fortunate enough to have grandparents at your wedding, asking them to lead the blessings [provided they are familiar with the ritual], it is a great way to involve them in your wedding. We have found that many of the grandparents asked take great joy and honor to be included in this way. If you do not have any grandparents to ask, ask your parents.
Wedding challah is a large bread that can feed everyone. Some couples choose small one that is eaten by the head table. In Oakland area, Grand Bakery [3264 Grand Ave Oakland , CA 94610 510-465-1110 ] makes kosher challah. If your event is not kosher, Russian bakeries make good challah, not necessarily kosher.
You can place the wine, kiddush cup, challah and knife on a moving cart to be wheeled out to dining area. After the prayer, wheeled back off to the side.
Want to try your hand at baking one of these braided goodies? The Budding Baker has posted her favorite challah recipe and it just happens to be a family tradition.
