I am a catholic and so is my bride to be. My parents are Catholic. My bride's father is Jewish and my bride's mother is Catholic. My bride's parents are no longer married. It was suggested to us by my Bride's stepmother to perform a glass breaking at the reception (but not at the ceremony). Is there anything wrong with this from the standpoint of Jewish law or Catholic law?
Some of my interfaith couples who felt uncomfortable breaking the glass at the ceremony for varying reasons have broken the glass at their reception instead.
The breaking of the glass began as part of a cultural wedding ritual that later became religious in nature. Many meanings have been attributed to the breaking of the glass, from the religious to the poetic. The one that my intermarrying couples often like is that the glass is broken with an implied prayer: (Bride's name) and (Groom's name), may you stay together until all the broken pieces are put back together again. It symbolizes that marriage is a transformative experience. The couple remains forever changed and united.
Remember that it is a JOYOUS ritual. Crush, "Mazel Tov!" and everyone cheers! It indicates the end of the ceremony, and the beginning of festivities. So, a good time to break it would be at the very beginning of your reception.
I personally think it wonderful to honor your Jewish relatives in this way.
Breaking Glass
