Rating: 
Summary: Simply the finestand most complete resource anywhere.
Review: As a congregational rabbi, I was for many years at
a loss for the kind of book I could refer couples
to that would give them all that they needed to plan their wedding in the fullness of Jewish tradition, yet would also inspire them to make their wedding as meaningful and as special as it could be. When my own wedding day approached a few years ago, a friend gave me and my then bride-to-be a copy of this book, and it was simply the most useful and exciting book on the topic I had ever seen - nothing else comes close. The author's inclusion of meticulously-researched information regarding the traditions surrounding Jewish weddings, as well as her creative and innovative suggestions, blended with straightforward, sensible advice on practical matters make this book a 10+. It stands in a league by itself. I purchased a number of copies in bulk, and now give them out to every couple who comes to see me about officiating at their wedding. Simply fantastic!
Howard L. Jaffe, Warren, NJ
Rating: 
Summary: A good reference if you are entering an interfaith marriage
Review: As someone beginning to plan an interfaith marriage and who had no knowledge of Judiaism before meeting my fiance, this book was a good beginning. Diamant offers a step-by-step outline of a traditional Jewish ceremony, as well as the "before" and "after"--the tenaim, the ketubah and reception ideas. Also included are some guidelines about what is usually allowed or disallowed for interfaith couples and suggestions about how to still incorporate the Jewish feel to certain things (like the mikvah bath for the non-Jewish partner).
Rating: 
Summary: Welcome to *your* Jewish wedding
Review: Dear Brides and Grooms -- and friends. The New Jewish Wedding was written to help you become the architect of your own Jewish wedding, to be a doorway into the beauties and choices of Jewish weddings and Jewish living. I am working on a new, updated edition of this book, which will update the resources and such. (When it was published in 1986, there were no .coms to shop for a ketubah!) In the meanwhile,however, the basics of Jewish tradition do apply. I hope this book becomes a part of your beautiful wedding memories. Mazel tov to you and those who love you.
Rating:
Summary: A Life Saver
Review: For a secular Jew who still wanted a wedding that reflected my heritage, this book was priceless. It gives all the history as well as the nitty-gritty details. I just picked the traditions that would be meaningful to me. My mother-in-law, who is even less religious than I am, read it to have an idea of what was going on...
Rating: 
Summary: Not all its cracked up to be
Review: Good overall, but I don't think it deserves the reputation it seems to have as "the only Jewish Wedding book you'll ever need." For that it would need to be much better organized. For example, the author could have included an actual outline of the Jewish ceremony from Kabbalat Panim through Yichud. Instead, she peppers the book with references to all these things, leaving the reader to wonder how it all falls into place. The Jewish wedding ritual has an order and a rhythm to it, so there's no reason for her NOT to have described it all in order - except, perhaps, that she wanted to fill out the book! To get the most out of A New Jewish Wedding, you should have some prior knowledge. So order the book, and while you're waiting for it to arrive, do some of your own research on the 'net. (Aish.com's "Guide to the Jewish Wedding" is a pretty good place to start...
Rating:
Summary: Amazingly helpful book for the clueless
Review: I married a Jewish man this August and this book was a lifesaver! My dear mother-in-law got me a copy and it proved invaluable. Anita Daimant is great at explaining things clearly and simply without condecension. Additionally, she understands that each person's experience within Judaism is different. She provides various translations for wedding blessings and poems which will fit almost everyone's experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially the non-Jew or newly converted, who are having a Jewish wedding.
Rating:
Summary: Amazingly helpful book for the clueless
Review: I married a Jewish man this August and this book was a lifesaver! My dear mother-in-law got me a copy and it proved invaluable. Anita Daimant is great at explaining things clearly and simply without condecension. Additionally, she understands that each person's experience within Judaism is different. She provides various translations for wedding blessings and poems which will fit almost everyone's experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially the non-Jew or newly converted, who are having a Jewish wedding.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource ! My fiance has already read it twice!
Review: I originally bought this book from amazon when I first got engaged. My fiance and I are both jewish and have been to many many jewish weddings, but I wanted to learn more. So, I found this book because of all the glowing reviews! And I would like to add another one! As I said in the title, I read it once and since I kept telling my fiance little tidbits that I didn't know or things that were interesting, he asked to borrow the book. After his first reading he said that he wanted to review certain sections, highlight them and then pass this book onto his mother! I really found Diamant's book to be greatly inspiring and full of explainations on what parts are necessary in a jewish ceremony and what parts are customs and why. She really appeals to a large audience because she does not assume you have to be orthodox to understand or take part in anything she discusses. This book has also inspired me to have a Friday night "Sabbath" dinner with close family before our wedding and integrate some rituals I didn't know about previously, like both mothers breaking a plate. (Read the book to find out what it means!) And since I am having a long engagement, I am going to have to refresh my memory soon because when I read it I just remember saying out loud "Oh, that is so cool! I want that to happen during my ceremony too!" BUY THIS BOOK! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource ! My fiance has already read it twice!
Review: I originally bought this book from amazon when I first got engaged. My fiance and I are both jewish and have been to many many jewish weddings, but I wanted to learn more. So, I found this book because of all the glowing reviews! And I would like to add another one! As I said in the title, I read it once and since I kept telling my fiance little tidbits that I didn't know or things that were interesting, he asked to borrow the book. After his first reading he said that he wanted to review certain sections, highlight them and then pass this book onto his mother! I really found Diamant's book to be greatly inspiring and full of explainations on what parts are necessary in a jewish ceremony and what parts are customs and why. She really appeals to a large audience because she does not assume you have to be orthodox to understand or take part in anything she discusses. This book has also inspired me to have a Friday night "Sabbath" dinner with close family before our wedding and integrate some rituals I didn't know about previously, like both mothers breaking a plate. (Read the book to find out what it means!) And since I am having a long engagement, I am going to have to refresh my memory soon because when I read it I just remember saying out loud "Oh, that is so cool! I want that to happen during my ceremony too!" BUY THIS BOOK! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!
Rating:
Summary: THE book to buy!
Review: I wrote a not quite positive review of another book in this category and received several responses wanting to know which book I DID recommend. Now that my wedding is over, the thank-yous are (nearly) done, and the scrapbooks are being put together, I can finally write the review I wanted to write for this book! THIS IS THE BOOK! I have directed everyone who has asked to read it, cover to cover (if time permits) for its excellent guidance through the religious aspects of wedding planning. When I recently relinquished my dog-eared and tabbed copy to another bride to be, I was amazed at how much of the information I found relevant/meaningful enough to "tab" for inclusion in our wedding disscussions/ceremony/program. The whole first section "Making the Tradition Your Own" really got me off on the right foot. My fiance converted about a year ago, and it was really important to both of us that the wedding speak not only to us, but to our non-Jewish family members and friends. This book really deals with these issues in a modern, egalitarian way. A good deal of the text from our wedding program was culled from this book. It is clear and concise, without being preachy or didactic. It speaks to the beauty of the Jewish wedding traditions without making one or the other better. In addition, this book does not discount the groom's role in crafting the wedding of HIS dreams! So many other wedding guides are filled with frilly verse and discussions of dresses and flowers. This one gives you the information you need so that you, your spouse, and your guests will remember the ceremony, not just the weather and the "franks in blanks!" Whatever book you choose, and whatever you decide, I wish you ease of planning, and a day in which you are surrounded by the love of your family and friends! Mazel tov to all brides and grooms to be!
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