This week, The Wedding Yentas will feature some of the oldies-but-goodies that newer readers may not have seen! These posts will explain some of the most important or popular traditions, showcase some favorite photos, and give you a little stroll down Yenta Memory Lane. Today, it’s important to remind all brides and grooms that the ink on the ketubah matters!! Read ahead so you don’t make the mistake and use a Papermate pen. It is not your ketubah’s mate… at all.
Before your public wedding ceremony, you’ll gather with your officiant and immediate family for the ketubah signing. I’ll talk about this in detail in future blogs, but this traditional ceremony essentially makes the bride and groom officially married. You’re signing the Jewish version of a marriage contract, so it’s important to be sure that your ink will last all the years to come.
So how do you choose a pen that embalms your Judah Hancock into foreverness?
Avoid pens that feather or bleed. You also want to be certain that your ink won’t fade over time, even if your ketubah soaks up sunlight and UV light. Waterproof pens are also a good idea because someone in your family will be crying tears of joy (I have my money down on a mom). Therefore, you should make sure to use an archival pigment ink pen, which you can find at any framing or art store.
Brands we recommend:
As you sign your ketubah, be sure the ink has dried before wrapping or rolling it up. You’d hate to smear your document!
And never, ever use a felt tip pen like a Sharpie because it will bleed into the paper and potentially damage any art on your ketubah. Leave any damages to the appropriate glass portion of the ceremony!
Images courtesy of Eight20 Photography. Ketubah designed by Rachel Deitsch.
