What marks the end of the wedding?
The reception officially ends with the group recitation of birkat hamazon, the grace after meals. The prayer is preceded by the singing of Psalm 126, indicating the joy a couple feels immediately following their wedding. One person is appointed leader of the grace, and he begins by holding a cup of wine while inviting the guests to recite grace together . The usual invitation to recite grace is expanded after the wedding feast to include references to the celebration taking place and to joy in general. At the end of birkat hamazon, the last six of the sheva brachot that were recited under the chupah are now said over a second cup of wine. The leader then makes the blessing over wine and drinks from the first cup. The wine from both cups is poured into a third, and then some of the mixed wine is poured back into the original cups, one of each is given to the bride and groom. After Alexis and Josh have drunk from their cups, they will pass the wine around to the guests, who may drink a s
