Can We Still Smash the Glass if We’re Getting Married Outdoors?

By Cantor Ben

Jewish Wedding Officiant | Jewish Wedding Toronto

Introduction: The Sound of Tradition, Under the Open Sky

When Cindy and Gregg first met with me to plan their Jewish Wedding in Toronto, one of their most heartfelt questions was also one of the most unexpected.

They asked, “We’re getting married outside under the sky, not in a synagogue. Can we still smash the glass?”

My face lit up. Not only could they, I told them, but that moment — right there, in nature, under the heavens — could become even more powerful and symbolic than they imagined.

So if you’re planning a Modern Jewish Wedding, perhaps at a vineyard, garden, or beach, and wondering if key traditions like smashing the glass still fit, the answer is a resounding yes. And I’ll explain exactly why — through Cindy and Gregg’s story, and the meaning behind this beautiful ritual.

The Symbolism Behind the Glass

The Jewish Wedding Ceremony is filled with ancient symbols and spiritual depth, and none more iconic than the breaking of the glass.

Some say it commemorates the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Others say it reminds us that joy must always be balanced with reflection. Many believe it represents the finality of single life and the fragile beauty of love.

Whatever your interpretation, this Jewish Wedding Ritual makes a powerful statement — and it’s one I love helping couples personalize. Whether the wedding is indoors or out, I make sure it’s not just a moment, but a message.

How We Made It Special for Cindy and Gregg

Cindy and Gregg chose a beautiful garden venue just north of the city. Their Jewish Wedding Venue was surrounded by willows, lilacs, and a peaceful lake in the distance.

I helped them craft a Jewish Wedding Ceremony that reflected both their heritage and their personalities. We had a stunning Jewish Wedding Chuppah made of birch wood and soft white linen. Gregg wore a navy kippah to match the Jewish Wedding Invitations, and Cindy looked radiant in her ivory lace dress.

Before the glass-breaking, I shared these words in both Hebrew and English, so that every guest — Jewish or not — would feel included:

“Today, as Cindy and Gregg stand under the chuppah, we are reminded that love is a blessing, but never to be taken for granted. With this glass, they mark the preciousness of this moment.”

I always make sure that Jewish Wedding Customs like this are explained in a way that’s meaningful to everyone present. One of my specialties as a Jewish Wedding Cantor is blending Jewish Wedding Traditions with warmth, light symbolism, and inclusive language.

That means anything I do in Hebrew, I also explain in English. I never presume that everyone in the audience is Jewish — and I make it my mission to create a ceremony that makes every guest feel welcome, moved, and part of something sacred.

Outdoors? Here’s How to Smash the Glass Safely and Beautifully

Outdoor weddings come with unique logistics, and yes — that includes glass-breaking.

For Cindy and Gregg, we used a clear tempered glass bulb wrapped in a white cloth napkin. I placed it on a sturdy wooden block, safely nestled in the grass under the chuppah. Gregg gave it a firm stomp, and the crowd shouted “Mazel Tov!” as the sun peeked through the clouds.

So whether your ceremony is in a garden, on a rooftop, or by a lake, the key is proper setup:

• Use a safe breakaway glass or bulb

• Wrap it in cloth to prevent scattering

• Place it on a solid, flat surface

• Let me guide the moment with context and care

This ensures that your Jewish Wedding Rituals remain intact, dignified, and emotionally powerful — wherever your celebration takes place.

Beyond the Wedding: A Journey That Continues

After officiating Cindy and Gregg’s wedding, I kept in touch. A year later, I was blessed to be invited back — this time for their daughter’s Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony.

This private Jewish Newborn Ceremony was held in their backyard. The same values we honored under the chuppah carried forward to the naming of their child.

They asked me to design a Jewish Baby Naming Celebration that reflected their growing family. We included Jewish Baby Naming Rituals, music, Hebrew and English blessings, and custom Jewish Baby Naming Invitations to make it extra special for their loved ones.

As a Jewish Baby Naming Officiant, I always say that these ceremonies aren’t just about naming — they’re about anchoring a child in identity, tradition, and belonging.

And just like their wedding, it was warm, inclusive, and completely personalized.

Why Couples Choose Me as Their Jewish Wedding Officiant

I was mentored by a great Jewish Wedding Rabbi, someone who taught me how to honor every custom with reverence, but also with humanity. I am not a Rabbi myself — I am a Jewish Wedding Cantor — and that distinction allows me to bring music, joy, and life coaching to the ceremonies I lead.

Couples often tell me they chose me not just for my voice, but for my presence. They appreciate that I make their ceremony about them — not just about tradition for tradition’s sake.

Whether I’m leading a Traditional Jewish Wedding, a Modern Jewish Wedding, or an intergenerational Jewish Wedding Celebration, I take care of everything:

• Music and blessings

• Jewish Wedding Vows

• The Jewish Wedding Ketubah

• The Jewish Wedding Hora

• And yes — a perfectly timed glass smash, even in bare feet or garden heels

Final Thought: Let the Rituals Speak Through You

If you’re planning your Jewish Wedding in Toronto, or a baby naming, and you’re wondering if your outdoor location, your guests, or your personal style “fits” with tradition — I’m here to tell you: it absolutely does.

You don’t have to choose between tradition and personality. You can have a Jewish Wedding Ceremony that’s deeply meaningful, beautifully explained, and unforgettable for everyone — Jewish or not.

And yes, you can smash that glass under the open sky and let it echo across the earth like it did for Cindy and Gregg.

If you’d like to learn more about my Jewish Wedding Services or Jewish Baby Naming Services, I’d be honored to hear your story.

Mazel Tov,

Cantor Ben

Jewish Wedding Officiant | Jewish Baby Naming Officiant

Serving Toronto and beyond with heart, voice, and soul