There are two main parts of a Jewish wedding ceremony, the Erusin (betrothal) and the Nisuin (ceremony; we'll discuss this in a moment).

During the Erusin, the couple shares the first glass of wine. Wine is included as an allusion to Psalm 104:15, "...wine to cheer a man's heart..."; in Judaism, the occasions associated with joy (such as a wedding, the Sabbath, and the dedication of a baby) are all accompanied by a ceremonial cup of wine. Once the wine has been drunk by the couple, (the groom first, then the bride), the groom presents the bride with her ring.

The ring, representing the ancient custom of a bride price, has no stones, is made of only plain metal, and is owned by the groom. This way, the bride and the witnesses can see clearly the worth of the ring, proving that the groom is honest and integrous. After saying, "Behold you are consecrated to me by this ring in accordance with the law of Moses and of Israel.", the groom places the ring on the bride's index finger, and the first part of the ceremony is complete.

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