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It is a big mitzva to make a bride and groom happy, and it is a mitzva for their families to host a large, festive meal that includes meat and wine. The wedding feast is the most important of all mitzva meals, even more so than Shabbat and holiday meals. In recognition of this, and to enhance the festive atmosphere, the guests dress appropriately and make a point of keeping conversation lighthearted and cheerful. More importantly, the guests give the couple gifts as well as words of blessing and encouragement. To further contribute to the festive atmosphere, it is customary to have a band, singing, and dancing. The songs should praise God and compliment the bride.
The Sages state that anyone who brings joy to the bride and groom will be blessed with Torah. They compare this to offering a thanksgiving sacrifice on the Temple altar and rebuilding the ruins of Jerusalem. It seems reasonable to ask, “Why is it so important to make the bride and groom happy? Of course they’re happy; they’re getting married!” However, the point is to turn the couple’s private joy into communal joy and help the bride and groom realize how important it is they are now starting a family.
