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Just as the world was created in seven days, so too the happiness at starting a new family continues for seven days. The wedding day counts as the first day. Even if the ceremony starts shortly before sunset (the end of the day in Jewish law), those few minutes are considered the first day; if the ceremony takes place after sunset, there are seven full days. During this seven-day period, the bride and groom celebrate together with their families and friends. The couple should not go to work or do any business. It is customary for them to dress festively for the whole week, and to go everywhere together.
People often try to have a celebratory meal (sheva berakhot) for the couple each day and to recite the Grace after Meals and the seven wedding blessings afterwards. To do this, a minyan (quorum of ten adult males) is required. Included in this minyan must be at least one new person, meaning someone who has not yet participated in the couple’s festivity. Having a fresh presence renews their joy. On Shabbat and holidays, it is not necessary for someone new to attend, as the sanctity of the day itself intensifies the joy.
It is customary for the groom to be called up to the Torah on Shabbat morning, either the week before the wedding (Ashkenazic custom) or the week after the wedding (Sephardic custom). This Shabbat is therefore called Shabbat ĥatan (the groom’s Shabbat).
