Bride Reciting "Shehecheyanu" Under Chuppa

There is a minhag for a חתן to wear a neew suit/new Tallis under the Chuppa so that he can say שהחיינו In this case, the כלה wants to say שהחיינו as well; either together or separately with the חתן. What is the best way to do that? Can she have in mind her new dress? Jewelry?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question!

Indeed, there is an ancient practice, which was observed in both Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities, to use a Tallit as a chuppa and/or for the Chatan to cover his bride with a tallit during the wedding ceremony. Some sources suggest that this practice originates with Rivka where it says “And she took the veil and covered herself.” (Bereishit 24:64-65). There are other theories as to the source of the Tallit custom, as well, such as from the laws of the Jewish maidservant and even from the story of Ruth and Boaz (“I am Ruth, your servant…spread your garment over me.” (Ruth 3:9 with Rashi.)

The wearing of a new Tallit does indeed justify the recitation of Shehecheyanu as is the case when purchasing expensive or distinctive garments. (There is also some question whether the marriage ceremony itself warrants a Shehecheyanu blessing in its own right but that is a much larger discussion).

Regarding your question about the Kalla reciting Shehecheyanu under the Chuppa:

The Shehecheyanu is a very unique blessing, different than most others. As a general rule, when Shehecheyanu must be recited by a husband and wife, the husband usually makes it for his wife, and she discharges her obligation in that way. We see this at Kiddush on holidays, and at the Chanuka lighting where the husband recites the Shehecheyanu and the wife is yotzai by answering amen.

However, the Shehecheyanu on new garments and jewelry is a different kind of Shehecheyanu in which we do indeed say that everyone should recite their own blessing.

So in your case, it would be acceptable for the Chatan to recite a Shehecheyanu on his new Tallit and for the Kalla to recite her own Shehecheyanu on a new garment or piece of jewelry.

Le'halacha the best is for the kallah to recite the shecheyanu at home after she she put on her new dress and she should also have in mind the mitzva of chuppa as part of her Shehecheyanu. 

Tashbetz 461; Maharil, Nisuin; OC 225; Chasam Sofer, OC 55