202. After the chuppah, the chosson and kallah proceed to the Yichud room accompanied by two witnesses. The Yichud room should be a private room which can be closed (preferably locked) and in which the new couple can be alone. (If the room has windows, the curtains should be closed). The chosson enters first, with his right foot, passing over a silver spoon already placed on the floor in the doorway.1 The kallah then enters in the same manner, and then the door is shut and locked for approximately 8 minutes (but not less than 5 minutes) with the witnesses waiting outside the room for the entire time.2
203. At the Rebbe’s wedding, the mechutanim entered the Yichud room, and then they left, and the Previous Rebbe himself poured a cup of tea for the chosson and kallah to break their fast, and then he left leaving the chosson and kallah alone.3 This custom is often practiced today.
204. In the case of a chuppas niddah, the door should be left slightly ajar (or closed but not locked), and the chosson and kallah should keep all the harchokos in the Yichud room.
205. The first words uttered by the chosson and kallah in the Yichud room — and the foundation for their married life — should be holy and full of blessings.
206. Food is prepared in the Yichud room and the chosson and kallah break their fast.
207. Some have the custom that the chosson gives the kallah a gift in the Yichud room.4 (Since it is not our custom to give a ring at the engagement — but another item of jewelry such as a necklace, then those who wish to give an additional ring may use this opportunity and give this gift in the Yichud room.)
