One dons his Kittel and Tallit before sunset (6:28pm). The Brachah on the Tallit is recited (unless the sun has already set).
Some say that a Chattan in the first year of his marriage does not wear a Kittel on Yom Kippur and some say they do.
The Kittel may not be worn in the bathroom besides for urination, similar to a Tallit and Gartel.
After donning the Tallit and Kittel, some perform Birchat Habanim while others do it before going to Shul. Many have the custom to perform Birchat Habanim every Friday Night when returning from Shul. One places his hands on the head of each child and recites the entire Birchat Kohanim some hold that one says from Vayedaber until Va’ani Avarachem. (One may add any Brachah of his own.)
Each married man lights a Lebbedige Licht that burns for 26 hours. A 26 hour Ner Neshama is also lit for one's departed parents. [Havdalah requires a pre-existing flame, so at least one of these is lit at home to be used during Havdalah.]
Married couples should keep a light on or a candle burning in the bedroom.
Candle-lighting time is 5:48pm. The Brachot are L’Hadlik Ner Shel Yom Hakippurim, followed by Shehecheyanu.
The one who lights candles may no longer perform a Melacha. In a place where there is no Eruv, arrangements should be made for that person's Machzor to be carried to Shul. [If a woman will need to drive to Shul after candle-lighting, she should consult a Rav for the most appropriate option in her circumstances.]
Both men and women should not eat after candle-lighting time (5:48pm). [One should take all medications beforehand.]
If one accepts Yom Kippur any time after Plag Hamincha, he may no longer eat or perform a Melacha, and all the other restrictions of Yom Kippur apply – the exception being that leather shoes may still be worn.
The Shul should be well lit in honor of Yom Kippur.
