Using Us Dollars At Japanese Weddings

In Japan, wedding gifts are given in the form of money, known as goshugi, and placed in a special envelope called a shugi-bukuro. The amount of money given depends on your relationship with the couple and your financial standing, with friends and co-workers typically giving 20,000 to 30,000 yen, and couples giving 50,000 to 60,000 yen. It is considered unlucky to give amounts that are divisible by two, as this implies the idea of splitting or divorce. So, while it is possible to give US dollars as a wedding gift in Japan, it is important to follow the local customs and traditions regarding gift-giving.

The amount of money to give as a gift

In Japanese weddings, physical gifts are not given to the couple. Instead, it is customary to give them money to pay for the wedding/your seat at the wedding itself, called "Goshugi". The amount of money given depends on your relationship with the couple and your financial standing. It is also believed that the amount should not be even-numbered as it can imply the idea of separation or be divisible by two as it can indicate divorce.

If you are a friend of the couple, it is customary to give around 30,000 yen (approximately $300 USD) as a gift. If you are a close friend, you may want to consider giving 50,000 yen ($500 USD). For bosses or relatives (not siblings), the expected amount is between 50,000 and 100,000 yen. If you are attending as a couple, the total amount is usually between 50,000 and 60,000 yen.

It is important to put the money into a special envelope called a "shugi-bukuro" and hand it to the reception area when checking in at the wedding venue. Additionally, if you are travelling from a long distance to attend the wedding, it is customary for the family of the bride or groom to give you "Kurumadai", which is a repayment of your travel expenses.

The type of envelope to put the money in

When giving money as a wedding gift in Japan, it is customary to place it in a special envelope called a shūgi-bukuro (祝儀袋). This envelope is typically decorated with a "mizuhiki" (a ceremonial paper cord in red and white, or gold and silver). The "mizuhiki" form is knotted in a certain way, which makes it very difficult to untie and is called a "musubikiri" (meaning that to untie it, one must cut it) and "awajimusubi", symbolising the hope that the marriage will never be broken.

Shūgi-bukuro envelopes are available at supermarkets, stationery stores, convenience stores, and 100-yen shops. They usually include another envelope inside, on which you should write the amount of money you are giving, as well as your address and name. The amount should be written in kanji, such as '金 xxxxx 圓'.

When placing the money inside the envelope, make sure that the notes are new and face the same direction. It is also important to fold the envelope correctly; the upper part should be folded in first, so the lower part faces up.

As a manner, the shūgi-bukuro should be covered with a cloth called a "fukusa" to protect it until it is given to the wedding reception. A regular handkerchief can also be used for this purpose.

The superstitions around even numbers

In Japan, it is customary to give cash as a wedding gift. The amount depends on your relationship with the couple. For friends of the couple, the expected amount is 30,000 yen (roughly $300), while closer friends are expected to give 50,000 yen ($500). It is considered rude to give an amount that is an even number, as even numbers are associated with separation.

Even numbers have long been associated with superstition and divination. In many cultures, even numbers are considered unlucky, while odd numbers are seen as lucky. This belief holds that even numbers are weaker and less powerful than odd numbers because they are divisible, whereas odd numbers cannot be reduced in the same way.

This superstition extends to various aspects of life, including money. Some people believe that tearing the corner off a two-dollar bill gives it an odd, three-sided edge, which is considered luckier.

In Western culture, the number four is considered lucky due to its association with nature. Many things in nature come in groups of four, such as the cardinal directions and seasons. The four-leaf clover is also a symbol of good fortune. However, in Asian cultures, including Japan, China, Vietnam, and Korea, the number four is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word for "death" in these languages. As a result, the number four is often avoided in prices, addresses, and phone numbers.

While most even numbers are considered unlucky, there are a few exceptions. The number 12 is considered lucky, possibly because it is neatly divisible, or because of its proximity to the unlucky number 13. In Christianity, there is also the significance of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forming a Holy Trinity.

The expectation of a gift in return from the couple

In Japan, it is customary for the couple to give some sort of "in-return gift" to their wedding guests, known as hikidemono. These gifts are given as a token of appreciation and are often fancy confectioneries, hand towels, or tableware. Sometimes, the couple will give guests a small gift, such as sweets, bath salts, candles, or other items worth around ¥200-500 ($2-5).

The hikidemono is a way for the newlyweds and their families to express their gratitude for the guests' attendance and participation in their special day. It is considered a traditional way to show hospitality and thankfulness. In some cases, guests may even be able to choose their hikidemono from a catalog, which can include experience-based gifts such as spa treatments or afternoon tea options.

The price of the hikidemono is typically about 10% of the goshugi, or money gift, given to the couple by the guests. This money gift is placed in a special envelope called a goshugi-bukuro and is expected to be a new, crisp bill without any stains, markings, or folds. The amount of the goshugi depends on the guest's relationship to the couple and their financial standing, with rough guidelines ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥50,000.

It is important to note that even if a guest cannot afford to give the average amount, they are still expected to give some form of a money gift. It is also considered taboo to give an amount that is divisible by two, as it is believed to signify a wish for the couple to split.

The appropriate dress code

When deciding on your outfit for a Japanese wedding, the most important thing to remember is to dress conservatively and elegantly. It is also important to find out how formal the event is going to be. If it is a Shinto wedding or a formal Western wedding, guests should dress elegantly and may even wear a kimono if they desire.

For men, a dark suit with a white tie is appropriate for a formal ceremony. If the event is more informal, a colourful tie can be worn, but a black tie should be avoided. Business suits are not the best option, as they lack formality.

For women, dresses or skirts are appropriate, preferably knee-length. It is important to avoid showing your shoulders; if the dress is sleeveless, add a shawl or bolero. White should be avoided, but black may be worn at more casual weddings.

It is also worth noting that bright colours and patterns are welcome at weddings, as it is a celebration. However, anything too flashy or revealing should be avoided, as guests should not try to outshine the bride or groom.

Frequently asked questions