Bridesmaids At Japanese Weddings: Who Walks Down The Aisle?

Japanese weddings are a blend of traditional and Western elements. While some couples opt for a traditional Shinto ceremony, Christian-style weddings are the most popular, even though only about 2% of the population identifies as Christian. Japanese weddings also tend to blend contemporary style with traditional elements for a more modern, Westernized event.

So, what about bridesmaids? Well, Japanese weddings do not include a bridal party or groomsmen. Instead, the VIP guests are usually the couple's bosses and coworkers.

Japanese brides may wear a white kimono, which is believed to have been influenced by Western culture

Japanese weddings are a mix of traditional and modern adaptations, with influences from both Japanese and Western cultures. Brides may wear a white kimono, which is a Western influence, as the colour white is associated with weddings in Western cultures. This kimono is called a shiromuku and is a formal wedding gown that symbolises purity, cleanliness, and harmony. The colour white also represents the bride's willingness to take on the standards and ideas of her new family.

The shiromuku is an all-white kimono with white accessories. The wataboshi, a big white hood, is worn over the hair and most of the face, with only the bride's red lips peeking through. This is part of the tradition, as only the groom is supposed to see the face of his bride. Under the wataboshi, brides typically wear a wig styled in the bunkin-takashimada, adorned with gold combs and accessories called kanzashi. The headwear, called tsunokakushi, means 'hiding horns' and symbolises the hiding of selfish feelings like jealousy and pride, with the bride showing gentleness and affection towards her husband.

The shiromuku is usually worn during the ceremony, after which brides often change into a coloured kimono called an irouchikake. The colour red is popular for the irouchikake, symbolising how the bride will be 'painted' by her new family. Finally, for the reception, brides may change into a classic white dress or a gown in blue or pink.

Japanese weddings are often a mix of elements from Shinto, Christian, and Western traditions

Japanese weddings are a unique blend of ancient customs and modern, Western influences. While some couples opt for a traditional Shinto ceremony, others choose a Christian or secular service, and many include elements from multiple traditions. Here's a closer look at the mix of elements often found in Japanese weddings:

Shinto Traditions

Shinto is Japan's native religion, and its rituals form the basis of many traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies. In a Shinto wedding, the ceremony typically takes place at a shrine, with a Shinto priest officiating. The bride and groom wear bridal kimonos, with the bride in white or colours, and the groom in black. The priest offers food to the gods, leads prayers for the couple, and the couple exchanges wedding rings—a practice that is not part of ancient Shinto rites but has been incorporated into modern ceremonies. A key ritual in Shinto weddings is the san-san-kudo, where the couple takes three sips of sake from three different cups, representing their past, present, and future.

Christian and Western Influences

Christian-style weddings are very popular in Japan, even though only about 2% of the population is Christian. These weddings often take place in church-like buildings or chapels, sometimes officiated by a Westerner or a non-Christian priest. The bride typically wears a white wedding gown, adopting a Western tradition that is believed to have originated with Queen Victoria. Western-style weddings may also include elements such as cake-cutting, with a sword used instead of a knife, and the use of cherry blossom decorations. The exchange of rings, common in Western weddings, is now also incorporated into Shinto ceremonies.

Traditional and Modern Combined

Japanese weddings often combine traditional and modern elements. For example, a bride may wear a white kimono for the ceremony and change into a coloured kimono or a Western-style wedding dress for the reception. Multiple outfit changes are common, with some brides opting for up to five different outfits throughout the day. The reception is usually a more casual affair, with games and plenty of food and drinks. It is also common for there to be a second reception or an after-party, which is often attended by a wider circle of friends.

There is no bridal party or groomsmen at Japanese weddings

Japanese weddings are a blend of ancient traditions and contemporary, Western elements. While the ceremonies are steeped in history and ritual, they are also highly flexible, allowing couples to pick and choose the customs that suit them best.

One custom that is notably absent from Japanese weddings is the presence of a bridal party or groomsmen. Unlike Western weddings, where the bride and groom are often accompanied by a group of close friends or family members, Japanese weddings do not include this tradition. This means that there is no need for the bride to choose a maid of honor or for the groom to select a best man.

Instead, the wedding ceremony and reception are attended by a smaller group of close family members and friends. In fact, it is common for the couple to carefully curate their guest list, choosing specific friends to attend the main ceremony and reception, while other acquaintances are invited only to the after-party. This allows the couple to keep the main events intimate and reserved for their nearest and dearest.

The absence of a bridal party or groomsmen at Japanese weddings is just one example of how the country's wedding traditions have evolved to combine ancient customs with modern influences. By adapting their wedding practices, Japanese couples are able to create a unique celebration that reflects their own personalities and values.

The bride and groom give gifts to their wedding guests, known as hikidemono

In Japan, it is customary for the bride and groom to give gifts to their wedding guests, known as hikidemono. These gifts are given as an expression of hospitality and gratitude for attending the wedding.

Hikidemono can come in the form of food or household items. For example, guests may receive hikigashi (sweets and pastries) or larger gifts such as ceramics, glassware, or luxury towels. In recent years, it has become popular for guests to be given a gift catalog from which they can choose their own item. The options in these catalogs vary widely, from tea kettles to toiletries.

The price of the hikidemono is typically about 10% of the goshugi, or wedding money, given to the couple. Additionally, when guests leave the venue, the couple may give them a small gift such as sweets, candles, or other items worth around ¥200-500 ($2-5).

The exchange of gifts between the couple and their guests is just one of the many unique traditions that make up a Japanese wedding. Other customs include the betrothal ceremony, or yuinou, where the families of the bride and groom exchange gifts and money, and the san-san-kudo ritual, where the couple and their families share sips of sake from three different cups to seal their union.

The bride and groom give gifts of gratitude to their parents

Japanese weddings are a blend of traditional and Western elements. While the ceremonies themselves are steeped in tradition, the receptions that follow are more Westernised, with a focus on formality and punctuality.

The bride and groom also give gifts to their wedding guests, known as hikidemono. These are usually sweets, pastries, or larger gifts like ceramics, glassware, or luxury towels. In recent years, it has become popular for guests to be given a gift catalogue to choose their own item from a range of options, including spa treatments, afternoon tea, and other experience-based gifts.

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