Deborah Chan
Wedding customs in Japan vary between traditional and modern, with some brides opting for a traditional kimono and others choosing a white wedding gown. In traditional Japanese weddings, the bride wears a shiromuku, a pure white, embroidered silk kimono, or an iro-uchikake, a brightly coloured kimono, often with red as the main colour. In the 1960s, Japanese weddings began to incorporate non-Japanese features, including white wedding dresses, and it is now common for brides to change from a white wedding gown to a coloured dress during the reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress colour | White is the colour associated with brides in Japan, though it was traditionally worn at funerals. |
| Wedding dress style | Wedding dresses in Japan can be Western-style or traditional kimonos. |
| Wedding dress accessories | Brides wear a big white hat called a wataboshi or tsunokakushi, and often wear a wig underneath. |
| Number of wedding dresses | It is common for brides to change dresses during the reception. |
| Wedding dress rental | It is common for brides to rent their wedding dresses. |
| Wedding guest dress code | Women usually wear one-piece dresses or kimonos. Men wear suits. |
| Wedding gifts | Wedding gifts are almost exclusively cash, in fresh bills and presented in a special envelope. |
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What You'll Learn
- White wedding dresses were influenced by Queen Victoria's wedding gown
- Brides wear white kimonos, wigs, and a big white hat
- Guests wear one-piece dresses or kimonos, avoiding black and animal products
- Wedding gifts are almost exclusively cash in special envelopes
- Brides change from white gowns to coloured dresses during the reception
White wedding dresses were influenced by Queen Victoria's wedding gown
In Japan, white is the colour associated with the bride, similar to Western cultures. Most brides in Japan change from a white wedding gown to a coloured dress during the reception. They also wear big white hats called wataboshi or tsunokakushi, which is the equivalent of a veil in Western cultures.
The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses is often attributed to Queen Victoria's choice of a white wedding gown in 1840. The dress was made of Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace, with a deep flounce of lace and a satin train over six yards long. At the time, wedding dresses came in a variety of colours, and white dresses were uncommon as they were difficult to keep clean.
There are several theories as to why Queen Victoria chose to wear white. One theory suggests that she wanted to be seen as Prince Albert's wife, rather than a queen, and so chose to wear white instead of the traditional red ermine robe of state. Another theory is that she chose white to highlight the delicate lace of her dress. Victoria's choice of a white wedding dress was also influenced by the fact that, in the 19th century, white formal garments were considered a show of wealth as they were expensive and difficult to keep clean.
Queen Victoria's wedding dress received a great deal of press attention, and white wedding dresses quickly became popular among wealthy and fashionable brides. In 1849, the popular American magazine Godey's Lady's Book asserted that white was the most fitting colour for a wedding dress, claiming that it symbolised "purity and innocence". This trend was further reinforced by Victoria's decision to wear her wedding lace to the weddings of two of her children and to her grandson's wedding in the late 19th century.
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Brides wear white kimonos, wigs, and a big white hat
In Japan, white is the colour associated with brides, and black is the colour of mourning, so they are taboo. Brides wear white kimonos, wigs, and a big white hat for their wedding ceremonies. The kimono is called a shiromuku, which means "pure white", and it has been worn by brides in Shinto wedding ceremonies since the Muromachi period (1336–1573). The shiromuku is also the colour of the sun's rays and symbolises the bride's willingness to take on the colours and standards of her new family.
The wig, called the tsunokakushi, is a traditional headdress worn by brides in Shinto wedding ceremonies. It is made from a rectangular piece of cloth folded to partially cover the bride's hair. The term is derived from the belief that it hides a bride's "horns" of anger, jealousy, or other negative qualities, to present a more virtuous image for the wedding. The wig is usually worn in the Shimada style, which was worn by single women in the Edo period.
The hat, also called a tsunokakushi, is a white hood derived from the katsuki, which was worn outdoors by married women in samurai families from the Muromachi to Momoyama periods. The wataboshi is worn with the shiromuku kimono and is the equivalent of a bridal veil in Western tradition. It is worn outdoors to hide the bride's face from everyone except the groom until the end of the wedding ceremony.
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Guests wear one-piece dresses or kimonos, avoiding black and animal products
When it comes to wedding attire in Japan, there are a few cultural nuances to consider, especially if you're attending as a guest. For women, the customary dress code is a one-piece dress or a kimono. It is considered taboo to wear black to a wedding, as it is the colour of mourning, and wearing two pieces is also avoided, as it can symbolise 'separate' or 'divorce'. Additionally, it is important to steer clear of animal leathers and furs, as these remind people of 'life and death'.
While white is often associated with the bride in Japan, just as it is in Western culture, it is not uncommon for couples to request that their guests also wear white or a particular colour. This request should be respected, and guests should dress accordingly. In traditional Japanese weddings, women typically wear kimonos, and it is customary to give gift money, known as "goshugi", presented in a decorative envelope called a "shugibukuro".
The amount of money given is usually around 30,000 or 50,000 yen, depending on factors such as age, relationship to the couple, and whether you are attending as a couple. It is considered inauspicious to give an even number of bills, as they could be easily split, symbolising separation or division. For men, the dress code is generally more flexible, but it is still important to avoid wearing black, especially when it comes to socks and ties.
In terms of the style of kimono chosen by the bride, red and black are popular colours, with white also being a common choice. The shiromuku, a pure white, embroidered silk kimono, is a traditional option. Alternatively, the iro-uchikake, a brightly coloured kimono with red as the main colour, intricately embroidered with gold and silver threads, is another choice. The groom typically wears a formal kimono-hakama-haori ensemble, with white inner layers and a solid black outer robe, adorned with the family crest.
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Wedding gifts are almost exclusively cash in special envelopes
In Japanese culture, wedding gifts are typically given in the form of money, presented inside a special envelope known as a "shuugi bukuro" or "goshuugibukuro". This custom is deeply rooted in tradition and is considered a respectful and thoughtful way to celebrate the union of the newlyweds. The practice of giving cash in envelopes is almost exclusively followed, with very few exceptions.
The "shuugi bukuro" is not just an ordinary envelope; it is specifically designed for wedding gift-giving. It is adorned with a ""noshi", a symbol of good luck, and a "mizuhiki", a ceremonial paper cord in red and white or gold and silver. The "mizuhiki" is intricately knotted in a style called "musubikiri", which symbolises the couple's unbreakable bond. This complex knot also serves as a metaphor for the couple's hopes that their marriage will never be severed. The envelope's design is carefully chosen, avoiding a "chomusubi" knot, which can be easily untied and is therefore not suitable for the occasion.
The amount of money enclosed in the "shuugi bukuro" varies depending on several factors, including the guest's financial situation, their relationship with the couple, and whether they are attending alone or as a couple. The denomination of the bank notes is also carefully considered, avoiding unlucky numbers like 4, 6, and 9, and even numbers, which are considered inauspicious. Common amounts range from 30,000 yen for a single guest to 50,000 yen for a couple, with close family members sometimes giving larger amounts.
The presentation of the envelope is also steeped in tradition. The cash is carefully placed inside, with the notes facing the same direction and the face side on top. The envelope is then wrapped with the face side up, and the lower flap covering the upper flap, symbolising the containment of happiness within. Guests hand the envelope to the receptionist, not the newlyweds, and offer congratulations along with their names. This act of giving money in a "shuugi bukuro" is more than just a gift; it is a meaningful way to wish the couple a prosperous and lasting marriage.
While the practice of giving cash in envelopes is predominant, there are some variations and exceptions. In certain cases, guests may opt for more Western-style presents or contribute to a wedding wish list. Additionally, at casual weddings, such as a DIY celebration at home, the expectations for cash gifts may be relaxed, allowing guests to give a lower amount. However, these instances are relatively rare, and the tradition of cash in envelopes remains a cornerstone of Japanese wedding customs.
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Brides change from white gowns to coloured dresses during the reception
In Japan, white is the colour associated with the bride, and it is common for brides to wear white wedding gowns. This is believed to be influenced by the wedding gown worn by Queen Victoria in 1840, which spread not only in Britain but also in many other countries, including Japan, in the 20th century.
However, it is also common for Japanese brides to change from a white wedding gown to a coloured dress during the reception. This is because Japanese weddings do not include dancing, and the bride and groom typically remain at their table during the reception, so dresses are often kept clean. Brides may also rent their wedding dresses, and it is convenient to change into a different dress for the reception.
In traditional Japanese weddings, the bride typically wears a kimono, with red and black also being popular colours. In the Meiji period, the custom of wearing a three-layered kimono in white, red, and black faded away due to the high cost of preparing three elaborate kimonos. Nowadays, white is still a popular colour for wedding kimonos, although many people are presumably unaware of the symbolism of white, as it was traditionally worn at funerals. In modern Japanese weddings, brides may wear a shiromuku, a pure white, embroidered silk kimono, or an iro-uchikake, a brightly coloured kimono, often with red as the main colour.
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Frequently asked questions
Brides in Japan traditionally wear red, black and white kimonos. The outer layer is black, followed by red, and the innermost layer is white. However, this custom faded during the Meiji period due to the cost of preparing three elaborate kimonos.
The tradition of wearing white is believed to have originated with Queen Victoria, whose wedding gown in 1840 inspired brides worldwide. White was also the traditional colour of mourning in Japan, but this shifted to black after the Russo-Japanese War or World War II.
A traditional Japanese wedding kimono is called a shiromuku. It is a pure white, embroidered silk kimono.
Modern Japanese brides may wear a shiromuku kimono for the Shinto ceremony, and an iro-uchikake (a coloured kimono) for the Buddhist ceremony or reception. They may also wear Western-style white wedding dresses, with some brides changing into coloured dresses for the reception.
Women usually wear one-piece dresses or kimonos in pastel, grey or neutral colours. Men typically wear dark suits with white ties and socks.
