George Boyle
If you're attending a wedding in Japan, it's important to be aware of the cultural differences and dress code. Japanese weddings can be held in a shrine or a hotel, and usually only family and close friends are invited. The dress code is formal, with men wearing suits and ties, and women in dresses, usually knee-length. It's best to avoid showing your shoulders and revealing clothes, and black is an acceptable colour to wear. White should be avoided as this is the colour the bride will wear. Gifts are usually cash, presented in a special envelope, and it's customary to bring a partner only if they are invited.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dress code for men | Formal attire (semi-formal in Japan is a black suit) with a white tie. Men can also wear suits other than black, with colored ties. |
| Dress code for women | Modest dresses, usually knee-length. For evening weddings, longer dresses are preferred. Avoid revealing clothes, short skirts, excessive jewelry, and white. |
| Gifts | Money gifts called "Goshugi" in a special envelope. Common amounts are 30,000 or 50,000 yen, depending on age, relationship, and attendance as a couple. |
| Wedding style | Traditional Shinto style or ""White" weddings resembling church weddings. |
| Venue | A Shinto shrine or a hotel |
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What You'll Learn
- What to wear: Formal attire, with a colourful twist for men, and modest dresses for women?
- Colours to avoid: White and black are best avoided, with black being associated with funerals
- Gifts: Money in fresh bills, in special envelopes, is the norm
- Amount to give: 30,000 yen is standard, with close friends and family giving more
- The couple's attire: Traditional Japanese dress or Western-style wedding attire
What to wear: Formal attire, with a colourful twist for men, and modest dresses for women
If you've been invited to a Japanese wedding, you should feel honoured as it's usually only family and close friends who get an invite. Now, what to wear?
For men, the key is formal attire with a colourful twist. While a black suit with a white tie used to be the norm, these days it's more common to see men in suits of various colours, paired with colourful ties. So, feel free to inject some colour into your outfit and steer clear of black ties.
For women, modest dresses are the way to go. Knee-length dresses are typical, and if the wedding is in the evening, some women opt for longer dresses. It's best to avoid showing your shoulders, so if you do choose a dress that reveals them, bring a shawl or bolero to cover up. You can wear black if you like, but a bit of colour will help make the venue more vibrant and cheerful. Just be sure to avoid white, as you don't want to take attention away from the bride!
In terms of gifts, it's all about the money, and the fancier the envelope, the better. This is known as "goshugi" and is a deeply rooted tradition in Japanese weddings. Crisp, fresh bills are a must, and the amount you give depends on your age, relationship to the couple, and whether you're attending as a couple. It's considered inauspicious to give an amount that can be split evenly, so avoid even numbers.
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Colours to avoid: White and black are best avoided, with black being associated with funerals
When it comes to dressing for a Japanese wedding, it is important to be mindful of cultural norms and traditions. While Japanese weddings can vary in style, from traditional Shinto ceremonies in shrines to Western-style hotel receptions, there are some consistent guidelines for guests to follow.
One important aspect is the choice of colours to avoid. White and black are generally considered colours to steer clear of when attending a Japanese wedding. While black is not necessarily considered bad luck, it is associated with funerals in Japanese culture, with black dresses and pearls being typical funeral attire for women. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for other colours to create a more vibrant and festive atmosphere at the wedding.
White is also best avoided, as it is traditionally the colour worn by the bride. It is important to remember that the bride should be the centre of attention and stand out on her special day. Guests should refrain from wearing white to ensure they do not draw attention away from the bride or appear disrespectful.
In addition to colour choices, there are other considerations for guests' attire. Modesty is valued in Japanese culture, so it is recommended to avoid revealing clothing or excessive jewellery. For women, knee-length dresses are common, and longer dresses are often chosen for evening ceremonies or receptions. Men typically wear formal attire, with suits in colours other than black becoming more popular, paired with coloured ties.
It is also customary for guests to bring gift money, known as "goshugi", presented in special festive envelopes. The amount given is usually 30,000 yen, with close family and friends sometimes giving more. It is considered auspicious to give an odd number of bills, avoiding amounts that can be easily split between the couple.
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Gifts: Money in fresh bills, in special envelopes, is the norm
If you're attending a Japanese wedding, it's customary to give a gift of money, known as goshugi. This is typically given in fresh, crisp bills from the bank, presented in a special envelope designed for the purpose. These envelopes, known as goshugi-bukuro, are readily available at any stationery store. They are usually decorated with the kanji for celebration: "御祝" or "寿".
The amount of money given is typically 30,000 yen, but can also be 50,000 yen, depending on your age, relationship to the couple, and whether you are attending with a partner. If you are bringing a plus one, they will either be expected to contribute an equal amount or pay a total sum that is considered auspicious. It is customary to avoid even numbers, as it is considered inauspicious to present a number of bills that could be divided evenly between the couple.
If you are unable to attend the wedding, it is still customary to give a gift of money, though a slightly smaller amount is acceptable. It is also common to have an after-party, or "nijikai", which is a more casual celebration with additional food and drink. If you are invited to this event, be prepared to contribute another 10,000 yen or more.
The gift of money is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, providing the newlyweds with cash to start their married life and helping to cover the costs of the wedding. This is especially considerate, as weddings in Tokyo can cost at least a million yen.
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Amount to give: 30,000 yen is standard, with close friends and family giving more
When it comes to Japanese weddings, it is customary for guests to bring gift money called goshugi on the day of the wedding. This is placed in a special envelope known as a goshugi-bukuro, which can be purchased from any stationery store. The envelope is usually adorned with the kanji characters for celebration, namely "御祝" or "寿". It is important to note that the gift money is not handed directly to the couple but is instead left with the receptionists upon arrival at the ceremony.
The amount of gift money given follows certain traditions and norms. The standard amount is generally accepted to be 30,000 yen per person, with 50,000 yen being common for couples. This amount is based on the understanding that it will help cover the costs of the wedding, which can be significant, especially in cities like Tokyo, where the average cost is around one million yen. It is also customary to avoid amounts that are divisible by two, such as 20,000 yen, as these numbers are associated with the idea of being split.
However, the amount of gift money can vary depending on the relationship with the couple. Close friends and family members often give more than the standard amount, reflecting their closeness to the newlyweds. For acquaintances or colleagues, a smaller amount of 10,000 yen may be considered appropriate. It is worth noting that the amount of gift money is not fixed, and guests should consider their financial situation when deciding how much to give.
In addition to the gift money, it is customary for the bride and groom to provide a small gift for the guests to take home as a token of appreciation for their attendance. These gifts, known as Hikidemono, often include tableware or a box of confections called Hikigashi.
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The couple's attire: Traditional Japanese dress or Western-style wedding attire
When it comes to the couple's attire for a Japanese wedding, there are options for both traditional and Western-style outfits. Let's explore the details of each style:
Traditional Japanese Dress
In traditional Japanese weddings, the couple typically wears outfits that reflect the cultural and religious heritage of the country. For the groom, the traditional choice is a Hakama, which is a type of formal pleated trousers that bear his family crest. He might also wear a haori, which is a type of jacket. The bride, on the other hand, wears a pure white kimono known as a Shiromuku, which symbolises purity and is considered a sacred colour in Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan. This kimono is often elaborately decorated and made from silk.
Western-style Wedding Attire
In recent times, Western-style weddings have become increasingly popular in Japan. In this style, the groom might wear a tuxedo or a dark suit with a white tie, and white socks. The bride, meanwhile, might opt for a white wedding dress, perhaps with a veil. It is considered taboo for guests to wear white, so the bride's outfit is unique.
Mixing Traditions
Some couples choose to blend Japanese and Western styles, with the bride and groom changing outfits during the reception. For instance, a bride might wear a kimono for the ceremony and change into a Western-style dress for the reception, or vice versa. This allows the couple to honour both traditions and adds a touch of variety to the celebrations.
Other Considerations
It is worth noting that Japanese weddings, regardless of their style, tend to be formal events, and guests typically dress accordingly. Additionally, it is customary for guests to bring money gifts, known as "goshugi", presented in special festive envelopes.
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Frequently asked questions
Men can wear formal attire, which in Japan is a black suit with a white tie. However, it is becoming more common for men to wear suits that are not black and ties that are colourful.
Women usually wear knee-length dresses. If the ceremony or reception is in the evening, some women opt for a long dress. It is best to avoid showing your shoulders, and black is not out of the question, but clothes with a bit of colour help to make the venue more vibrant.
Women should never wear white to a Japanese wedding, as this is the colour of the bride's dress. It is also considered taboo to wear revealing clothes, short skirts, or excessive colours and jewellery.
Wedding gifts in Japan are almost exclusively cash, presented in a festive envelope known as a goshugi-bukuro, which can be purchased at a stationery store. The amount of money given varies depending on age, relationship, and whether you are attending as a couple, but common amounts are 30,000 or 50,000 yen.
Japanese weddings are generally formal events, and it is considered an honour to be invited as invitations are usually limited to family and close friends. It is important to RSVP on time, and if you cannot attend, it is customary to still send a gift and a congratulatory message.
