Creating Japanese Wedding Envelope Traditions

In Japan, it is customary to give money as a wedding gift, and this is usually presented in a special envelope known as a shūgi-bukuro (祝儀袋), or goshugi. The amount of money given depends on the giver's relationship to the couple, their social status, and the style of the venue. The envelope is typically decorated with mizuhiki cord, with the colour of the cord having significance for the occasion. Shūgi-bukuro are usually sold at supermarkets and stationery stores, and they come with an inner envelope for the money and a strip of fancy paper. The amount of money and the giver's name are written on the front of the inner envelope, and the giver's address is written on the back. The inner envelope is then wrapped with the outer envelope, with the decorative side facing up. Finally, the envelope is covered with a cloth called a fukusa to protect it until it is given at the wedding reception.

Choosing the right envelope: Select an envelope with an upside-down red-and-white ribbon for weddings

When preparing a shugi-bukuro, or a Japanese traditional money envelope for a wedding, choosing the right envelope is essential. Select an envelope with an upside-down red-and-white ribbon, as red and white are considered lucky colours in Japan. These envelopes are typically used for weddings and can be found at convenience stores, 100 yen shops, bookstores, and most other retailers.

The envelope you choose should also correspond to the amount of money you plan to give. While the amount varies depending on your relationship with the couple, there are some general guidelines to follow. For friends or company colleagues, the amount is usually between 20,000 and 30,000 yen. For close friends or those in senior positions, 30,000 to 50,000 yen is common. If you are a relative, an amount between 50,000 and 100,000 yen is not unusual. It is also considered lucky to give amounts with odd numbers, such as 10,000 or 30,000 yen, to symbolise that the newly married couple is now indivisible.

In addition to the envelope and the money, you will also need to write your name and the amount of money you are giving. Your name should be written a little smaller than the '寿' character on the top of the envelope. You can also add a romantic wish or blessing to the envelope, such as "Wish your hair turns grey together" or "Wish you two bathe in the river of love forever".

Finally, it is customary to cover the shugi-bukuro with a cloth called a fukusa to protect it from dirt until it is given at the wedding reception. A regular handkerchief can also be used.

Inner envelope: Write the amount of money on the front and your address and name on the back

Japanese wedding envelopes, known as shūgi-bukuro, are a special type of envelope used for presenting money as a gift at weddings. They are a category of kinpū, which is the general term for envelopes of money given on special occasions. Shūgi-bukuro are typically sold at supermarkets and stationery stores and feature an inner envelope for the money and an outer decorative envelope.

When preparing the inner envelope, it is customary to write the amount of money enclosed on the front side and your name and address on the back. This is done to indicate the giver of the gift and the amount given. It is important to use new, crisp bills that are free of any folds or creases, symbolising a fresh start for the newly married couple. The bills should be placed inside the envelope with the person on the bill facing the front and towards the top.

The inner envelope is then wrapped with the outer envelope, ensuring that the backside of the outer envelope has part B on top of part A. This is specific to weddings, as doing it the other way around signifies a Buddhist memorial service, which is considered rude.

Finally, the shūgi-bukuro is handed to the receptionist at the wedding reception, not to the bride or groom directly. It is customary to wrap the envelope with a special silk cloth called a fukusa until it is handed over. When handing it over, turn the envelope so that the receptionist can easily read the information, and use both hands to present it.

Outer envelope: Write a congratulatory word and your name vertically below the 'mizuhiki' (ceremonial paper cord)

When preparing a shūgi-bukuro, the outer envelope should include a congratulatory word and your name, written vertically below the mizuhiki (ceremonial paper cord). This outer envelope is typically very ornate, featuring a decorative bow made from a special kind of waxed cord. The mizuhiki is often crafted using particular knots and colours to honour the occasion. For weddings, the mizuhiki is usually red and white, or gold and silver. The colour of the cord has significance for the occasion, so it's important to choose the right colour.

The outer envelope should be wrapped around the inner envelope, which contains the money. The inner envelope should have the amount of money written on the front side and the sender's name and address on the back. The bills should be new, crisp, and placed so that the person on the bill faces the front and is towards the top.

When writing your name on the outer envelope, use katakana, not the alphabet. Write your full name vertically below the mizuhiki. You can use a pen called a "fudepen", which has two felt tips, one with dark black ink and the other with light black ink. The light black ink is only used for mourning.

It is important to note that the backside of the outer envelope should be facing up when wrapped around the inner envelope. This is to wish for happiness and to prevent the envelope from being associated with a Buddhist memorial service, which would be considered rude.

Folding: Fold the upper part in first so the lower part faces up

To make a Japanese wedding envelope, or shugi-bukuro, the upper part of the envelope must be folded in first so that the lower part faces up. This is an important step in the process, as folding it the other way around is considered bad luck and represents a condolence gift given at a funeral.

The shugi-bukuro is a special envelope in which money is given as a gift of celebration in Japan, especially at weddings. The amount of money included in the envelope depends on the giver's relationship to the couple, their social status, and the style of the venue. For friends or colleagues, the amount is usually between 20,000 and 30,000 yen. If the giver is a close friend or holds a senior position at the company of the bride or groom, the amount is typically between 30,000 and 50,000 yen. For relatives, it is not unusual to give between 50,000 and 100,000 yen.

The shugi-bukuro is typically made of washi, a type of Japanese paper, and decorated with mizuhiki cord. The colour and style of the cord have significance for the occasion. Envelopes for weddings usually feature an auspicious lucky sign called a "noshi" and a mizuhiki in red and white or gold and silver. The mizuhiki is knotted in a particular way, forming a "musubikiri", which is difficult to untie and symbolises the unbreakable nature of marriage.

The shugi-bukuro is placed inside a larger envelope, known as a fukusa, which is made of cloth or a handkerchief to protect it from dirt until it is given at the wedding reception.

Presentation: Cover the envelope with a cloth or handkerchief until it is given at the wedding

In Japanese culture, presentation is just as important as the gift itself. Aesthetics matter greatly, and Japanese gift wrapping is known for its minimalist elegance. When preparing a shugi-bukuro, or a Japanese traditional money envelope for a wedding, it is customary to cover it with a cloth called a fukusa until it is given at the wedding reception. This cloth serves to protect the envelope from dirt and is considered a polite and respectful way to present a gift. Alternatively, a regular handkerchief can also be used.

The fukusa is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that is versatile and eco-friendly. It can be folded, twisted, and tied into various styles, enhancing the visual appeal of the gift. Incorporating the fukusa into your gift presentation showcases your appreciation for Japanese tradition and sustainability values.

When presenting the shugi-bukuro at the wedding, it is important to use both hands as a sign of respect and sincerity. A bow or a simple nod can also be added to the gesture. It is customary to present the gift privately to the couple, away from the eyes of other guests.

In addition to the fukusa or handkerchief, the shugi-bukuro itself has specific preparation instructions. First, select the appropriate envelope, usually featuring upside-down red and white ribbons as these colours are considered lucky in Japan. Write your name on the envelope, slightly smaller than the '寿' character at the top. The shugi-bukuro will also come with another envelope inside. On the front, write down the amount of money you are giving, and on the back, write your address and name. Now, place the inner envelope with the money inside the shugi-bukuro and close it, folding the upper part in first so that the lower part faces up.

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