Franklin Dean
Japanese wedding kimono are steeped in tradition and symbolism. The colours, patterns, and layers of kimono are rich in cultural meaning, invoking blessings and prosperity for the newlyweds. The kimono is a popular garment choice for weddings, with many couples choosing to hire rather than purchase due to the expense. The kimono is also a versatile garment, with the ability to transform a look from day to night and wedding to wedding. This is a guide on how to put on a wedding kimono, exploring the different styles and traditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Red and white are common colours for Japanese wedding kimonos. Red symbolises happiness, good fortune, and prosperity. White symbolises purity, innocence, and the commencement of a new chapter. |
| Design | Wedding kimonos often feature intricate patterns and embroidery that blend the chosen colours. |
| Style | The groom typically wears a Japanese-crested Haori (top) and Hakama (bottom) in black. The bride usually wears a Shiromuku, a white kimono with four parts: a large white hood (wataboshi), a ceremonial fan, a headband (tsunokakushi), and an ornamental hairstyle. |
| Accessories | The bride's kimono may include a small pocket case accessory called a hakoseko, traditionally used by samurai brides to carry lucky charms. |
| Pillow | A pillow is sometimes placed behind a kimono to maintain its shape and form, symbolising cultural reverence for craftsmanship and attention to detail. |
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What You'll Learn
- Brides: wear a white Shiromuku kimono with a wataboshi hood
- Grooms: wear a black Haori and Hakama with three layers
- Kimonos are rented, not bought, due to their expense and intricate design
- Kimonos are made from delicate fabrics and so require a pillow to maintain their shape
- Kimonos are worn to other events, but are most popular for weddings
Brides: wear a white Shiromuku kimono with a wataboshi hood
For brides who want to wear a white Shiromuku kimono with a wataboshi hood, it is important to know the history and significance of the outfit. Shiromuku was originally worn at weddings by Samurai families, and today it is the most formal kimono at Japanese weddings. The white colour symbolises the sun's rays, purity, and cleanliness. It also signifies that the bride is ready to accept the groom's family and take on their colours. The Shiromuku has four parts: a white kimono, an over robe (uchikake), a ceremonial fan, and a large white hood (wataboshi). The wataboshi is derived from the "katsuki", a hood worn outdoors by married women in Samurai families from the Muromachi to Momoyama periods. It serves the same purpose as a bridal veil in Western weddings, hiding the bride's face from all others except the groom until the end of the ceremony. The Shiromuku is often paired with a traditional "Shimada" wig, called the tsunokakushi, which symbolises the bride's obedience to her husband. The wig is decorated with a kanzashi, a tiny detail of red inside the front hat bow.
The process of putting on a Shiromuku kimono with a wataboshi hood is intricate and requires the help of a trained stylist. The kimono has many layers and elements, including the over-robe, under-robe, and obi sashi, all in pure white. The wataboshi hood is worn only outdoors, not during indoor receptions. It is recommended to hire a stylist who can assist with the outfit and the photoshoot, as the kimono requires constant adjustment between poses.
To achieve the desired look, the bride should first put on the kimono, followed by the over robe, and secure the obi sashi. The wataboshi hood is then placed on the head, covering the face and hair. The tsunokakushi headband is added as the final touch, securing the hood in place. The headband is often decorated with an ornamental hairstyle, usually a wig, in the "'Shimada'" style. The wig is adorned with a kanzashi, a small decorative detail, such as a red bow. The bride can also carry a ceremonial fan, adding to the elegance of the ensemble.
It is worth noting that the Shiromuku kimono and wataboshi hood are not limited to pure white. Hints of red or other colours can be incorporated as accents, especially inside the hood or in the garment's lining. Gold and silver embroidery are also popular choices for adding detail and elegance to the outfit. These colours and embellishments enhance the beauty of the kimono while maintaining the traditional symbolism and significance of the Shiromuku and wataboshi ensemble.
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Grooms: wear a black Haori and Hakama with three layers
For a Japanese wedding, the groom traditionally wears a black Haori (top) and Hakama (bottom). The Haori is a formal overcoat, typically worn over a kimono, and the Hakama is a pant-like kimono. The groom's Haori and Hakama have three layers and require a trained stylist to put on, as there are many elements to the outfit.
The Haori and Hakama are essential components of traditional Japanese fashion, typically worn during festivals, coming-of-age ceremonies, and other significant life events. The Haori with crests is worn by the groom at his wedding, and the crests are an important part of the outfit, as they symbolise the groom's lineage and family history. The groom's father may also wear a Haori and Hakama to the wedding, but without the family crests.
The groom's Haori and Hakama are typically worn with tabi (Japanese split-toe socks) and Japanese-style sandals. The Hakama is affixed by a series of strings that are wound around the body and then tied at the back. The outfit allows the groom to move freely and take large strides, which is especially important for a wedding, with lots of movement and posing for photos.
The black Haori and Hakama are a formal and dignified choice for a groom's wedding outfit, reflecting the solemnity of the occasion and symbolising the groom's transition to a new stage in his life.
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Kimonos are rented, not bought, due to their expense and intricate design
Wedding kimonos are intricate and expensive, and as such, they are often rented instead of bought. The kimono is a traditional garment of Japan, and the wedding kimono is a wonderful traditional undergarment for a couple's big day. The bride's kimono, in particular, is a complex outfit with many layers and elements that require a trained stylist to put on. The groom's kimono also has three layers. The bride's kimono, known as the Shiromuku, is a white ensemble originally worn by Samurai families and is the most formal kimono at Japanese weddings. The white colour symbolises purity and cleanliness and indicates that the bride is ready to accept the groom's family. The Shiromuku has four parts: a large white hood (wataboshi), a ceremonial fan, a headband (tsunokakushi), and an ornamental hairstyle. The groom wears a Japanese-crested Haori (top) and Hakama (bottom), usually in black.
The high expense and intricate design of wedding kimonos are the main reasons why couples choose to rent rather than buy. Wedding kimonos are typically only worn during the wedding ceremony, and most people in Japan do not wear kimonos daily. Renting a kimono is a more affordable option than buying, especially for those who may only wear it once. Additionally, kimono rental shops are readily available in Japan, making it convenient for couples to rent rather than purchase.
Renting a kimono is a popular option for tourists visiting Japan as well. Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, and Nara have numerous rental shops offering various kimono styles, including wedding kimonos. Renting allows visitors to experience the traditional garment without the hassle of purchasing and transporting it home.
While some people may choose to buy a kimono, especially if they plan to wear it multiple times, renting remains a common practice due to the high cost and intricate nature of wedding kimonos. The rental process also includes assistance from stylists, ensuring that the complex outfits are properly adjusted and worn.
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Kimonos are made from delicate fabrics and so require a pillow to maintain their shape
Wedding kimonos are often made from delicate fabrics and are quite complex to put on, requiring a stylist to ensure all the layers and elements are correctly adjusted. The kimono's history is rooted in the Samurai families of Japan, and it remains a traditional garment for brides. The Shiromuku, for example, is a four-part ensemble, consisting of a large hood, a ceremonial fan, a headband, and an ornamental hairstyle. The outer robe is designed in the style of medieval Japan.
The kimono is a formal garment, often with intricate embroidery and fine details. To preserve the shape of the kimono, a pillow is sometimes used. This is not for sleeping, as some may assume, but rather to fix the belt at the back. The pillow-like decoration is a distinctive feature of the kimono, setting it apart from traditional clothing in other countries. The belt, or obi, was initially knotted at the front, but as the knot grew in size, it became more practical to move it to the back. This change occurred during the Edo period, and the kimono design we see today is largely based on this evolution.
The pillow is, therefore, a functional part of the kimono, ensuring the belt is secure and the kimono's shape is maintained. The pillow also adds volume to the kimono, enhancing the overall look. This is particularly important for wedding kimonos, which are often chosen for their beautiful designs and intricate details. Brides may opt for floral motifs, cherry blossoms, or other auspicious Japanese images, and the kimono's shape must be maintained to showcase these intricate details.
The pillow is also a subtle reminder of the kimono's evolution. While the pillow-like decoration now serves a functional purpose, it is said that in ancient Japan, women carried blankets and small pillows, which some believe was to encourage population growth. Women were expected to be "ready" at any time, and the pillow was part of this preparation. This narrative is disputed, but it is an interesting part of the kimono's history. Today, the pillow is an integral part of the kimono's structure, ensuring the garment is worn correctly and presented in the best light.
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Kimonos are worn to other events, but are most popular for weddings
Kimonos are a symbol of good fortune and longevity in Japanese culture. They are worn to various events, including summer festivals, funerals, graduations, and other formal occasions. However, they are most popular for weddings, where they serve as a traditional costume for the couple.
For traditional Japanese weddings, the groom typically wears a Japanese-crested Haori (top) and Hakama (bottom), usually in black. The bride often has more options, including the popular Shiromuku, a white ensemble originally worn by Samurai families. The white colour symbolises purity and cleanliness, and the bride's willingness to accept the groom's family. The Shiromuku consists of four parts: a large white hood (wataboshi), a ceremonial fan, a headband (tsunokakushi), and an ornamental hairstyle.
Another option for brides is the Irouchikake, which is worn during wedding receptions. Brides wearing the Irouchikake may choose a non-traditional hairstyle, such as a large corsage, instead of the usual headdress or wig. The Hikifurisode is another popular choice for brides, featuring gold and silver embroidery and a cotton-stuffed edge to prevent tangling while walking. This kimono is only worn by single brides before they begin their married lives.
Friends of the bride may wear the Houmongi to the wedding, a formal kimono with unbroken patterns that cross over the seams. The groom's male friends, on the other hand, may wear the Montsuki, a plain kimono in simple colours, which is also suitable for formal occasions like weddings and graduations.
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Frequently asked questions
The quintessential colour for a Japanese wedding kimono is red, which symbolises happiness, good fortune and prosperity. White is also a common colour, symbolising purity, innocence and the commencement of a new chapter.
Modern brides have more freedom to choose their kimono colour and style. Some popular colours and designs include gorgeous flowers, cherry blossoms and other auspicious Japanese images.
There are several styles of wedding kimono, including Shiromuku, Irouchikake, Montsuki, Houmongi and Tsukesage. The Shiromuku is the most formal kimono, with four layers, while the Irouchikake is a symbol of prosperity and longevity.
Putting on a wedding kimono, especially the Shiromuku and Haori & Hakama, requires the help of a trained stylist as there are many layers and elements to the outfits. The groom's Haori & Hakama has three layers, while the bride's Shiromuku has four.
It is important to maintain the shape and form of the kimono, as the fabric is delicate and can easily wrinkle. A pillow is often placed behind the kimono to provide support and ensure the garment retains its silhouette.
