Deborah Chan
Japanese weddings are a blend of ancient customs and contemporary styles, with most couples opting for a mix of Shinto rituals, Western elements, and modern practices. The ceremonies usually take place in the late morning or around lunchtime, followed by a formal reception. The bride and groom wear elaborate traditional attire, with the bride in a white kimono called a shiromuku, and the groom in a black kimono called a montsuki. A unique aspect of Japanese weddings is the practice of nijikai, or after-parties, which are more casual gatherings at a separate venue, such as a restaurant or bar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of the day | Japanese weddings usually take place around lunchtime, followed by a formal afternoon lunch reception. |
| Dress code | The bride typically wears a pure white kimono called a shiromuku, while the groom wears a black kimono called a montsuki. Some couples change into Western-style attire for the reception. |
| Photography | Formal portraits are common, with couples receiving upwards of a thousand images from their wedding photographer. More candid and artistic styles of photography are also becoming popular. |
| Gifts | The concept of goshugi (money gifts) is deeply rooted in Japanese wedding culture. The couple also gives gifts to their guests, called hikidemono, which usually contain sweets and small objects like hand towels or decorations. |
| Guests | Only family and close friends are usually invited to Japanese weddings. It is not common to invite people outside of this inner circle, including spouses of friends. |
| Food and drink | Liquor is not typically served at Japanese weddings. The cultural tradition of sake-sharing, called san-san-kudo, is a key aspect of the ceremony. |
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What You'll Learn
- Japanese weddings usually take place around lunchtime, with the ceremony followed by a formal lunch reception
- Sake sharing, or san-san-kudo, is a traditional Japanese wedding custom
- Brides typically wear a white kimono called a shiromuku, while grooms wear a black kimono called a montsuki
- It is customary for the couple and their parents to wait at the exit of the venue, bowing and thanking guests for their attendance
- Wedding photography in Japan is a blend of formality and creativity, with couples opting for traditional posed shots as well as more candid and artistic styles
Japanese weddings usually take place around lunchtime, with the ceremony followed by a formal lunch reception
Japanese weddings are a beautiful blend of ancient customs and contemporary styles, honouring traditions while embracing modern influences. The time of day chosen for weddings is one of the ways in which Japanese weddings differ from those in Western countries. Most Japanese weddings take place around lunchtime, with the ceremony followed by a formal lunch reception. This is in contrast to weddings in the US, for example, where the most popular time to get married is in the afternoon or evening.
A typical Japanese wedding ceremony takes place at a shrine, with a Shinto ritual conducted by a priest. The bride and groom are purified and prayers are offered to the gods. The couple then perform symbolic offerings, such as presenting a sacred branch called tamagushi, to seek blessings for their marriage. This solemn atmosphere connects the newlyweds with the divine and their ancestors.
Following the ceremony, the reception is a time to celebrate with family and friends. While traditional receptions were formal sit-down affairs, modern Japanese receptions have become more relaxed, blending Western and Japanese elements. The couple may choose to change into Western-style attire, and the meal may feature a mix of Japanese and Western cuisine. The reception often includes speeches, performances, and games, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.
One unique aspect of Japanese wedding culture is the practice of nijikai, or after-parties. These more casual gatherings are held at a separate venue, such as a restaurant or bar, allowing the couple to celebrate with a wider circle of friends. Nijikai are known for their laid-back vibe, with activities like karaoke, providing more opportunities for the couple to mingle with their guests. Whether it's the formal ceremony, the lunch reception, or the nijikai, Japanese weddings are a meaningful and joyous celebration of love and unity.
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Sake sharing, or san-san-kudo, is a traditional Japanese wedding custom
While Japanese wedding receptions have evolved over time, blending traditional elements with modern trends, many couples still opt to incorporate traditional Shinto rituals into their wedding day. One such ritual is sake sharing, or san-san-kudo, a custom that dates back to the 1600s and is one of the earliest Japanese wedding traditions.
San-san-kudo, which translates to "three-three-nine times," involves the exchange of sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, between the bride and groom. The ceremony consists of three sets of three sips, for a total of nine sips, with each sip carrying a specific significance. The number three holds immense importance in Japanese culture, representing birth, life, and death.
The ceremony typically takes place with the bride and groom, dressed in traditional Japanese attire or Western wedding attire, standing before a small table adorned with a decorative sake set. This set includes a central pitcher, or tokkuri, and three cups, or sakazuki. The couple takes turns pouring sake from the tokkuri into each other's cups, followed by the three sets of sips.
The exchange of sake symbolises the union of the couple and the blending of their families. It serves as a formal bonding ceremony, representing harmony, respect, unity, and family. In some cases, the couple's parents may also participate in the tradition, taking three sips from each cup to symbolise the strengthening of new family ties.
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Brides typically wear a white kimono called a shiromuku, while grooms wear a black kimono called a montsuki
Japanese wedding ceremonies are a blend of ancient customs and contemporary styles, with many couples choosing to incorporate traditional Shinto rituals into their celebrations. One of the most striking aspects of these weddings is the traditional attire worn by the couple. Brides typically wear a white kimono called a shiromuku, a style that has been in use since the Muromachi period (1336-1573). The shiromuku is a formal and pure white kimono, featuring intricate embroidery and accompanied by a white headpiece called a wataboshi or tsunokakushi. The wataboshi, derived from the katsuki, is a hood that was originally worn outdoors by married women from samurai families to protect themselves from dust and cold. Today, it is worn indoors and is the equivalent of a bridal veil in Western weddings. The tsunokakushi, a traditional hairpiece, is also worn by the bride and is said to symbolise her willingness to take on the groom's family colour, as well as symbolising her willingness to be kind and obedient to her husband. The colour white is also significant, representing purity and cleanliness.
The groom, on the other hand, typically wears a black kimono called a montsuki, which is also known as kuromontsuki. This kimono is adorned with the family crest in white. The groom's attire is completed with striped hakama trousers and a haori overcoat. The montsuki is considered formal attire, suitable for solemn occasions like weddings and graduations.
These traditional garments are often rented rather than purchased due to their high cost. Some couples choose to change into Western-style attire for the reception, with the bride donning a white wedding gown and the groom wearing a tuxedo.
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It is customary for the couple and their parents to wait at the exit of the venue, bowing and thanking guests for their attendance
While there is no clear information on what time Japanese weddings start, they usually take place around lunchtime, with a formal afternoon lunch reception. The ceremony is often held in a shrine, with a Shinto wedding ritual, but can also be held in a Western-style hotel.
Now, to the unique part: it is customary for the newlyweds and their parents to wait at the exit of the venue, bowing and thanking their guests for attending. This is a special way to express their gratitude and bid farewell to their guests. The guests do not leave empty-handed; they receive a gift bag called hikidemono, which usually contains sweets, hand towels, or small decorations. This is yet another way for the couple and their families to show their appreciation.
Japanese weddings blend ancient customs with modern trends, creating a meaningful celebration of love. The traditional attire, sake-sharing, and gift-giving customs honour the couple's heritage, while modern touches, such as Western cuisine and performances, add a contemporary twist.
The bride typically wears a pure white kimono called a shiromuku, adorned with intricate embroidery and a white headpiece. The groom wears a black kimono called a montsuki, with striped hakama trousers and a haori overcoat, bearing his family crest. These elaborate outfits are often rented due to their expense. Some couples even choose to change outfits multiple times, incorporating brighter colours or Western-style attire for variety.
The sake-sharing ritual, called san-san-kudo, is a key tradition. Using three stacked cups, the couple and their parents take three sips each, for a total of nine sips, symbolically bonding the two families. This ancient ritual adds a solemn atmosphere to the celebrations.
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Wedding photography in Japan is a blend of formality and creativity, with couples opting for traditional posed shots as well as more candid and artistic styles
Wedding photography in Japan combines formality and creativity, with couples choosing traditional posed shots alongside more candid and artistic styles. The country's rich history and culture provide a unique backdrop for wedding photos, with iconic locations such as Tokyo Station, the Tokyo National Museum, and Asakusa offering a blend of modern and traditional settings.
Couples often opt for formal attire, with the bride wearing a pure white kimono called a shiromuku, symbolising her willingness to take on the colours of her groom's family. The groom typically dons a black kimono called a montsuki, bearing his family crest. These traditional garments are usually rented due to their expense. For a more modern look, some couples change into Western-style attire, with the bride wearing a white gown and the groom a tuxedo.
Japanese wedding photography captures the beauty and emotion of the couple's special day. Traditional posed shots at shrines or scenic backdrops showcase the formality of the occasion. Meanwhile, modern couples are also embracing more candid and artistic styles, capturing relaxed and intimate moments. Some choose to have separate photo sessions before or after the wedding, allowing for a diverse collection of images to cherish.
Photography studios offer a range of backdrops, from lounges and gardens to ateliers and living rooms, ensuring a natural and relaxing atmosphere. Pre-wedding photo shoots are also popular, with couples choosing locations such as cherry blossom scenes, beaches, gardens, and tea rooms. These shoots allow couples to showcase their personalities and interests, creating a unique and meaningful celebration of their love.
Japan is known for its skilled photographers, who are well-versed in capturing the beauty and emotion of weddings. Whether it's a traditional Shinto ceremony or a modern celebration, couples can find photographers who cater to their specific requirements, ensuring their special day is captured perfectly.
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Frequently asked questions
Japanese weddings typically take place around lunchtime, with the ceremony held in the late morning on a Sunday, followed by a formal lunch reception.
The dress code for female guests is typically a one-piece dress or a kimono. It is considered taboo to wear white, black, or animal leather and fur.
Traditional Japanese weddings blend ancient customs with contemporary styles. Some unique customs include the sake-sharing tradition, san-san-kudo, and the practice of nijikai, or after-parties.
The bride typically wears a pure white kimono called a shiromuku, adorned with intricate embroidery and a white headpiece. The groom wears a black kimono called a montsuki, with striped hakama trousers and a haori overcoat, bearing his family crest.
Instead of giving physical gifts, it is common to give a money gift, or goshugi, presented in a gaudily-designed envelope called a goshugi-bukuro.
