Japanese weddings, although very expensive are very elegant and
serene. If you are choosing a Japanese theme for your wedding,
think about ways to achieve the authentic look at a fraction of
the price.
For a Japanese wedding theme begin with the bride’s attire.
Traditionally, a bride in Japan wears a white silk kimono,
which can cost up to twenty five thousand dollars to purchase.
With a good seamstress, a kimono can be made from white silk. A
groom wears a haori on the top and a hakama on the bottom, all
in black. The bride will usually change into different kimonos
up to five times during the wedding day. Although not required,
some Japanese brides wear wigs as part of the tradition of the
kimono wedding dress. The wig is heavily decorated in
artificial flowers, gold combs and pearls. The wedding party
will also dress in kimono’s, usually in a color chosen by the
bride.
At the ceremony of a Japanese themed wedding, the bride and
groom traditionally enter the ceremony from different sides of
the room while drum and flute music are being played. A sacred
tree, made from paper streamers is then waved over the couple
in belief that it will keep evil spirits away and unite
purification. After vows are said, the couple then drinks wine,
or sake, and exchanges their glasses nine times to symbolize
their bonding.
Some accessories to look for when uniting in a Japanese themed
wedding include white fans for the bride and bridesmaids to
hold during the ceremony, bonsai trees to display as
centerpieces on the reception tables, a decorated parasol for
the flower girl to carry, and bowls of bamboo to set around the
reception to give a more authentic look of Japanese culture.
When deciding on lighting for a Japanese themed wedding, look
for paper lantern lights, which can also be made. Hang them at
the reception location and use for lighting rather than
candles. You may also think about buying miniature fans to use
as place settings for guests to take home as souvenirs. Chop
sticks are another great item to add to the theme of the
wedding. Whether your guests know how to use them or not, they
will have fun trying and taking them home.
In a new modern era, couples are beginning to incorporate the
traditional Japanese wedding with more of a modern Western
culture, which makes the wedding more understood by those who
are not familiar with Japan’s culture.
When planning your Japanese wedding theme, read up on the
cultures and traditions of Japan and include all or a few of
them in your wedding, using your own style. If you pay
attention to the detail of your attire, reception decorations,
music and flowers, you will have a beautiful wedding with the
feel of Japanese culture.
About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is an event planner from
Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.wedding411.net/ for more event
planning tips, strategies, and resources.
Kirsten Hawkins | 
