How to Plan a Japanese Wedding

A contemporary Japanese wedding is an elaborate and colorful affair that combines ancient Japanese rituals with modern Western touches.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Wedding Invitations
• Wedding Gowns
• Wedding Albums
• Champagne
• Tea Leaves
• Wedding Cakes
• Champagne Glasses
• Teacups
• Catering Services
• Live Band And DJ Rentals
• Wedding Programs

1. Determine your wedding day according to the old Japanese calendar.
2. Exchange yui-no gifts. (See Related eHows.)
3. Find a place for a short ceremony, with only family present. Shinto shrines are the most traditional choice, and today can be found in the hotel where you hold the announcement party (similar to a Western-style reception).
4. Drink nine sips of sake with your partner, and set your cups down at the exact same time. Tradition says the last one to put the cup down will die first.
5. Offer sake to your parents to complete the unification of your families.
6. Rent wedding clothes at the hall or hotel where the party will be held. The bride often wears a colorful kimono, along with a tsuno kakushi, or big hood, to cover her hair. This is said to hide her horns and show her obedience.
7. Prepare for the bride to change into a new wedding kimono following the ceremony. A combination of Japanese and Western dress is also acceptable today.
8. Hold an announcement party following the ceremony. Invite your bosses, former teachers, close friends and relatives.
9. Serve a full-course meal of Japanese, Chinese or French food.
10. Include red and white in your color scheme, since these are colors of happiness.
11. Present each guest with a souvenir, such as tableware or confectioneries.
12. Plan a traditional tea ceremony to honor and thank your parents at the wedding.
13. Adopt the Western tradition of cutting a large wedding cake. Some couples use a huge plastic cake and have the real one in the kitchen ready to serve to guests.

Tips & Warnings

• An accepted practice in Japan is mi-ai, in which a nakodo, also known as a go-between, brings together a prospective bride and groom to meet and consider marriage. This is still common today among some young couples.
• The fabric from the bride's kimono can be made into futon bedding or a mattress to be passed down to future generations.
• Expect to receive wedding money from guests to cover a large portion of your expenses.