Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Things You’ll Need:
Step1
Look in the yellow pages under "clothing stores" to see if there are any Japanese specialty shops listed.
Step2
Ask for referrals at Japanese-run businesses in your area.
Step3
Do a keyword search online for "kimono."
Step4
Remember that traditional wedding kimonos are unsized. They should fit women who wear up to a Western size 14. You can adjust the garment to fit your body shape and size.
Step5
Learn the proper way to wear a kimono. Study pictures, ask friends and read books for the correct etiquette.
Step6
Consider attending a kimono-wearing school if one exists in your area. This is a special class to teach young girls the proper way to wear a kimono before marriage.
Step7
Look inside garments for size tags. A tag indicates a machine-made, mass-produced item, rather than the traditional handmade kimono.
Step8
Select a Uchikake kimono, which is a beautifully designed wedding overgarment that is embroidered with silver and gold flowers and birds. It usually comes in vibrant colors to make the bride stand out.
Step9
Shop for a white wedding kimono to wear underneath the more elaborate one.
Step10
Consider making your own kimono if you have trouble finding one. Look for patterns in a fabric store. Or hire an experienced seamstress to make the garment for you.
Step11
Be prepared to pay a lot for a high-quality wedding kimono. They can cost thousands of dollars.
Comments
arbonj said
on 3/7/2008 Lots of vintage wedding kimonos are for sale on the web. Most if not all are former rental gowns, hardly ever used. My company, Kyoto Kimono (www.kyotokimono.com and www.bridalkimono.com) offers the wedding kimonos as well as apparel, gifts and accessories made from kimono fabrics for couples whether they want to add a Japanese touch to their ceremony and reception or a full Japanese theme.
Anonymous said
on 9/16/2006 Perhaps an easier-to-find source for a pattern (which is a great suggestion!) is the "Folkwear" brand pattern #113 and/or the John Marshall book called, Make Your Own Kimono. Good Luck!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Simplicity pattern 5830 is the closest thing to an actual Kimono in fabric store patterns. It will need to be made longer, to obtain the proper fold below the obi, and the sleeves are Tomesode length (much too short for an Uchikake).