Japanese Wedding Traditions

While not every Japanese wedding today follows the ancient ways, many couples still choose to host a traditional Japanese wedding when they unite. Japanese wedding traditions that date back generations are those that typically follow the Shinto ways. These traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies are unlike any other for a number of reasons.

Japanese wedding traditions, when followed to the letter, are fairly extensive in detail. For example, in Japanese weddings where Shinto is observed, the Japanese wedding customs are pretty strict. For example, Japanese wedding customs dictate the Japanese wedding ceremony be a small, intimate affair. These weddings are generally attended only by family and a handful of friends. The Japanese wedding ceremony, if traditional, will take place in a Shinto shrine and will be considered a scared undertaking.

During the ceremony, the clothing choices are also dictated by custom. A Japanese wedding dress is generally a white kimono made especially for the Japanese wedding ceremony. Japanese wedding dresses are quite beautiful in style, but are fairly plain in comparison with the ornaments a bride might wear in her hair. The hair itself is generally done up in an elaborate style with many decorations making the bride shine.

While Japanese wedding gowns are dictated by custom, so too are the outfits for grooms. The men tend to wear kimonos of their own, along with special pants. The kimonos for men rather resemble Japanese wedding coat designs. When the bride and groom are both dressed in traditional Japanese wedding attire, the picture they create is rather spectacular.

With beautiful Japanese wedding gowns and traditional attire for the grooms, as well, the Japanese wedding ceremony itself often involves music and the purification of the couple. The intended bride and groom then partake in the sharing of sake to seal the marriage.

While most people will never receive Japanese wedding invitations, the reception itself is a grand affair where all friends and family are typically invited to be in attendance. A Japanese reception might vary in elaborateness, but it will typically include a Japan wedding cake and plenty of food. The food at a Japanese wedding generally follows customs, as well, and might range from such things as fish and rice to chicken, beef and beyond.

Japanese wedding traditions are hundreds of years old. From Japanese wedding dolls down to the bride’s gown, the protocol for the day is dictated by years of tradition. The observance of traditional weddings is still quite common today, as Japanese brides and grooms cherish their heritage and religious beliefs.