Avoid Childish Items! A List of Stylish Props for Adult-Approved Pre-Wedding Kimono Photo Sessions

2019.02.24 published

[Pre-wedding Shoots in Traditional Japanese Clothing] The Ideal is an Adorable Yet Mature Atmosphere ♡

One of the fun events leading up to the wedding day is the [pre-wedding shoot] in hakama and colorful uchikake clothing.*

Unlike the wedding day, during a pre-wedding shoot, you have the opportunity to take many photos at a leisurely pace, and wedding photos using props are quite popular.*

Photos taken using original handmade items bring a charming atmosphere.

However…

Among the brides-to-be, there are certainly some who want their [traditional clothing pre-wedding shoots] to have a stylish and mature feel rather than a cute one.

While lots of colorful props can make for beautiful wedding photos, they can sometimes appear childish or give off a handmade feel if not done well.

To create pre-wedding photos that look stylish to viewers of all ages, and that won't feel outdated after years or decades, choosing the right props is extremely important!

In this article, we will introduce props that can help you achieve elegant and stylish pre-wedding photos in traditional clothing.

Brides-to-be who want a mature feel but still want to use some items should definitely take a look!*

I Don't Want It to Look Childish! Props to Use for Traditional Clothing Pre-Wedding Shoot ① Bridal Rings

The first item to consider for a traditional clothing pre-wedding shoot is bridal rings. A classic shot is simply placing the wedding ring on your palm.

It's a perfect prop for wedding photos!*

@jh0617.wd

There are also various ideas such as poses wearing the wedding ring or distance shots peeking out from behind the ring.

I Don't Want It to Look Childish! Props to Use for Traditional Clothing Pre-Wedding Shoot ② Japanese Umbrella

Next, we introduce the traditional Japanese umbrella, a staple in pre-wedding photography. You can share an umbrella, sit side by side with one on each side, or try silhouette shots hiding your body with an umbrella.

This will create wedding photos that emphasize the traditional aesthetic!*

It’s great that photo studios often provide these, so you don’t need to prepare them yourself.

@yuki_txs

I Don't Want It to Look Childish! Props to Use for Traditional Clothing Pre-Wedding Shoot ③ Origami Cranes

Origami cranes made from paper are also a unique prop for traditional clothing pre-wedding shoots. They are commonly used in distance shots or placed on your palm.*

Instead of plain origami paper, using patterned Japanese paper will add to the special feel.

I Don't Want It to Look Childish! Props to Use for Traditional Clothing Pre-Wedding Shoot ④ Couple Amulets

Couple amulets are increasingly being gifted for weddings. Among brides-to-be, amulets designed with motifs of hakama and shiro-muku (white ceremonial kimono) are quite popular.

Wedding photos featuring couple amulets are unique and have a mature yet cute atmosphere, making them highly recommended! ♡

@satetsu0306

I Don't Want It to Look Childish! Props to Use for Traditional Clothing Pre-Wedding Shoot ⑤ Red String of Mizuhiki

The red string made from yarn and wire is a representative item for traditional clothing pre-wedding shoots. It’s a common item that many brides prepare.

While the classic designs include “LOVE” or heart shapes, those who feel that's a bit too cute may prefer the design of the mizuhiki.

If photographed against a white background, it will result in a stylish wedding photo reminiscent of a ceremonial gift wrap!*

@aj.can

I Don't Want It to Look Childish! Props to Use for Traditional Clothing Pre-Wedding Shoot ⑥ Wooden Masu

The wooden masu (a square wooden cup) printed with kanji characters like "寿" (long life) or "祝" (celebration) is also a unique item for traditional clothing. Although traditionally used in the sake ceremony at weddings, how about using it as a prop in pre-wedding photography?

It might be nice to hold a custom wooden masu with your name printed on it! ♩

@keiko_marry

I Don't Want It to Look Childish! Props to Use for Traditional Clothing Pre-Wedding Shoot ⑦ Temari

The adorable little temari (handball) is a toy with a long history in Japan. Made by winding beautiful threads into geometric patterns, it can add an atmospheric touch to wedding photos.

Ready-made ones are sold for around 3000 yen, but you can also create your own using a temari kit! ♡

I Don't Want It to Look Childish! Props to Use for Traditional Clothing Pre-Wedding Shoot ⑧ Sensu (Folding Fan)

Lastly, one of the distinctive props for traditional clothing is the sensu (folding fan).

Although decorated props like fans printed with "Husband" and "Wife" or adorned with artificial flowers are popular…

using a simple, unembellished fan is quite stylish!*

It doesn’t compete with the backdrop, whether it’s from the studio or on location.

@a_o_wedding

Focus on Selecting Pre-Wedding Props Carefully! *

Here are eight types of props recommended for brides looking to have a stylish and adorable traditional clothing pre-wedding shoot.

None of them require complicated DIY, so busy brides can easily prepare them.

The stars of the wedding photos are not the props but the bride and groom themselves. It’s great to have props that highlight the couple in their traditional clothing!*

@tuu.tomo_wd_0526