What is a "Japanese Traditional Wedding Ceremony" Combining the Best of Both Worlds with a White Kimono in a Chapel?

Wa × Yo!? A New Style of Wedding Ceremony Has Arrived ＊

Japanese weddings can be broadly categorized into three styles.

The most common is the Christian ceremony, where couples vow their love before God, followed by the shinto-style ceremony and the human-style ceremony where vows are exchanged in front of guests.

Christian and human ceremonies are typically held in wedding chapels, with tuxedos and wedding dresses worn.

In contrast, the shinto ceremony is usually held at a shrine, where participants wear hakama and shiromuku.

However, have you noticed the recent increase in new patterns of wedding ceremonies?♡

This is:

Condition 1: Held in the chapel or garden of the wedding venue

Condition 2: Wearing hakama and shiromuku (color uchikake)

Condition 3: Human-style ceremony

In other words, a fusion style where couples vow their love while dressed in traditional Japanese wedding attire in a Western-style chapel ♡

This style, known as [Wafuku Jinzenshi], has been gaining popularity recently ♩

Let me share the charms of a "Wafuku Jinzenshi".

@lisa_wd1217

The Charm of Wafuku Jinzenshi ① Incorporating Japanese Elements

The first charm of Wafuku Jinzenshi is the ability to incorporate uniquely Japanese elements into the ceremony.

For example, it’s typical to have a “veil down” moment when the bride enters a chapel…

In a Wafuku Jinzenshi, it’s popular for the bride’s mother to perform the [Beni Sashi no Gi], applying red lipstick to the bride’s lips. The contrast between the white of the shiromuku and the red of the lipstick is a very lovely gesture.

As a final preparation, placing a folding fan or a small ceremonial sword into the kimono is also a beautiful touch.

The BGM during the ceremony can also have a Japanese flair. You can hold the wedding ceremony with the sounds of the koto and shakuhachi filling the chapel.

The resonant tones of traditional Japanese instruments will surely elevate the emotions of the guests＊

After the ceremony, the standard after-ceremony events often include flower showers or rice showers…

However, with a Wafuku Jinzenshi, I recommend incorporating an [Origami Crane Shower] where guests sprinkle folded paper cranes.

The colorful paper cranes scattered in the air create an unforgettable after-ceremony experience.

The Charm of Wafuku Jinzenshi ② Unique Vows

Additionally, with Wafuku Jinzenshi, you can introduce unique vow expressions that are characteristically Japanese ♡

Example 1

One particularly popular tradition is the [Mizu Wakai no Gi], where the bride and groom each pour water from their respective hometowns into one container.

This symbolizes the coming together of two lives that have traveled different paths through marriage, embodying a beautiful meaning.

It’s also okay to use local sake or juice instead of water, or even water a symbolic olive tree for marital harmony—feel free to arrange it freely! ♡

Example 2

Here’s an original ceremony incorporating the spirit of "Chano Yu" (tea ceremony) into the wedding ceremony, called [Chanoyu no Gi].

While cherishing each other, the couple prepares tea for each other, then shares drinking from a single bowl of thick tea.

After they drink, the families also join in for a sip of tea, deepening the bonds between the families ♡

This is a wonderful performance only possible with a free human ceremony ♩

Example 3

The moment when the couple gently joins their hands in the [Teawase no Gi] ♡

This choice was made instead of a vow kiss based on the groom’s cute opinion of “I don’t want others to see the face of my bride when she is kissed.”

Merging their hands signifies the moment of promising each other a lifetime of love while feeling each other's warmth. They truly experienced happiness from the heart ♡

The Charm of Wafuku Jinzenshi ③ Memorable for Guests

Wafuku Jinzenshi is very rare, making it an unforgettable wedding ceremony for guests.

Guests waiting for the couple in the chapel or garden will most likely expect the couple to appear in tuxedos and dresses.

Thus, the moment the couple appears in traditional clothing may elicit gasps of surprise ♡

Ceremonies like the san-san-kudo and the rare Mizu Wakai no Gi, seen only by family in shinto ceremonies, are likely to provide guests with pure enjoyment as they see something "for the first time!"

Wafuku Jinzenshi, Maybe a Good Idea? ♡

We have introduced the charms of Wafuku Jinzenshi, a free-spirited wedding ceremony held in a chapel while dressed in traditional attire.

☑ Want to have a ceremony that reflects our true selves

☑ Want to incorporate elements of Japanese culture into our ceremony

☑ Want to surprise all the guests

If you relate to any of these, Wafuku Jinzenshi might be suitable for you.

For couples who haven’t decided on their wedding style yet, consider Wafuku Jinzenshi at least once! ♡