In Japan, there are still few weddings that set up runways in reception halls.
We are introducing photos of couples who walked on the runway at Japanese weddings and sharing their experiences, so brides-to-be planning their weddings can find some inspiration♡
✅ Exit (for the exit, they went around the tables before exiting through the runway)
Here is a video of Momoko Sadat walking on the runway at her wedding♡
<Reception Entrance>
🔸 BGM: Beyoncé's Love On Top
🔸 Wedding Dress: Giambattista Valli's 100-10077
<Outfit Change Entrance>
🔸 BGM: ELAIZA's Oh, Pretty Woman
🔸 Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier
<Father’s Song Performance>
🔸 Song: Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World
Bride Who Set Up a Runway in the Reception Hall <❷>
🔸 Wedding Venue: Palace Hotel Tokyo/Aoi Higashi
🔸 Ceremony Date: February 2024
Mona, who held her wedding at the Palace Hotel Tokyo, installed a runway in front of the Takasago sofa. They also added flowers to the runway, making it a luxurious and gorgeous atmosphere♡
✅ Exit (for the exit, they went around the tables before exiting through the runway)
Mona chose a voluminous dress (Nicole Felicia’s NFCP005), making it difficult to walk on the carpet at the reception.
Since the runway had a smooth floor instead of carpet, it was easier to walk in the dress and beautifully showcase the dress, which was one of the advantages of having a runway♡
Experience of Setting Up a Runway in the Reception Hall <❸>
🔸 Wedding Venue: Nagoya Marriott Hotel
🔸 Ceremony Date: January 2024
Yuma, who held her wedding at the Nagoya Marriott Hotel, set up a navy runway in front of the main table. The runway at the Nagoya Marriott Hotel had a wood grain design, so they ordered a custom carpet for it*
In Korea, it is common to set up an arch at the entrance of the runway, but she decided not to place tall flowers at the entrance since it would obstruct the view of guests at the back.
Guests who have been to many weddings were surprised and exclaimed, “I’ve never seen this before!” which added to the surprise effect♡
Experience of Setting Up a Runway in the Reception Hall <❹>
🔸 Wedding Venue: The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
🔸 Ceremony Date: May 21, 2023
Rika Shiiki, who held her wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, prepared a 40cm high runway. At this height, she found it was just right without being too high up*
Both sides of the runway were decorated with flowers at knee height, making it very vibrant♡
Here is a video from the entrance of the ceremony*
🔸 Wedding Dress: SD Dress
You can watch a video of Rika Shiiki’s wedding on her YouTube channel♡
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Runway?
How much does it typically cost to set up a runway?
If the hotel has a runway available, the setup might often be free. (Even if it isn't typically used as a runway, if there are several platforms available for stage purposes, they may connect them to create a runway.)
Additionally, if you want to decorate the runway with flower arrangements or candles, decoration costs will be incurred.
Furthermore, if you want to lay a carpet over the runway, there may be additional fees.
If the wedding venue does not have a runway, you would need to rent runway or stage-type platforms from the venue.
There are only a limited number of reception halls that can accommodate a runway (venues that are wide enough to set up a runway or stage, or that can provide rentals), so it’s wise to inquire with each venue before deciding on a wedding venue.
The four brides introduced set up runways at hotel weddings. It seems that it would be difficult to have a runway at a guest house (due to lack of space or absence of stage equipment), so considering hotel weddings would be a good option.
It’s common to do table rounds during the entrance and exit scenes of the reception.
Guests often circle around the tables during the entrance and exit or take photos at the guest tables during re-entry while doing a "photo round."
Many couples who set up a runway chose to simply walk down the runway without doing table rounds during their entrance and re-entry.
Instead of doing table rounds with guests, many opted to have guests come to the main table or Takasago sofa for photos.
Since many couples are keen on the arrangements of the main table and Takasago sofa, it seems that they prefer to take beautiful photos by having guests come to the sofa for pictures*
For exits, some chose to pass close to the guests, doing a table round before finally exiting through the runway...
This makes for a longer walking distance and brings the couple closer to the guests, which is a wonderful idea♡
We introduced photos and experiences of four brides who set up a "runway" in their reception halls*
By setting up a tall stage in front of the main table, it creates an impact and allows guests to see the bride and groom more easily♡
The runway decoration is still rare in Japan. Many wedding venues might not have examples of runway decorations, so please inquire when you attend bridal fairs*