Traditional Wedding Ceremonies and Customs Unique to Japanese Weddings: How Many Do You Know?♡

I Want to Know About the Unique Ceremonies of Japanese Weddings♡

With beautiful shiromuku and vibrant irodori-uchikake, many brides are dreaming of such wonderful traditional attire. In light of this growing interest, many brides are expressing their desire to learn more about "traditional yet approachable Japanese wedding ceremonies that can be enjoyed casually♡."

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Recommended for Kimono-Clad Brides♡ A Compilation of Memorable Ceremonies＊

Although we call them ceremonies, rest assured that what we introduce here are simple and friendly rituals. Because you will be wearing traditional clothing at the wedding, here are ideas for traditional and touching Japanese-style ceremonies that you definitely want to do during the ceremony or reception to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

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*Japanese Ceremony 1♡ Mizuwake no Gi (Water Combining Ceremony)＊

Mizuwake no Gi is a particularly standard ceremony in Japanese weddings♡ By combining water that the bride and groom have fetched from their respective family homes into a single cup, it symbolizes the establishment of their new household together＊

Since it is the couple's first joint activity as husband and wife, some brides may even shed tears from the emotion♡

Interestingly, it seems that an increasing number of couples are performing the water combining ceremony even during wedding dress receptions＊

It seems popular to prepare an olive tree and water it with the water fetched from their family homes◎

*Japanese Ceremony 2♡ Hakoseko no Gi＊

Hakoseko no Gi refers to the ceremony where, during the bride's preparations before the ceremony, the mother inserts a "hakoseko," containing a letter and charms, into the bride's neckline♡ It carries the meaning of passing on a mother's feelings to her daughter, and it could be the most memorable moment for both mother and daughter♡

Of course, since this is a brief ceremony that takes place during preparations, guests cannot see it, making it extra special＊ So, it is important to ask family members and photographers present to capture this wonderful moment in beautiful photos♡

*Japanese Ceremony 3♡ Kaiken no Gi＊

Kaiken no Gi is a ceremony that is somewhat similar to the previously mentioned hakoseko no gi＊ As the final touch of the bride's preparations, the mother places a kaiken, or small dagger, into the bride's neckline to adorn her♡

A kaiken is a short dagger worn in the obi when wearing traditional clothing＊ It is very charming when arranged cutely, with tassels swaying like charms♡ It carries the meaning of wishing happiness for the beloved daughter who is getting married♩

*Japanese Ceremony 4♡ Ougi-watashi no Gi＊

Ougi-watashi no Gi is the kimono version of bouquet pulling! A fan bouquet is tied with a ribbon, and guests just pull on it♩ A guest who manages to pull a ribbon connected to the fan bouquet is said to be blessed with happiness♡ This is a fun way of performing the ceremony＊

Due to its shape, the fan has been cherished as an auspicious item called "Suehiro," which symbolizes good fortune＊ Being the only guest participatory performance in Japanese weddings, it's one of the charms that allows everyone to create a joyful atmosphere together♩

*Japanese Ceremony 5♡ Hashitori no Gi＊

Hashitori no Gi is a hospitality-oriented ceremony where the bride and groom use chopsticks to serve various colorful wagashi (Japanese sweets) arranged on a tray called "Shimadai" to their guests♡ The key point is to create a tasteful atmosphere using bamboo chopsticks!

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Although performing this ceremony can be a little nerve-wracking as it is observable by guests, if done gracefully, you may receive compliments from older guests saying what a wonderful wife you are♡ It carries a lovely meaning of "I will always feed you, ensuring that you never go hungry"＊

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*Japanese Ceremony 6♡ Benisashi no Gi＊

Benisashi no Gi is a performance where the mother applies lipstick to her daughter, wishing for her happiness as a final touch♡ Unlike the hakoseko no gi or kaiken no gi, this ceremony occurs during the entrance scene of the reception, allowing guests to see the bond between mother and daughter clearly♩

Interestingly, it is often the father watching nearby who ends up getting emotional rather than the bride and her mother participating in the ceremony♡ For brides considering doing something special with their beloved family during the wedding, this is especially recommended＊

Which Japanese Ceremony Would You Like to Do♡

How was that?? These are easy yet incredibly touching rituals unique to Japanese weddings♡ From activities that can be done with mothers to joint tasks with spouses, there are many ceremonies to consider, so brides thinking of a kimono wedding should definitely give these a try＊

@keiko_marry

Wishing you a wonderful Japanese wedding♡