"Choosing the Perfect Wedding Style: Exploring the Features and Differences Between Shinto and Christian Ceremonies"

Where, Style, and Method to Hold a 【Wedding Ceremony】

The term "wedding" includes three elements: the ceremony, reception, and after-party. Deciding where, in what style, and by what means to hold each of these is an important issue that should be determined alongside setting the wedding theme and choosing the venue.

Particularly important is the 【wedding ceremony】, which has four styles, each completely different! To decide on the style of the ceremony, let's study the four styles of wedding ceremonies: Christian, Shinto, Buddhist, and civil ceremonies♡

Ceremony Style 1: Christian Ceremony

The Christian ceremony is held in a church (chapel) under the officiation of a pastor or priest, where the couple makes their wedding vows. It is a popular style chosen by more than half of couples♡

<Flow of the Christian Ceremony>

The pastor or priest officiates; the groom enters and waits at the altar → The bride enters with her escort (father) → The escort hands the bride to the groom → The ceremony usually includes hymns, readings from the Bible, exchange of vows, and exchange of rings, which are standard elements. The flow of the ceremony is almost predetermined, and the couple conducts the wedding in this order＊

Christian ceremonies can be performed at specialized venues such as churches or chapel facilities in hotels. Note that there are different denominations, such as Catholic and Protestant!

In terms of attire, it is common for the groom to wear a tuxedo and the bride to wear a pure white wedding dress with a veil. Don't forget the bouquet and boutonnière!

Ceremony Style 2: Shinto Ceremony

The Shinto ceremony is a ritual where the officiant prays to the deity and wishes for the couple's happiness. It is a style that has existed for a long time, gaining popularity after the wedding of Emperor Taisho. Generally, it is referred to as "Wakon," a format held at Shinto shrines.

<Flow of the Shinto Ceremony>

The officiant offers a prayer to report the couple's marriage to the deity enshrined in the shrine, the guardian deity, and ancestral spirits → The couple exchanges sake cups in a tradition known as san-san-kudo and reads their vows → They offer a tamagushi (a ritual branch) to the deity and exchange vows symbolizing their union as families; typically, this ceremony is held with just family members＊

Locations where Shinto ceremonies can be performed include shrines, hotels, and halls with in-house shrines. However, due to lower usage frequency compared to chapels, fewer large shrines are available. That said, this allows for a more intimate ceremony♡

In Shinto ceremonies, it is common for the groom to wear a formal kimono (montsuki hakama) and the bride to wear a white wedding kimono (shiromuku). Some people express a desire to wear more elaborate traditional garments like junihitoe (twelve-layered ceremonial kimono) during this occasion♡

Ceremony Style 3: Buddhist Ceremony

The Buddhist ceremony is a ritual where the couple informs the main object of worship of their marriage. Couples choosing a Buddhist ceremony often already have a particular temple in mind.

<Flow of the Buddhist Ceremony>

The chief monk and guests inform the main object of worship about the marriage, receive teachings from the monk about what to uphold as lifelong Buddhists, accept commemorative prayer beads, and after signing a paper pledging mutual respect and love, they exchange sake cups in a san-san-kudo style, which is the main flow of a Buddhist ceremony＊

Buddhist ceremonies take place at temples across the country. It's a good idea to start by consulting with the chief monk of the temple where you'd like to hold the ceremony!

Generally, in a Buddhist ceremony, the groom wears a formal kimono and the bride wears a white wedding kimono. Note that traditional attire can be more expensive than Western attire due to costs related to wigs and styling…

Ceremony Style 4: Civil Ceremony

A civil ceremony involves the couple making their marriage vows in front of guests, signing a marriage pledge, and having their marriage recognized and witnessed by guests. The appeal lies in being able to have a progression and performance that reflect the couple’s personality, allowing guests to celebrate together♡

<Flow of the Civil Ceremony>

The flow of the ceremony can either resemble that of a Christian ceremony to some extent or be entirely different; the freedom in format means that preparation and coordination can take more time!

Civil ceremonies allow for freedom in attire! Whether it's Western or traditional clothing, you can wear your dream bridal outfit♡

Let's Have the Best Wedding with a Ceremony Style that Suits Both of You♡

How was it? Understanding the characteristics of each ceremony style will help you choose the one that is just right for you! What style do you lean towards? There are various points to consider, such as religion, preferences, and aspirations♡ It's okay to decide just between the two of you, but be sure to have a good discussion with your families as well to ensure an unforgettable wedding ceremony!