Is the Latest Trend Shared Weddings? A Look Back at Wedding Style Trends from the Flashy Weddings of the 1980s♡

2016.09.02 published

Let's look back at wedding trends♡

It is said that wedding trends change every 10 years in accordance with Japan's social backdrop. You've probably heard terms like "hade-kon" (flashy weddings) and "jimi-kon" (simple weddings), but honestly, it's hard to know what kind of weddings were actually popular at the time. However, now that I'm about to become a bride myself, don't you find yourself a bit curious about the weddings of the previous generation?♡

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So this time, we will look back at wedding trend styles, starting from the 1980s when Western-style weddings in chapels began to take off!

1980s: Hade-kon♡

The 1980s in Japan were the bubble era! Weddings during this economically prosperous bubble period were characterized by extravagant spending, which became known as "hade-kon" (flashy weddings)♡

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Celebrities like Tomokazu Miura and Yōko Yamaguchi, as well as Masaki Kanda and Seiko Matsuda, held weddings that cost in the hundreds of millions of yen, which then spread to the general public. The royal wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, costing 11 billion yen, also spurred this trend＊

➡ Actual scenes from "Hade-kon"♡

In actual weddings, there were extravagant displays such as brides and grooms arriving on gondolas, glittering disco balls as venue decorations, and multiple outfit changes, indicating a significant budget allocation for attire...＊ I'd love to experience a "hade-kon" at least once in my life!♡

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1990s: Jimi-kon♡

After the bubble burst, the trend shifted from "hade-kon" to "jimi-kon," which emphasized a simplified approach to weddings by cutting out unnecessary expenditures and streamlining the ceremony＊

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The couple of Masatoshi Nagase and Kyoko Koizumi made headlines by not having a wedding ceremony, and Takashi Kashiwagi and Tomoko Yamamoto also opted for a simple wedding. These choices reflected a focus on the essence of marriage rather than the ceremony itself...♡

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➡ Actual scenes from "Jimi-kon"♡

In the 90s, "jimi-kon" often meant forgoing a ceremony in favor of just photo shoots, buying only wedding rings without engagement rings, or holding small gatherings with only a few guests...! This has similarities to the modern trends of "suma-kon" and "nashi-kon."＊

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2000s: At-home weddings♡

The 2000s, marked by the aftermath of the economic downturn and the popularity of terms describing social divides, saw couples begin to reevaluate the fundamental style of weddings, leading to an increase in "at-home weddings."♡

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➡ Actual scenes from "At-home weddings"♡

In the "at-home weddings" of the 2000s, the style of renting out guest houses became popular. Many weddings featured dessert buffets in gardens and intimate gatherings with just close family and friends, providing a truly warm and smile-filled atmosphere.＊

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2010s: Wakon

Before chapel-style weddings gained popularity from the West, "wakon" (Japanese weddings) that had been traditionally held in Japan began to be reevaluated and slowly gained popularity around 2010. At this time, as women were marrying later, many brides preferred calm and serene Japanese attire, which may have contributed to this trend.♡

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➡ Actual scenes from "Wakon"♡

As celebrity couples started to hold ceremonies at places like Meiji Shrine, traditional Shinto ceremonies began to be performed in shrines across the country. The white "muku" attire and colorful modern "iro-uchikake" also started to gain popularity during this time.♡

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2011 and beyond: At-heart weddings♡

In 2011, the unforgettable Great East Japan Earthquake occurred. The character "kizuna" (bonds) became the kanji representing that year, highlighting how everyone started to reevaluate their connections with others. The "at-heart wedding," which focuses on expressing gratitude, became trending.♡

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Until then, there was a prevailing mindset that the couple being celebrated was the norm, but in "at-heart weddings," the focus shifted to expressing gratitude towards family and friends who have supported them, providing thoughtful hospitality to guests...♡ It's a wedding style that prioritizes the guests!＊

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2012 and beyond: Shared weddings♡

Currently, the trending wedding style is known as "shared weddings." This means sharing the wedding experience, also called "kyōyū-kon." The concept is similar to "at-heart weddings," as it places importance on gratitude, but in "shared weddings," aspects like DIY wedding items with friends or guest-inclusive performances are emphasized!

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The charm of "shared weddings" lies in the unity of both the couple and guests in enhancing the celebration. The ability to easily share memories on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram is also a modern twist that makes it enjoyable.＊

What kind of weddings will be born in the future...!

How was that?♡ We looked back at the evolving wedding trend styles in Japan from the 1980s. While no-wedding and simple weddings are becoming social phenomena today, there's no doubt that weddings will forever remain spaces overflowing with happiness!♡ That's why I'm excited to see what wedding styles will emerge in the future!♡

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