The Number One Performance You Want to Do in Traditional Japanese Attire! Everything You Need to Know About "Kagamimochi Cutting" at Weddings: Methods and Costs♡

2018.11.14 published

I Want to Try "Kagamibiraki" (Kagamiwari)!

Kagamibiraki is the traditional ceremony of breaking open a sake barrel with a wooden mallet, often seen in celebrities' weddings on TV. It's a traditional performance that symbolizes "breaking the mirror to invite good fortune" by considering the lid of the barrel as a "mirror" and breaking it.

@risawedding20170225

Many prospective brides might want to incorporate Kagamibiraki as a part of their wedding ceremony, or as a substitute for cutting the wedding cake! This time, we’ll answer the questions that brides-to-be have about Kagamibiraki ♡

Question 1: How do you perform Kagamibiraki?

With the host saying "On three!" or "Congratulations on your marriage!", the groom and bride break the lid of the barrel. It's said that the louder the voice, the more fortune will come, so let’s all join in and create an exciting atmosphere together!＊

@keiko_marry

Once the lid is successfully opened, the bride and groom pour sake into a one-go masu cup. It's fine to hand it out directly, but if many guests do not drink or if there is a large number of guests, it might be better for staff to distribute it.

@risawedding20170225

You can also set a small barrel on the table and have the bride and groom break it while going around, which is a Japanese-style version of candle service ❤️

Question 2: What is the cost of Kagamibiraki?

Many wedding venues and guesthouses offer it as an option. The typical price is around 100,000 to 150,000 yen.＊ If it’s not available as an option, it might be possible to replace it with the wedding cake, so consult with your planner.＊

If you arrange it yourself, you will need to prepare a barrel, wooden mallet, ladle, and one-go masu. The average cost for a large beautiful 4-to barrel is around 60,000 to 80,000 yen, so budgeting around 100,000 yen should be sufficient. However, be careful as there may be additional fees for bringing it to the venue or disposing of the barrel and leftover sake after the event. Be sure to confirm with the venue.＊

Question 3: What size barrel should I use for Kagamibiraki?

The types of barrels are mainly 1-to, 2-to, and 4-to. Depending on the size of the venue, if you're considering photo opportunities, a 2-to or 4-to barrel is best.♡

Even if you think "We have few participants, so a 4-to might be too much," it’s safe to choose a bottom-up type that holds 1-to inside. By the way, 1-to is equivalent to 10 bottles of one-sho, so if you serve it in a one-go masu, it can accommodate about 100 people! That’s a sufficient amount!＊

@keiko_marry

Question 4: What brand of sake should I use for Kagamibiraki?

There are many brands of sake available, but there are no strict rules for which to use for Kagamibiraki. You can simply choose your favorite brand ♡ It's recommended to match it with the food served that day or select local sake from the bride and groom's hometown, something that the guests will enjoy.＊

@keiko_marry

Question 5: Can I add originality to Kagamibiraki?

Since you're going to do it, you want to give your guests a personalized Kagamibiraki experience, right? Of course, you can bring originality to the performance and decor! ♡

You could serve the sake in an original one-go masu! It could also be a nice keepsake for guests to take home.＊

@risawedding20170225

It doesn’t have to be just the bride and groom breaking the lid with the mallet; it could be done together with both families. This way, both parents might be delighted too!＊

You could also offer the same brand of sake used for Kagamibiraki as a small gift! It’s a lovely gift that allows guests to remember your wedding after they go home.＊

Please try "Kagamibiraki"!

Did you get a sense of the charm of Kagamibiraki? For a once-in-a-lifetime traditional wedding, make sure to include a Kagamibiraki performance in your reception that resonates with both you and your guests!＊

@keiko_marry