The Importance of a Strong Start: Essential Items for a Successful Family Meeting ♡

2018.01.23 published

The First Step in Wedding Preparation: Family Meeting

A significant event for the bride and groom before the wedding: "Family Meeting"♡

The family meeting is the first formal occasion where both families come together. It’s essential to ensure that this relationship continues to be positive for many years to come, and we want it to be a success＊

So this time, we will introduce a list of necessary items to ensure a successful family meeting♡

By gathering everything, you can welcome the day of the meeting with peace of mind＊

Necessary Item 1: Program

Many brides are DIYing their "Family Meeting Programs"＊

It's like a profile book for the wedding, containing the flow of the meal, greetings from the bride and groom, and family profiles♡

It prevents awkward silences and helps facilitate conversation by including family introductions◎

@tmkskrgw

Necessary Item 2: Place Cards

While it is standard to have place cards for guests at the reception, it is usually not done during family meetings.

Having place cards prepared helps avoid confusion during seating, and comments like "Did you make these yourself? Wow!" can easily start conversations＊

Typically, the groom's family sits at the top table in the order of father, mother, and groom away from the entrance. The bride's family sits in the same order at the lower table.

@y_k_k_0314

Necessary Item 3: Engagement Gift

Most bride and grooms have their family meeting between their engagement and registration.

Unlike a formal engagement ceremony, a family meeting does not involve any ceremonial practices. Instead, they exchange engagement gifts, such as rings, as a symbol of their engagement＊

It's common for the groom to give the bride an engagement ring and for the bride to give the groom a watch♡

@t.t.m.wedding

The moment they exchange gifts in front of everyone and put on each other's rings and watches will become a cherished memory for the couple♡

Necessary Item 4: Photography Items & Camera

A family meeting is one of life’s important events♡

While it’s rare for the couple to hire a professional photographer, they still want to ensure memorable photos!

They definitely want to take formal photos, but they also want to capture cheerful and friendly moments♡

If you have photo props and garlands, you can take bright and festive pictures together＊

@saki.a.1125

Necessary Item 5: Marriage Registration, Writing Tools, and Seals

Many couples fill out their marriage registration during the family meeting♡

They can have their family members sign as guarantors on the spot, completing the marriage registration together＊

It’s good to prepare several copies in case of mistakes, so remember to bring writing tools and seals too!

@chan___yuri

Necessary Item 6: Gifts for Parents

It’s wonderful to express gratitude to parents again during the family meeting. A popular gift is the "Turesohi-mamoru" from Tokyo's Nogi Shrine♡

The "Turesohi-mamoru," which expresses the wish "May the couple continue to grow together for many years," is perfect as a gift for parents＊

We have introduced how to DIY a display box for "Yorisohi-mamoru" in this article♩

➡【DIY Instructions】How to Make a Special Box for "Yorisohi-mamoru" and "Turesohi-mamoru" - Perfect for Welcome Boards and Gifts for Parents♩

@m_m_0930

Additionally, if the families are from different regions, it’s a nice idea to exchange local confectioneries or give small gifts of auspicious sweets selected by the couple◎

@m_m_0930

Necessary Item 7: Wedding Venue Brochure

After the family meeting, the much-anticipated event is the wedding♡ Family members are likely curious about where the ceremony will take place and what kind of wedding it will be.

If you bring the brochure for the venue you’ve decided on or are considering, it can spark exciting discussions about the wedding♡

@m_m_0930

Let’s Ensure a Successful Family Meeting♡

The family meeting is the first formal event for the couple after their engagement＊

To give their families peace of mind, saying, “This couple is fine,” they want to prepare thoroughly♡

Don’t forget the items we’ve introduced and move forward with the preparations for the family meeting♩

➡ Fashion Stylist's Tips for Outfits at Family Meetings: 8 Styles

➡ For the complete list of family meeting articles＊

@tmkskrgw