【Compilation】16 Exciting Japanese Wedding Reception Ideas with Shiro-Muku and Iro-Obi!

2019.07.28 published

What Are Some Japanese-Style Wedding Reception Performances?＊

For brides-to-be who are planning to wear traditional Japanese clothing for their wedding or reception, have you already decided on the performances for the big day?

While classic wedding performances such as flower showers, bouquet tosses, and the first bite can certainly be done even in traditional attire, don't you want to incorporate unique performances that highlight the beauty of Japanese clothing, such as the shiro-muku and iro-uchikake?

This time, we will introduce 16 types of Japanese performances that can be incorporated into the proceedings from the ceremony to the wedding reception. There are so many wonderful performances that even those who weren't planning on wearing traditional clothing might want to try!＊

@keiko_marry

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ① Origami Crane Shower

When it comes to the post-ceremony flower walkway performance, the overseas-originated "flower shower" is the standard, right? For a Japanese wedding, we recommend the "origami crane shower," where guests scatter small origami cranes instead of flower petals.

While a large number of origami cranes are needed for the shower, making them by hand can be quite difficult. You can purchase them online from places like Rakuten. Mixing in mizuhiki (decorative paper strings) can also be cute! ♡

➡ Check out origami cranes for the crane shower on Rakuten

@star1008wd

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ② Mochi Maki

Next, we introduce one of Japan's unique traditional performances: "mochi maki." In this performance, the bride and groom throw celebratory mochi (rice cakes) to guests from the second floor or stairs of the venue.

The custom originated from the practice of throwing mochi from the roof of a newly built house to ward off evil spirits. At Japanese weddings, it's enjoyed as a "sharing of happiness," similar to bouquet tossing.＊

The mocchi maki performance invites participation from guests of all ages and it sounds like a lot of fun!

In Nagoya, throwing sweets is a traditional performance, regardless of the style of the ceremony.

Since sweets can be prepared in advance, you might want to imitate this sweet-throwing performance too! ♩

@moe_uch

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ③ Fan Pulls

Instead of bouquet pulls, having a "fan pull" is a performance unique to traditional attire. The method is the same as bouquet pulls; you attach ribbons to the fan bouquet based on the number of participants and present the bouquet or prizes to the lucky guest.

This will also draw attention to the beautifully decorated fan bouquet! ♡

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ④ Escort Wagashi

Escort cards that guide guests to their seats before the reception begins are an idea from overseas, and more brides in Japan are adopting them!＊

This is an "escort wagashi" instead of an escort card. Each guest receives a card with their name on it and a different types of traditional Japanese sweets. ♡

The sight of colorful wagashi lined up is so cute that you'll want to take photos!

Guests can enjoy wagashi and tea while relaxing until the reception starts, which is a wonderful hospitality idea unique to traditional weddings.＊

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑤ Entrance with Umbrella or Rickshaw

If you’re going to enter the reception wearing traditional clothing, consider being creative with your entrance! ♩

If you enter holding a "bangasa" (a traditional Japanese umbrella), it instantly sets a Japanese atmosphere. Choosing traditional music for the BGM is even better! ♡

➡ If you're wearing traditional clothing for the reception, check out these recommended Japanese wedding BGM selections for entrances and cake cutting!

If you're looking to make an even bigger impact, how about entering in a rickshaw?＊ There are two options: the couple can sit together as the rickshaw driver pulls them, or the bride can sit while the groom pulls the rickshaw.

The surprise of having a rickshaw appear will definitely excite the venue! ♡

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑥ Red Makeup Ceremony, Dagger Ceremony, and Boxed Hairpin Ceremony

If you want to include a more serene performance, you can perform the "red makeup ceremony" after entering.

The red makeup ceremony is akin to the veil down in Christian weddings. In this performance, the mother of the bride applies red makeup to the bride, who is dressed in traditional attire, as a "final touch."

Although it is common to be performed in the bride's room with just the couple, it has increasingly been done in front of guests during the entrance of the ceremony or reception.

This performance is one of the few that spotlights family during the reception.

Alongside the red makeup ceremony, there are the "boxed hairpin ceremony" and the "dagger ceremony."

The bride's mother uses essential traditional accessories, such as the boxed hairpin and dagger, to complete the bride's appearance.

When performing the red makeup ceremony, dagger ceremony, and boxed hairpin ceremony, it's advisable for the MC to explain the significance of the rituals to the guests. There will surely be many who are moved by the "I never knew that!" revelations.

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑦ Kagami Biraki

Kagami Biraki has been a customary celebration since ancient times. The lid of a sake barrel, which is treated as a "mirror," is broken to symbolize "breaking the mirror to invite fortune." Guests cheer with a hearty "yoisho!" and it livens up the venue!＊

When the bride and groom fill cups from the sake, it also becomes a time for interaction with the guests.

Instead of a large sake barrel, consider placing small komotaru (miniature sake barrels) on guest tables for the bride and groom to break around the reception. ♡

If there are many pregnant guests or children, you can put juice or sweets inside for them to enjoy.

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑧ Ooyorokobi Ceremony

The "Ooyorokobi ceremony" involves drinking from a large cup filled to the brim with sake, creating a splendid performance. This has been a traditional ceremony in some regions.

Since the amount cannot be consumed by just the groom alone, it’s customary for family and friends to help him drink it all.

The need for cooperation from family and friends to finish the drink symbolizes “living while supporting each other as family and friends in the future.”

It’s not only a fun performance but also one with a profound meaning, making it perfect for receptions!

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑨ Mizu Awase Ceremony

Next, we introduce the "Mizu Awase ceremony," often performed during Shinto weddings. In this ritual, the bride and groom bring water from their family homes and pour it together into one cup to drink.＊

It symbolizes that the bride and groom, who have grown up in different environments, will overcome hardships and build a new home together.

It’s quite similar to the sand ceremony often held overseas! ♩

Many couples bring water from their family homes, local famous springs, or local sake that they love.

In addition to simply combining water in a single vessel, there can also be a performance where water is poured onto a tree known to bring happiness, such as the Ficus retusa.

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑩ Masu Tower

If you want to incorporate a glamorous performance, a "masu tower" is perfect, where sake is poured into stacked wooden masu (square cups). The scene of sake being filled to the brim is sure to be impressive!

In this performance, the bride and groom aren't pouring sake but water. Dry ice is placed inside the masu, creating a smoky effect! ♡

It’s like a magic trick. A surprise performance that will amaze the guests!＊

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑪ Calligraphy

Performing "the vow" in calligraphy in front of guests is both rare and delightful. Newlywed couples wearing traditional attire may consider incorporating this into their ceremonies.

Grab a large brush together to create calligraphy with all your might! ◎

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑫ Mochitsuki

A unique performance specific to traditional attire is the "mochitsuki," where rice cakes are pounded with a pestle and mortar in a collaborative effort! ♡ Some services offer mochitsuki that can come to the reception, allowing freshly made mochi to be served to guests.

It’s an interactive performance where guests of all ages can participate! ♡

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑬ Daruma Eye Insertion

An age-old Japanese custom, the "daruma eye insertion." One eye is painted when making a wish, and the other is filled in when the wish is fulfilled.＊

In receptions, many couples insert the eyes of the daruma in front of guests, imbued with their wishes. This performance is particularly well-received by relatives and older guests.

It’s also suggested to place the daruma without an eye in the welcome space so guests can leave their messages on it. ♡

Recently, there’s a trend of designing the wedding cake as a daruma and doing the eye insertion with a chocolate pen. ♡

The impactful daruma cake will surely surprise the guests!＊

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑭ Chirashi Sushi Cutting

Instead of a wedding cake, using chirashi sushi for the performance is also popular. The couple will perform "chirashi sushi cutting" with a large rice paddle instead of the traditional cake cutting.

You can create designs with nori to make the character for "寿" (longevity), or create heart shapes with pink "sakura denbu," allowing for creativity similar to a cake! ♡

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑮ Onigiri Bite

When it comes to receptions, familiar first bites are common. It’s typical for the groom to eat cake scooped with a large spoon…

But if you want to do something unique to traditional attire, how about an "onigiri bite"? ♡

A gigantic onigiri that is almost the size of their face will be offered to each other in an "ahh" moment.

Some couples prepare white rice and nori to make huge onigiri on the spot!

Having a first bite of onigiri is charming and uniquely Japanese.

Japanese Wedding Reception Performance ⑯ Mitarashi Drip

Finally, we introduce the "mitarashi drip" performance, where the couple pours the sauce of mitarashi dango over the dango. This is a Japanese-style version of cake drip, where the sauce completes the wedding cake. ♡

Even brides who actively gather information on social media may find it to be a "first time seeing" experience.

It’s a rare and delightful performance unique to traditional attire!

Let's Enhance Your Wedding with Japanese Performances!♩

We introduced performances unique to traditional attire that we recommend for brides wearing shiro-muku and iro-uchikake. Whether it's a performance handed down through generations or one adapted from overseas ideas, each is truly wonderful!＊

In addition to the attire, incorporate a "Japanese" flavor into the content and liven up your reception!♡

@mickey_minnie.wedding