Asian-Fusion Theme Weddings
Just who has an Asian-themed wedding? The answer: anyone who wants one. If that's you, maybe you or your fiancé has Oriental roots ... or maybe you both just love that sophisticated West Coast take on all things Eastern.But is your wedding Chinese or Japanese, or something else altogether (maybe Zen)? It's hard to confine Asian-fusion weddings to one mold, since they draw from so many inspirations. But we'll try to cover some popular interpretations here.
Pre-Wedding Pleasures
You can walk down that lovely Asian-inspired road before you even tie the knot. Start things out with Springtime engagement photos that take place under cherry blossoms. Consult an elder to determine the most auspicious dates and times to marry according to the Chinese calendar. And for stationery, treat your guests to custom invitations that make use of Japan's fine (and famous) artisan papers.Decor with Far-East Flair
Chinese nuptuals are one thing; Japanese, quite another. But Asian fusion weddings tend to borrow the best from both worlds.So here, you might see these favorite motifs: colorful paper parasols, shoji style paper lanterns, lucky bamboo plants in small, brightly-colored vases, or orchids in gorgeous sprays or loose blooms (pink, green or creamy white).
Then, there's hanging lanterns that invite your guests to kick up their heels far into the night, and silk fans to keep a cool breeze flowing (or programs printed onto paper fans).
Plus, let's not forget loose river stones in black or white to serve as paperweights for linen napkins, or accents to scatter around centerpieces.
And when it comes to that mother-of-all eye candy, the cake, you might find an artful celebration of dragonflies, lotus blossoms, cherry blossoms, orchids or even koi fish.
Other beloved accents you're likely to find:
Origami cranes
A thousand paper cranes (traditionally folded by the bride and groom before the wedding, patiently and methodically) are said to bring a marriage good luck. You can hand these out as favors, or thread them onto cord and hang them from a focal point, like the branches of a tabletop tree.Water features
Nothing gets across the feel of a zen wedding like the sound and sight of gently moving water. Try floating orchid blooms in a small battery-operated fountain for focal spots like your cake or guestbook table.River stones
For a simple, striking centerpiece, fill low, square bowls with black and white stones and a single white pillar candle, tossing loose orchids, spider mums or asian lilies below. Place these on bamboo or tatami mats, or large banana or palm leaf fronds for maximum visual appeal.Then, use flat, black riverstones to mark each guest's plate: personalize with a metallic marker (extra credit: write guests' names in Katakana underneath!)
Paper parasols
Use oversized ones to line the ceremonial aisle, and fill the space between with rose petals. Then, at the reception, hang parasols upside down from the ceiling and light from above using a low-heat source.
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Delightful Delicacies, Fetching Feasts
Need to jazz up cocktail hour? Place bowls of edamame at the bar, and serve up ice-cold Kirins, Sapporos, Wasabe Brew or signature green tea martinis. For non-drinkers, serve bottled lychee or mango sodas. Have the wait staff pass out stylish appetizers served in Asian spoons.Want to really wow the crowd? A sushi chef will thrill a hefty portion of your guests. Or, bring out a raw bar and treat your guests to heaven on a half shell.
Then, there's always an Asian station, bound to be jammed as guests (gently) jostle for favorites like dim sum, tempura, freshly made spring rolls or noodle dishes.
Finally, when the main dish is done, treat your guests to a soothing round of mango or green tea to accompany their slice of cake.
The Beautiful Bride
It doesn't take much to bring a zen-like elegance to your big day. Choose a gown with streamlined design, and set off your hair with a sculptural bloom or two. An extremely chic touch is a wedding gown with an obi-inspired bow at the back.As for your bridesmaids, kicky tea-length gowns in bright colors with ribbon details at the hem will fit the bill nicely. Give the girls even more romance with bright paper parasols.
Fresh Ideas for Asian Favors
A popular choice: fortune cookie (pre-printed fortunes, or customize your own) nestled in a Chinese take-out box. You can personalize your boxes with customized double happiness seals, or tie on a sleek set of chopsticks ("the perfect pair").Other tantalizing favor ideas to give your guests a little thrill of delight: moon cakes (traditionally eaten in Autumn, but so beautiful they deserve a look any time of year), tea in decorative containers, small sets of incense, polished stones engraved with inspirational messages, individual porcelain tea cups or sake cups, or bamboo-style placecard frames (perfect to hold a guest's favorite photo when the event's done!).
Hi,
I was wondering if you could help me. We are getting married abroad in Thailand with a wedding planner and a small number of guests (this is all arranged already, so no questions about this). We then plan to have a celebration back in our home. It will be outdoor at our home but I think we will rent a tent in case it rains so perhaps have the dinner and dancing in there. We were thinking of the theme “bringing Thailand back” since we couldn’t have all our family and friends with us in Thailand. Just wondering if you can suggest colours? It is a summer wedding. Our wedding in Thailand is going to be a mixture of green, hot pink and white but I am not sure this would be considered traditional Thai colours. Any suggestions would be wonderful! and other decoration/favours suggestions too!
Many thanks,
Tanya
Tanya, Since Thai weddings are colorful. Your colors of green,hot pink, white will work very nice. I am listing weddings for ideas.
Idea 1
real wedding
Buy tiki torches and use exotic flowers like orchids. For centerpieces have wooden bowls and float orchids and candles. For each table number have in traditional Thai writing/numerals.
tiki torch idea
or cylinders with rocks and bamboo…
Use parasols, paper lanterns, etc.
Oh this is great…
There are a few ideas here too…
This is great…
paper lantern decor
more lanterns
chopsticks for favors would be nice, you could also send thailand postcards as invites.
Great lil’ site for thai theme…
And last
I was wondering do Thai brides have horseshoes or small umbrella to carry as it is meant to be good luck. As I was going to make one for a friend who is Thai but not sure if ok. Or any other ideas thanks
Polly,
* thai / chinese wedding
* asian customs
These links explain the parasol and how it is carried by someone appointed to shield the bride.
Pics of umbrella …
hi miss stacey,
im joining a floral arrangement competition this coming august and the theme was december wedding buffet centerpiece…i really need your help..can you send me a pictures for this…..
tnx a lot…
Leah,
* Some buffet centerpiece pics…
* wedding buffet tables
* had to show you this beauty, might help with some ideas…
Leah,
Look at the purple centerpiece here…
floral design buffet
Wow!
hope some of these help!
do you have any pics of flower centerpiece with a touch of ikebana arrangement?
hope you have….tnxxxx mis stacey,…
Leah,
HEre are some centerpieces you requested…
You might like this site…
I did a search for Ikebana florists and found laods with image galleries.
My husband to be is korean and I’m american. I want to make a blend of our cultures but all I can find on asian themes are Chinese and Japanese type style set ups. Our colors are fairly simple with a light rose,sky blue and lilac. We are using orchids and fraises as our flowers, and it will be a small wedding. Decor is getting me very hard, I have no idea what to incorporate for him. any ideas?
Hope,
* ideas
* more ideas
Hope,
I would use origami cranes, maybe add a special Korean dessert, etc.
Hi
My hubby to be and I want an oriental/Asian inspired wedding in So Fla. But we want our food. I’m haitian and he’s spanish. Our wedding will be in 2 years in the fall between October/November. We don’t have a venue or anything set up right now. We even thought about having it at Disney for the Asian theme. But that’s up in the air. I do know that we’re going to have fall colors especially red and gold, rust, maybe orange and brown. I really want to pull this through without making it too much or tacky. Help please.
Thank you in advance,
Jessica D
Jessica D,
I highly recommend pinning down the venue first, it will make all the difference in choosign the right colors and style to compliment.
I love the ideas on here for weddings My fiance and I are doing a Japaneses themed wedding and this give me some many ideas. We don’t have a date set cuz we want to get the stuff we want all together frist.
hi, im planning a wedding this october, but still cant decide my motif. i wanted hot pink and black combination, but then i also want to incorporate an asian theme specially the cherry blossom. what flowers should i use? cherry bloosom is not available in my country, is it ok to use calla lilly?
. i need your suggestions please, any other flower to use?
Magic,
Alot of brides use silk cherry blossoms. Callas are fine but make sure to include some babmboo or other asian like elements.
* this is pink/brown but look how branches were used to give that asian effect and simple orchids
( the cherry blossom motif is on the cake)
Use artifical Cherry Blossoms, that is what I am doing.
Greetings,
My fiance and I, whom are both African-American, are planning a intimate(a total of 25 wedding guest) Asian-fusion wedding on June 19, 2010, at our Atlanta home. I lived in Japan for 3years and love the culture. I would love any ideas on ways to decorate my home for our wedding
Toyia,
HI! Which colors are you wanting to use?
* idea
* pretty
* love this
* ideas
* very pretty
Toyia,
* very nice
* this is beautiful
* pic
* WOW!
* totally love this
My boyfriend and I are both black but we love the asian culture. I wanted to know how could we do that and make it special for our family and friends to attend.
lisa,
do you have a venue yet? if not, you could get married in an asian garden. add paper lanterns in the hall and asian ribbons to tie your bouquets with, give chopsticks as favors.
*this could be a gorgeous way to go
*this mixed with takeout boxes, chopsticks, etc. would be beautiful
*this is stunning. just add your favorite ideas fromboth cultures
*idea
Lisa we are doing the same thing. We are black and totally love the asian theme.
My boyfriend for 15 1/2 year surpraised me on taking the initiative of coordinating a wedding theme for us
. I would love to help and have a part his preparations. His no. 1 pick of location is the Japanese Garden. We were thinking of Japanese food to serve, is that ideal? it just seem to match the location and the Zen/asian theme. I never heard of a japanese cusine in wedding thats all.
mharis,
yes you can definitely have japanese cuisine at your wedding. have you thought about having food stations? that way there is a little something for everyone. I would offer some other options as well, cause it would reach a wider range of tastes.
Hi
Please help, am getting married next year in a lovely country manor (old boys school), the rooms can be quite dark and bit old fashioned. Has high ceiling and needs a bit of work but beautiful place nonetheless.
I am chinese and my fiancee is british and we are trying to incorporate a chinese theme! Please please advise of any ideas!
Many thanks
Miss “W”,
can i see a pic of your venue and also do you have your colors picked out? what is the formality?
Miss W,
also how much of both are you wanting to incorporate?
just off the top of my head….
centerpieces, traditional english roses paired with curly willow. keep your color scheme simple and light paired with one bold color. have crisp white linens to refesh and brighten the room. then place ( i am gonna say tangerine or dreamsicle orange roses with curly willow) to male the room pop. for your place settings have a simple white rose laying on simple white plates accompanied by take out boxes for favor boxes ( use a british cookie or candy for the favor). or chopsticks. another thing is paper lanterns!! an inexpensive way to brighten up the place!! you could incorporate grapevine for both actually. the bride could attach a horse shoe to the bouquet for luck or have it ina strategic place with asian ribbons attached. food can be like a tea reception. it can incorporate heavy appetizers from both cultures. think canapes, scones, asian wraps, etc. another decor idea is lanterns ( again both cultures are famous for) and have asian lanterns for centerpieces with candles inside and traditional english roses and curly willow surrounding base ( keep fewer flowers for a more simple elegant look) since england would be more about “romantic lush flowers vs. chinese( which is more branches, cleanlined approach)
i love the bamboo placemats ( think runners) for this look. just add roses and curly willow.
*beautiful pics
here is a great way to blend and that is have the favors and food fromcultures;loving the zen!! look at that aisle decor, buy those and reuse at your home!! combining english roses and asian lilies would be GORGEOUS!! for motif find a chinese template and have a rose wrapped around it. or just chinese writing. for programs and other paper items.
*real wedding
*wedding table ( love this!!)
Hi
Thanks for your message, photos attached. It’s a formal do in the sense that the place is quite traditional and old fashioned.
Colours yet to be decided although gold and red seem to be the norm! Yet to decide on anything yet including flowers although previous comment suggested orchids and red rose! Thanks
x
I’m getting married to my best friend of eleven years. and we both want an asian themed wedding but we have no idea where to begin. found this site by mistake but i am grateful because I started to get ideas and my fiance is getting excited with helping me plan the wedding. we are getting married june 26 2009 and i have so much to do . but i want to post the results so be on the look out next years
yahzee,
do you ahve your venue? if so can i see pics? it will help you with a color scheme if you havent gotten one yet. youcan sign up free at theknot.com then click on wedding photos and it will take you tocolor galleries. you canalso look at cultural real weddings. if you could post back with what you envison and how big your weddingwill be we can quickly get you started. you said your getting married june 2009? i just wanted to make sure.
I am looking for a wedding planner for my wedding this summer who has an office near or in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I preferred an asian themed wedding and a wedding planner who is a female familiar with chinese wedding planning. My financee is chinese and I am chinese american. I like this wedding planner to help me with the planning for video/photograhpy, DJ, reception decor, and the works.
Please help me find a site or refer me to anyone you know who would be able to help me plannning this event.
Thanks so much,
Alan
let me know if you are still searching!!
757.813.0671
I am having an asian inspired wedding…my fiance is chinese and I am american. We are doing an american-chinese fusion theme. I am looking for lucky cats as favors. Does anyone know where to look?
lisa, google search lucky cat weddig favors and it will bring up several places!!
mrslinskitchen.com has tons of selection of maneki neko!!!! (=
Hi. I have spent a lot of time in Japan and my fiance is currently living and working there. We have both fallen in love with Japan and would like to have a Japanese style wedding. I searched for it and I found your gorgeous website. Anyway, I saw the picture of the women in the pink kimonos with the pink parasols and would very much like to do the same thing for my wedding. Could you possibly tell me where to get those kimonos. I would really appreciate it.
Thank you and I love your site
-Jordan
jordan, unfortunately that is a stock photo and the credits aren’t listed. you might like these..
*Geisha Kimono
*SKU: KIMONO this one is so similar, you may have to contact them, its out of stock)
also try ebay traditional japanese kimono ( i found several there)
* authentic japanese kimonos ( this one is on clearance for $49.00 not sure about shipping.
*Traditional Yukata > Women’s Yukata (Standard) ( they sell the 5 in one sets for little over 100.00 ( amazing and beautiful, also its one standard size so no need for measuring or sizes!! how great is that!)
*Kimono ( all in 1 japan shop)
i really hope these help, there are the similar styles, maybe you will like one and can put the hot pink obi sash with it, to get a “almost identical” kimono!! if you need xtra help let me know!! also go to google japan. you should find more with that main search engine!!
jordan, th eauthentic japanese kimono link didnt show the link right here it is agains…
*Yukata kimono market sakura
look at all the kimonos herenot just the clearance, the dragon fly and floral kimono is perfect if your looking for hot pink!! its really beautiful!!
Hi, I’m engaged to a wonderful man that is half Asian! His mother is from Thailand but their roots come from China. He wants to incorporate some Asian theme into the wedding. I found a picture of someone using mini paper lanterns in a floral centerpiece. My computer had a virus and I lost the picture and site I got it from! Would anyone know if they know what I am talking about and is able to help. Thanks, I really appreciate it!
VA
virginia, could you tell me what it looked like? colors etc? i dont know if either of these are it. do you have some more details?
*Miniature Chinese Lanterns, Pack of 16
*DIY Wedding Centerpieces for the Un-Crafty Bride
Hi Stacy, Thank you so much for your help, its close to what you have found. but the centerpiece was floral with what looks like wires with mini lanterns attached in the end bent outward. the lanterns where multi-colored. This is as close I got with finding small lanterns, but not the picture I had lost
http://www.japaneseweddingfavors.com/product.php?id=164
Virginia
Hi,
Thanks.
Assisting my daughter with her asian fusion wedding–the reception venue, George Washington Masonic Temple has 2 story ceilings so unable to hang lanterns–what suggestions around the room.
Marilyn
marilyn,
wth 2 story ceilings you will need something to bring balance like tall arrangements. otherwise it will look empty. i am thinking branches in vases will give height. you can keep it plain but check out the pic with the large with paper lanterns! that is magnificent! you could do something on tables with small paper lanterns or candles ( like in pic). i actually think i would go with this idea. it will fill the space up so much better!! i went to the site and i saw the reception venue your talking about, wow! that is so beautiful. yes use branches. you wont want alot of different colors added to your centerpieces because of the beauty of the room it doesnt need alot and to much will take away from the architecture. so i hope this gives you great ideas. if budget allows place branches in asian themed urns/vases. just make sure your guests can comfortably talk to each other. another idea is place branch vases around the room and add lower centerpieces on table, like submerged orchids in water all nestled in a cylinder vase.
I’m planning an Asian Theme wedding and this site has helped a lot! I was born in Thailand so we have a lot of Thai decorations at my house that I can use for the wedding, though I didn’t want to pinpoint an exact country for the wedding. The colors I picked are Green, White with touches of gold. I’m going to use many different types of Orchids and white lillies. What I have been able to put together so far looks wonderful!
But then just last night my fiance calls and asks why Asian, which he’s been cool with the whole time. He then starts asking these questions like, “You don’t have any Asian family members right?” And “Will the dress work okay? It isn’t Asian looking.” He then told me his mom was asking the questions and that he really doesn’t care. As long as it’s not bright pink and Hello Kitty he’s fine. So I’m hoping his mother won’t cause to many other prolems. Maybe once I talk to her myself and tell her all my ideas and the advice I found on this site she will stop. If I’m lucky.
I too am planning an asian themed wedding and Everyone who has found out has said rude comments about it. I am living in New Mexico so I guess no one really does that sort of thing out there. But thanks to this site Im sure everyone will have their foot in their mouths at the wedding because Im sure its going to be spectacular!
hey ladies,
im newly engaged and i found out that rather getting married at the court house my fiance wants a big wedding…not to mention he wants an asian themed wedding with the bridesmades in kimonos and the guys in traditditional robes.Im adopted korean and have lived here most pf my life so I dont know where to start and would appreciate any pics,ideas or,comments that you guys may have….since i have no idea what im doing.
thanks guys…..im goign crazy here,lol.
susie,
* Kimono inspired wedding in mint green, red and orange
* Planning Your Japanese Theme Wedding
* the great wedding post (only a month or so late.)
* Japan Style ( beautiful!!)
* Wilshire restaurant: have a wedding that’s red-hot, Zen cool and “green” all over
( i love this simple table setting!!)
* Punch Up Your Outdoor Party: Shades of lavender and Asian accents set the scene with style to spare.
i am gonna take a cue from the last samauri movie. i think that the reception area needs to be “traditonalyy simple” like the link i quoted above. wear the attire. have cherry blossoms everywhere preferably in a draping manner. you can use these for other than spring buying silks. the vision in my head is more like an outdoor japanese garden. i think this would be gorgeous!! something a bit softer like first link i posted. it will be simple, you can find this stuff very inexpensively. i have seen $ stores carry bamboo mats and clear glass containers( i prefer the wood or bamboo ones fill with simple greenery or use candle like above(reusable). most of this stuff can be used at home, so your $ will be an investment. i think since it was gonna be a courthouse wedding 1st, to a bigger one. it doesn’t have to stress you out. i would set my date for a japanese garden when the cherry blossoms bloom, no decor needed. then use the venue closeby(on grounds possibly?) and decorate accordingly. it may not need much either, if its asian. that will be the key to having a big wedding without the fuss. good luck!!
susie, the favor ideas article has alot of inspiration. alot of florals wont be necessary, since most of the florals were on fabrics, containers. add paper lanterns and rice paper invites or programs to pull that in from the sliding doors. google image rice paper wedding invitations
stacey,
thanks for the info..but since he has set the date for july the fourth and we live in alabama,and because we have a lot of elderly family members were going for and inside wedding and reception.but i like the ideas about the cherry blossoms and bamboo maybe theres a way for us to decorate in such away that you get the effect of the japanese garden.thanks for the links i do appreciate them.
wish me luck….
brides, i am posting a gorgeous wedding!! it has just the right touches of asian theme in ceremony and then wow! the reception hits the high note with the theme! just beautiful!!
* Southern Weddinngs, Real Wedding: Maliena + Michael, Part I and Part II
brides, here are the pics!
I need ideas on everything for a asian decorated reception to colors that go with flowers and dresses….. where do i start? colors then dresses and then flowers
celeste, first you need to find your venue so you can look at what colors are needed and then go from there. choose colors first, some find their color inspiration from the bridesmaid dress first. do you have your venue? if so, what are the colors. that is the great thing about asian weddings they are so vividly beautiful and array of colors. i hope these help!! there are alot of ideas here, dont 4get the paper lanterns and umbrellas!!
* Southern Wedding of the Week: Jessica + Jason, Part I and Part II
* Asian Inspired Wedding Gowns
celeste, forgot to mention google image asian inspired wedding, for lots of stuff!!