Planning Your Japanese Theme Wedding
(See also: Cherry Blossom Weddings)
Japanese weddings, although very expensive, are also elegant and serene. If you're incorporating a Japanese theme into your wedding, here are some ways to achieve an authentic look at a fraction of the price.
The Japanese theme begins with the bride’s attire. Traditionally, a bride in Japan wears a white silk kimono, which (believe it or not) can cost up to $25,000 dollars. But a good seamstress can make a kimono from white silk for a lot less yen.
In Japan, a groom wears a haori on the top and a hakama on the bottom, all in black. The bride changes into up to five different kimonos throughout the wedding day.
Though it isn't required, some Japanese brides wear the traditional wig as part of their wedding attire, one that's heavily decorated in artificial flowers, gold combs and pearls. The wedding party also dresses in kimonos, usually in a color chosen by the bride.
Traditionally, the bride and groom enter the ceremony from opposite sides of the room, to the strains of the drum and flute. Attendants wave a sacred tree made from paper streamers over the couple's heads for purification — and for keeping evil spirits at bay. After exchanging vows, the couple drinks wine, or sake. They then trade glasses nine times to symbolize their new bond.
East Meets Guest Accessories
Here are some touches to closely consider when holding a Japanese-themed wedding:• Paper or sandalwood fans to keep your guests cool.
• Bonsai trees or zen trays as centerpieces on the reception tables,
• Vivid, festive parasols for the flower girl or bridesmaids to carry,
• And small glass cylinders filled with bamboo stems set around the reception, to spread good luck and an authentic Japanese ambiance.
• Plus, don't forget the effect of an Asian-style room spray you can waft around the reception room before entering (nothing too sweet or overpowering, though!)
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When deciding on lighting for a Japanese-themed wedding, look for paper lanterns — you can even make them. Hang them at the reception from tent ceilings or overhead wires — that magic glow will last all night long.
Also, think about buying miniature fans to use as place settings (wind a personalized strip of paper through the ribs), which double as take-home souvenirs. Chopsticks are another festive, practical favor. Whether your guests know how to use them or not, they'll have fun trying!
Blended Bliss
In this anything-goes era, couples are starting to blend traditional Japanese customs with the more modern, Western affair, which makes the wedding more accessible and familiar to guests from a broad range of backgrounds.When planning your Japanese wedding, read up on the cultures and traditions of Japan and include any or all of them, using your own style. If you scrutinize the details of your attire, reception decorations, music and flowers, you'll have a beautiful, modern wedding with the distinctive feel of the Orient.
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Ed Note: Other Japanese touches with a delightful East-Meets-West feel:
- Lush pink peonies
- Sushi bars
- River stones as napkin holders — or a single plumeria blossom or orchid in the center of each plate
- Exotics like anthurium for centerpieces ... or sleek callas for bouquets wrapped in ultra-modern bear grass
- Programs printed on fans
- Parasols in contemporary colors to line and brighten the aisle
Tags: 
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:08 am
I am looking for yin yang items and ideas for my wedding on February 14, 2009. My better half and I enjoy Asian culture, furniture, food and particularly the yin yang symbol because it signifies to us the symbiotic nature of our relationship and our complementary personalities and skills. Please make any suggestions that can assist me in my pursuit of yin yang favors and a wedding theme based on yin yang philosophy.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:48 am
I’m having an asian themed wedding in June 2009. Our colors are chocolate, pink and light green. would anyone have any additional literature suggestions other than “Wild Geese and Tea: An Asian-American Wedding Planner”?
February 12th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Hi, I am a wedding and function organiser in South Africa. I love your ideas. a few ideas that I introduced into my theme is massive chinese hand painted scrolls that hang in columns in the draping as well as creating massive man size zen gardens with sand, rocks, water features and trees pedicured to look like giantic bonsais!! It set an incredible atmosphere and the perfect set up for photo’s!!
August 18th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
I’m getting married next June as well and our theme is the Japanese Cherry blossom. I want to have cherry blossoms on all of the table (artificial) but I can’t find any - so I am going to make them using origami. I’ll have sprays of cherry blossom branches as centerpieces or perhaps some nice lanterns that I found online. I’m giving out wedding soundtrack cd’s as favors with cherry blossom labels on them. Oh and I’ll probably be making cherry blossom out of beaded wires. There will be a lot of hand made things, but I’m not able to find what I really want otherwise. And like every other bride, I want it to be perfect!
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:40 am
I am having an Asian-inspired garden wedding. Here is what I’m doing, I hope that gives you some ideas!
I am giving out paper fans for the ceremony (it’s next June). Also, personalized pink (raspberry-flavored) fortune cookies at the end of the reception.
Our favors a fingertip towels with a bird on a branch silhouette embroidered on it (my mom has a machine). It’s not really Asian, but a little. I wanted something people might still use later (and we all know that favors get “lost” sometimes). The box, however, reminds me of a yin yang and opens up quite nicely (and the towel fits perfectly inside!)
Our centerpieces are spiral bamboo in low bowls & possible mini happy Buddhas to hold the table numbers. I am also having Asiatic lilies for the parents centerpieces (3 sets total) and for my bouquet. Paper lanterns will be hanging from the tree & the ceiling at the reception.
I’ve noted some nice sites to look at (if you order over $100 at Asian Ideas, shipping is free).
www.fancyfortunecookies.com/index.html
asianideas.com/paperfanwhite.html
www.asianideas.com/lanterns2.html
www.bayleysboxes.com/square%20box.html
June 29th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
My fiance and I are getting married in August. We are giving the ladies asian fans and giving everyone lucky bamboo as favors. Also as favors we are giving takeout boxes with a fortune cookie in it (hand-painted by my fiance with cherry blossom branches and bamboo). Goodluck.
June 13th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
YOu could use a zen garden for your centerpiceces and personalized forture cookies for your favors
April 18th, 2007 at 7:27 am
Hello, does anyone have any ideas for japanese wedding centerpieces and favors…I am getting married in the fall. I’d be much appreciated.