Planning a Japanese-inspired wedding outside of Japan

Japanese culture is known for its elegance, thoughtfulness, and high regard for customs. These are the reasons why it is a pleasing inspiration for couples who desire their wedding day to be elegant and ageless. A Japanese-themed wedding abroad is a delightful opportunity to blend cultural customs with your sense of style without losing the essential principles of Japanese rites. If you have Japanese heritage or appreciate the style and profound significance, here's a guide to planning a Japanese-themed wedding whether you are in Japan or abroad.

1. Choose the Right Spot

The wedding venue commands the atmosphere of the whole celebration. For a Japanese-themed celebration, the wedding venue must be peaceful and beautiful. Gardens, outdoor areas, and venues with peaceful landscapes like lakes, woods, or botanical gardens are great options. You can also choose indoor venues with uncluttered designs, wooden accents, or a modern Zen style that has minimalist yet sophisticated ornaments.

Japanese weddings are known for their understated elegance, so sites that have an appeal to natural elements like water, foliage, and vast areas will create that feeling. Choose sites that have a minimalist and classy appearance, and steer clear of sites that have too much glitz or glitter.

2. Incorporate Japanese symbols and motifs

Japanese weddings have a lot of symbolism, and having some of these at your wedding will make it more meaningful. Some common symbols are:

• Cherry Blossoms (Sakura): The sakura or cherry blossom is used as a common symbol for love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life in Japan. Having sakura blossoms as part of your wedding theme, wedding decor, or even wedding invitations and wedding favors can convey the fleeting nature of beauty that is appreciated in Japan.
• Fan Motifs: A folding fan, or sense, is another beautiful symbol used in Japanese weddings, which is often used to mean good luck, new beginnings, and protection. Incorporate fans in your wedding invitations, seating cards, or as part of your ceremony outfits.
• Red and White: Red and white are the colors most commonly employed in Japanese weddings. They are the colors most often used in wedding attire, decorations, flowers, and food. They are the colors associated with happiness, good fortune, and purity.

3. Japanese-Inspired Fashion

If you are having an actual Japanese-themed wedding, consider incorporating traditional Japanese attire in your wedding. There are many possibilities depending on how formal or casual you'd prefer your wedding to be.

• Kimono: The kimono is a notable symbol of Japanese tradition , usually worn in traditional weddings . The bride usually wears a white kimono, referred to as Shiro-make, which is a symbol of purity and a new start. The groom can wear a hakama (a traditional robe), usually black or dark blue, with family crests on it. If a full kimono is too cumbersome or on the way to your wedding, you can add some kimono features to your wedding dress, such as kimono sleeves or delicate embroidery.
• Modern Interpretation: If you would prefer something more modern-looking, you can combine Japanese culture with Western wedding attire. For instance, select a wedding dress with flower motifs from Japanese culture or incorporate accessories such as a kanzashi (Japanese hair ornaments) to infuse a touch of sophistication.

4. Traditional Wedding Ceremony in Japan

There are typically two components to the wedding in Japan: the Shinto wedding ceremony and the reception party. Even if you cannot have an entire Shito ceremony outside Japan, you can incorporate some elements of it into your celebration:

• San Kudo: This is an old custom in which the bride and groom take turns drinking sake from three cups. The wedding ceremony marks the union of two families. You can modify this tradition for your wedding by having the couple sip sake during the ceremony or reception, which is a lovely way to celebrate the union.
• Exchanging Vows and Rings: Shinto wedding vows are religious and solemn. You can modify them for exchange at your wedding based on your faith. You can exchange vows in both English and Japanese to respect the culture. You can incorporate the traditional san kudo sake ceremony when exchanging wedding rings.

5. Japanese-Inspired Floral Arrangements

Japanese flower arrangements, or ikebana, are an art that is revered for simplicity and beauty. Ikebana is defined by its simplicity, employing lines, harmony, and space as the elements of beauty. If you are planning a Japanese-themed wedding, take note of incorporating ikebana principles in your flower arrangements.

• Bamboo and Ferns: Adding ferns and bamboo to your layout can create the feeling of tranquility and outdoors, which are at the root of the Japanese style.

6. Cuisine: A Taste of Japan

Food is also essential in Japanese matchmaking weddings, and you can include some of this in your wedding reception. You can add traditional Japanese cuisine, including:

• Sushi and Sashimi: Set up a stunning sushi bar with various kinds of sushi, sashimi, and nigiri. It's an interactive and enjoyable way for your guests to enjoy Japanese cuisine.
• Kaiseki: This is a multi-course dining experience centered on seasonal ingredients and balance. If you want to offer a real authentic experience, work with a chef to design a kaiseki-style meal that incorporates the three tenets of Japanese cuisine: seasonality, balance, and artistry.
• Wedding Cake: Think about adding a classic wagashi (Japanese dessert) to your cake design. You can have a beautiful matcha-flavored cake or bite-sized and dainty sweets to go with your wedding cake.

7. Entertainment and Rituals

Japanese weddings usually include some ceremonies and entertainment. You may adopt some of these customs for your wedding according to your choice.

• Taiko Drumming: Taiko drums are a powerful and dynamic element of Japanese culture. Having a taiko drum ensemble perform at your wedding ceremony or reception can add drama and cultural aspects to the celebration.
• Japanese Tea Ceremony: A traditional Japanese tea ceremony is an elegant and symbolic ceremony that represents purity, respect, and harmony. You can incorporate this ceremony into your wedding to show respect for tradition and provide an experience of tranquility and meditation for the guests.

Having a Japanese-themed wedding away from Japan offers you the chance to weave deep cultural meaning, elegance, and sophistication into your celebration. By incorporating traditional aspects like the site, dress, symbols, rituals, and food, you can enjoy a wedding celebrating the timelessness of Japanese culture and yet yours to create. Whether you want to include an entire Shinto ceremony or customize aspects to your preference, a Japanese-themed wedding is a stunning way to celebrate love, heritage, and family.