Japanese Wedding Traditions

The main religion in Japan is Shinto which ideally means "the way of Kami or Gods". The religious traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies are performed in a Shinto shrine. Shinto wedding ceremonies are very personal attended by only family members and friends.

The bride flaunts a traditional white wedding kimono dress known as shiro- maku. Shiro means white and maku means pure. The bride's hair is made up in traditional Japanese hairstyle and adorns beautiful ornaments and accessories.

The groom gets decked up in a traditional montsuki kimono with a short overcoat flaunting the family crest along with pleated hakama pants.

Traditional Japanese weddings are conducted by a Shinto priest who first commences the ceremony wherein the couple is called for purification of mind body and soul. After purification ceremony the couples exchange marriage vows and share the wedding cake. In all Japanese traditional weddings it is mandatory for every couple to drink nine cups of sake symbolizing the unification of the couple. Families and friends also drink sake to mark the bonding of the newlyweds and the two families as well. Traditional Japanese music consisting of flutes is performed by musicians at the wedding ceremonies.

After the marriage ceremony the couples join all the guests and friends at the large reception party for a grand treat. The bride changes into a red kimono and later flaunts western styled evening gowns.