5 Japanese Wedding Traditions You Should Know

Are you attending a traditional Japanese wedding soon? Understanding what you’ll see beforehand can help you fully appreciate the customs and traditions that Japanese couples have been upholding for centuries. Here are three common Japanese wedding traditions that you might see when you attend a traditional wedding ceremony.

  • Costume changes. You’re likely to see both the bride and the groom do a costume change (or two!) during a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony. Both the bride and the groom will likely be married in kimono, a traditional type of dress consisting of a long, loose robe and a wide belt. After the “I do’s” have taken place, it’s now normal to see couples change into more contemporary Western wedding apparel.
  • Drinking from the nuptial cups. Some very traditional couples will forgo vows in favor of “san san ku do.” During this ritual, both the bride and the groom will sip three times from three different sake cups. After they’ve finished, the parents of both the bride and the groom will sip from each of the three cups three times, signifying their blessing on the happy couple. Each cup also has a special meaning. The first cup signifies the three couples, the second cup signifies some of the most common struggles married couples face (including ignorance and hatred) and the third cup symbolizes freedom from these struggles.
  • Traditional favors. Forget champagne glasses and Jordan almonds — favors from a Japanese wedding are treasures carefully curated to fit the tastes of the bride and groom. Some common traditional favors include sake cups, mochi (a Japanese dessert made of sweet rice and a rich filling), and tableware.

No matter what your heritage, Village Catering is here to help you create a wedding ceremony that’s as unique as you and your spouse. To learn more about our team of culinary professionals or to book one of our wedding locations, contact us today.