AboutRobert Expertise General questions about tourism/travel and life in Japan, including shopping, visa issues, culture-shock, finding accommodations and employment, proper cultural etiquette, and common problems ex-pats in Japan experience. Bachelors Degree in Japanese Culture and Masters Degree in Marketing.
Expert: Robert Date: 11/2/2007 Subject: Proper attire for a Japanese Wedding
Question My family is attending a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony in Tokyo in November. The bride is my husband's half-cousin. What is the proper dress? Especially for my two children, a son aged 13 and daughter aged 11? Are there colors or color cominbations that are considered more auspicious than others? How formal should we be?
Answer Hi,
There is nothing too complicated -- typical formal dress should do very nicely. Many men wear a dark suit with a white tie for weddings and the same suit and black tie for funerals. You can easily wear any formal suit or dress (as long as not too flashy) and high-heel pumps and be OK. Your son could wear a suit/tie if he has one, otherwise some nice white shirt, dress slacks and shoes; and your daughter a colorful dress and any matching dress shoes/pumps. Red and white are bright colors often worn, but many Japanese still prefer black and in any event should not eclipse the bride. November is often chilly though and not beach weather in Japan.
You can see some pictures at http://www.iipix.com/japan/wedding/
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/2888/celebration-e.html
