Traditional Japanese Wedding Attire: A Complete Guide for Couples and Guests

While attire traditions have evolved over the years, many Japanese couples, as well as those hosting multicultural events, still choose to wear traditional Japanese wedding attire. Why? The answer is simple: Japanese wedding attire holds rich symbolism and cultural significance. For many nearlyweds, opting for traditional Japanese wedding clothes allows them to connect with their heritage and family history in a deeply personal way. But what exactly do you wear to a Japanese wedding? We spoke with Ayuka Matsumoto, luxury bridal curator, stylist and editor of EDIT FOR JAM, and Chika Murano, creative director of DRESSMORE, Japan's leading wedding dress company, to get the answer. Read up on all the Japanese wedding traditions involving attire below.

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In this article: What Is Traditional Japanese Wedding Attire | Clothing Types | Symbolism | Where to Buy

Photo: Jeremy Woodhouse / Getty Images

What Is Traditional Japanese Wedding Attire?

When you think of traditional Japanese wedding clothes, an image of a kimono likely comes to mind. While you're probably familiar with this T-shaped robe that wraps around the waist, what you might not know is that there are actually many different types of kimonos. When it comes to Japanese wedding attire, the type of kimono you wear is determined by your role in the wedding. Below, we've broken down some of the main differences between Japanese wedding kimonos for brides, grooms and guests.

Japanese Wedding Attire for Couples

"In traditional Japanese weddings, the bride may wear a white kimono called a shiromuku, then change into a colorful one called an iro-uchikake," says Matsumoto. However, as wedding traditions continue to evolve, more and more brides are choosing to wear Western-style wedding dresses instead of kimono. "In that case, the first outfit at the ceremony and reception is usually a pure white wedding gown, followed by a colorful Japanese wedding dress during the reception. In Japan, this change of attire is called oironaoshi (which means changing colors)," Matsumoto explains.

"When it comes to Japanese wedding groom attire, the most traditional formalwear is the montsuki haori hakama, a black kimono ensemble bearing the family crest," says Matsumoto. "Alternatively, a white version called shiro-montsuki may be worn to match the bride's white attire."

Japanese Wedding Guest Attire

Wondering what to wear to a Japanese wedding as a guest? First, check the wedding website for the event dress code. "In recent years, it has become more common for the bride and groom to specify a dress code for their guests," Murano explains. If the couple wants their guests to wear traditional Japanese wedding guest attire, it should say so on the wedding website. If not, feel free to wear a dress, suit, dressy separates or even modern Japanese wedding guest attire, such as a kimono-inspired dress.

If the wedding dress code does call for traditional Japanese wedding guest attire, you have the option to wear a kimono. While not required by any means, it's a great way to show respect for the couple's culture, especially if they are hosting a Shinto wedding (which is a traditional Japanese ceremony). According to Murano, guests should wear different styles of kimono than the couple. "Unmarried women typically wear chū-furisode, which have shorter sleeves than the bride's attire, while married women usually wear kurotomesode, with even shorter sleeves," she explains. Japanese wedding guest attire for females can be patterned or brightly colored, while men typically wear kimonos in dark, solid colors like black or navy blue.

When picking out Japanese wedding attire, guests should be aware of a few traditions regarding color. According to Murano, "guests should avoid wearing white, as that color is reserved for the bride." Guests should not wear red to a wedding either, since it is seen as a symbolic color in Japanese culture, and the bride's iro-uchikake, or second look, often contains red. While relatives of the couple, including the couple's parents, often wear formal black kimonos, this shade is not off-limits for Japanese wedding guest outfits. Relatives are distinguished from guests by wearing their family crest on the back or sleeves of their kimono.

Photo: Elevate Photography

Traditional Japanese Wedding Clothes to Know

Understanding the differences between various types of Japanese formal wear can be tricky. Lucky for you, we're here to help. Below, we rounded up a few key terms to know before shopping for Japanese wedding attire.

• Shiromuku: An all-white wedding kimono worn by brides during their Shinto ceremony
• Wataboshi: A white cotton hood worn by brides during their Shinto ceremony
• Iro-uchikake: A colorful, highly-decorated kimono worn by brides during their wedding reception
• Montsuki Haori Hakama: A formal, three-piece ensemble for grooms which consists of a kimono, a short jacket and a skirt or pair of trousers
• Kuro Montsuki: A formal, black kimono featuring a family crest which is worn by male family members of the bride and groom.
• Kurotomesode: A formal, black kimono featuring a family crest which is worn by female family members of the bride and groom, as well as older married guests
• Chū-furisode: A colorful, celebratory kimono with shorter sleeves which is worn by younger, unmarried female guests
• Hōmongi: A colorful, celebratory kimono suitable for all wedding guests, including those that are not Japanese
• Obi Sash: A sash that is wrapped around the waist of a kimono to keep it in place

Photo: Elevate Photography

Symbolism in Traditional Japanese Wedding Attire

The color of a kimono holds significant meaning within Japanese culture. For example, "the shiromuku is a pure white kimono worn only by the bride, and much like a wedding dress, its white color symbolizes purity and the bride's readiness to be "dyed" into the colors of her new family," Murano explains. After the ceremony, brides will often change into a multicolored kimono, with each color representing a different concept. Red is thought to bring good fortune while gold is said to symbolize celebration, and there are countless other examples. The black kimonos worn by family members of the couple denote elegance and formality. They're typically marked with a family crest, called a kamon, which represents the family's honor and heritage.

Aside from color, there are other elements of symbolism woven into Japanese wedding kimonos. It's common to see motifs such as cranes, cherry blossoms, pine trees, bamboo branches and plums on a bride's garment. The crane represents good fortune while the cherry blossoms stand for new beginnings. The pine, bamboo and plum, on the other hand, are typically grouped together and are referred to as the "Three Friends of Winter," symbolizing longevity and renewal. There are countless other examples of symbols you might find on a kimono, most of which are embroidered directly onto the fabric.

Photo: Elevate Photography

Where to Buy a Traditional Japanese Wedding Outfit

For those looking to wear traditional Japanese wedding clothing to an upcoming event, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to shop. While many people in Japan choose to rent their wedding attire, there are a growing number of online sites where you can purchase Japanese wedding wear for affordable prices. Below, we've rounded up a few of our favorites.

• Kyoto Kimono: This unique online marketplace lets you buy and sell traditional Japanese wedding attire with ease. Since the brand sources secondhand kimonos from all over the world, there's no telling what you might find. Many customers have been able to score vintage, handmade and one-of-a-kind kimonos for a fraction of the cost of buying them new.
• Etsy: Whether you're a bride, groom, guest or a member of the wedding party, it's easy to find Japanese traditional wedding attire on Etsy. Simply type what you're looking for into the search bar, then scroll through countless options from the thousands of independent sellers on the site. Some of our favorite Etsy shops include KimonoPetitjaponJP, KawasakiKimono and SeaOfTreesJapan.
• The Knot Vendor Marketplace: If you're a bride planning to wear a formal Japanese dress on your big day, The Knot Vendor Marketplace is the perfect place to start your shopping journey. You can filter your search to find Asian-owned bridal salons in your area, then book an in-person appointment on the spot.

Photo: Elevate Photography