Click below for details of dress code. Please read restrictions carefully in the red boxes. It may take time for the image to load the first time.
可穿旗袍、西装或晚礼服等正式服装。
请勿穿鲜红色、粉色和白色。
点缀色可以穿。妈妈和爸爸可以穿深红色。
请点击下方查看着装规定。
═ ❀•°═ Q & A ═ °❀ ═
What's the TLDR? Can you tell me what colors are restricted?
You may wear western formal clothing like suits or evening dresses or your favorite cultural attire. Please avoid pink, red, or white. Please keep it to only accent colors. Black suits and dresses are fine.
Only family is allowed to wear black kimono and subdued red clothing items.
If you have a concern, please feel free to message Jin or Kathy for a dress code check.
Why is there more than one cultural attire permitted?
While also allowing kimono, we would like to celebrate with the guests attending. We would love for you to participate in whatever traditional attire you feel most appropriate, whether that be western formal wear, kimono, qipao, aodai, sarong, or sari. We want to appreciate all the beauty and cultural richness in our friend group!
Can I wear the restricted colors if it's only an accent color?
Yes! You are welcome to wear pink, red, or white if it is not part of the main outfit. Example: some traditional clothing pants may be white while the jacket body is another color not on the restricted list. Some, scarves, etc may also have pink, red, or black as the body color. That is perfectly acceptable.
Why kimono and why so strict on kimono?
If you know Kathy, you know she’s a big Japanese fashion nerd. Kimono is one of her most precious closet residents that she dotes on. She dreams of wearing kimono robes everyday. She will get whatever chance to perfect her technique to dress her friends in layers of silk robes and to swim in miles of obi trails. The endearing, peeping fold of cloth underneath the obi (o-hashori) is her favorite part when precisely executed. She would love for friends to also enjoy an immersive experience in traditional wear.
These rules may seem strict, but these are the general guidelines for Japanese weddings with kimono. As an example: it is known etiquette in Japanese culture to not wear a yukata to a wedding which is equivalent to wearing a t-shirt to a western formal wedding.
Western formal wear is permitted, so please feel free to wear that if the kimono is too restrictive.
Can I put on a Kimono myself?
Renting them is highly recommended, but if you're interested in learning how to put on a kimono yourself, it is do-able, but it will take some practice. We recommend to reserve 2 hours before the event to put it on and to practice weeks to months in advance. If interested, Kathy can lend out items or explain where to purchase items. Please reach out to Kathy, if you are serious about learning. She would love to provide resources on how to wear kimono properly and neatly. Expect to spend around $500-1000 for a proper set including the inner wear and accessories. Second-hand items may be slightly cheaper but still expect to pay around $300 to start.
❀ Kimono Rental ❀
For women:
Please request a houmongi at the rental shop. Let them know you are a guest at a wedding. Please let them know you cannot wear white, red, pink, or black (accent colors ok)
For men:
Please request a montsuki haori, kimono, hakama set at the rental shop. Let them know you are a guest at a wedding. Please let them know you cannot wear white, red, pink, or black. (accent colors ok)
If you do want to wear kimono:
Block off 2 hours before the event start time, as well as travel time.
There may be people ahead of you.
Dressing someone, including hair styling, takes about 1 hour.
Peak tourism season can cause additional delays.
Do not be late to the ceremony.
Kimono Rental Shops
These open at 9:00 AM.
Check if they offer:
Houmongi plans
Montsuki haori hakama plans that are not black
Rental Shop Links
Kimono Rental Wa Plus Kyoto
Kimono Rental Kanwa
Kimono Rental Miyabi
Kimono Rental Yasaka (Men's montsuki haori hakama set available here)
Ao Dai & Qi Pao Brands
