What do you wear to a Japanese wedding?
Guests usually dress formally. Women avoid white, the bride’s colour, and men often wear a dark suit with a white or light-coloured tie.
Ceremonies
Clothing for weddings and funerals, gift money and incense offerings.
6 topicsChoose a category: Ceremonies
What do people wear to funerals in Japan?
Black or other subdued colours are usual. Avoid shiny decorations, flashy accessories, fur and animal prints.
How do you give gift money at celebrations?
Never hand over bare cash: put it in a special gift envelope and offer it with both hands. For weddings, new banknotes are usually used.
Is the incense offering done the same way by everyone?
How many times you offer incense and the exact steps differ by Buddhist school. If unsure, simply follow the person ahead of you, the priest or the chief mourner.
Are there rules for celebration gifts?
There are no legal rules, but some people avoid items linked to bad luck, such as sets of 4 or 9, or knives as wedding gifts. Attitudes are changing.
How do you reply to wedding or funeral notices?
Reply to wedding invitations as early as possible before the deadline. Funerals usually have no invitation; if you cannot attend, offer condolences in a way that does not burden the family.