Marriage Continued

Most Japanese are married according to Shinto tradition however Buddhist and even Christian services are not uncommon today. A typical Shinto wedding is presided over by a priest who begins by conducting a series of purification rituals. The highlight of the ceremony is San-san-kudo (three times three exchange) or the sharing of saké in which the taking of vows is solemnized. Three small cups are filled with saké and stacked on top of each other. The groom takes a sip from each of the three cups followed by his bride who does the same. The cups are then passed onto the groom's parents, then the bride's. Finally if the couple met each other through a tradition called Omiai where a matchmaker was involved, he or she drinks last and the couple is then officially married. In attendance are both families, friends and business associates.

In traditional Japanese weddings, the bride wears a wedding kimono which consists of a formal kimono (shiromuku) and outer kimono (uchikake) – both in white. The bride wears an elaborate hairpiece reminiscent of the traditional hairstyles worn by women of the Edo period. The traditional wedding kimono worn by men is a combination of a montsuki (formal kimono with the family crest), a short kimono jacket (haori) and pleated pants (hakama).
After the couple is married, a reception is held – typically at a large hotel. Pictures of the bride and groom are taken at traditional Japanese gardens which typically surround such facilities. For the reception, the bride usually changes into a Western-style wedding dress or a formal gown and the groom into a tuxedo or formal business suit. It is customary for guests to give a gift of money (goshugi) which is placed in a traditionally decorated envelope.
While the spring and fall are the most popular seasons for weddings, the month of June is the most popular of all since the weather throughout Japan is usually clear and warm. After the wedding, it is customary for newlyweds to go on a honeymoon which these days usually involves international travel.