When one says "Asian-themed wedding", it indicates in the most of cases Japanese or Chinese traditions that took roots far in the past. Spring and fall are popular seasons for nuptial ceremonies in Japan. The original Japanese matrimonial ceremonies are Shinto-style that is held at shrines (jinja). In a Shito-style wedding ceremony, the bride wears a normal kimono for the function, and the groom wears montsuki haori hakama. Usually, only the family unit members and close relatives of the couple will attend the Shinto-style ceremony Koransha Us. This includes sake drinking rituals, exchanging wedding rings, and more on. There are neither bridesmaids nor a best man, and the older married couple called nakoudo (matchmaker) visits the ceremony.
Most of weddings in Japan are held at hotels or wedding halls. Chapels and shrines are conveniently located within the facilities, and couples can choose the style and favors because of their ceremonies. A Japanese ceremony could be of Christian, Buddhist, Shinto, and non-religious styles. The design of the ceremony doesn't necessarily match with one religion; the Asian-themed style assumes the mixture of traditions. Non-Christian couples usually have their matrimonial ceremony at chapels.
After the wedding ceremony, the reception party is hosted. The style and scale of favors at receptions vary with respect to the place. Typically, relatives, friends, co-workers, and neighbors attend the reception. When you receive an invitation card, you must return the enclosed card and inform immediately whether you are able to attend or not for accounting reasons.
In the event that you are going to attend a Japanese wedding reception, you're expected to bring cash while the gift for the bride and groom. The amount depends on your own relationship with the wedding couple and the scale of ranks, though the fixed amount might be indicated in the invitation card. The average is 30,000 yen for a friend's wedding. It must be said, that the money is enclosed in a special envelope, and your name is written on the front. When you go to the party, you give this envelope to anyone at the reception desk and sign your name in the guestbook. People are often formal dressed to attend a Japanese wedding reception. Female guests could wear dresses, suits or kimono, while male guests wear only white shirts and black formal suits. With the above it's then required for the couple to offer the invited guests favors to reciprocate because of their gifts of money.
Through the reception, the special couple sits on a stage taking delight of the guests' speeches and performances which form part of the events favors to the attending guests. The absolute most amusing speech might be specially rewarded by extra favors. Sometimes people are asked to perform something at the reception. Many couples sing a common songs as gifts. The couple after cutting a sizable wedding cake, then walking on the room, greeting guests and lighting the candles the full course meal is usually served at the table.
At the wedding reception, souvenirs favors called hikidemono are prepared in bags for guests to take. The common favors are tableware, sweets, interiors, and other useful things, especially candles, napkins and dishes, mostly in red and golden colors, are accepted at the Asian-themed matrimonial events. In recent years, special party favor catalogs that couples can choose presents have gain popularity for selecting the favor gifts.
The average cost of a typical wedding ceremony in Japan is said to be a million yen per a couple, thereby quantity of guest ranges from 50 to 200 for a typical couple.