Asian Wedding: Japanese Inspired Decorations for an Exotic Touch

Remember how exotic you found Asia the first time you set foot in Thailand, Kyoto or Shanghai? For a truly unforgettable wedding ceremony, Asian wedding decorations are fantastic.

Asia is rich in traditions and diverse cultures. Select from amongst your favorite countries and try to keep the Asian wedding theme consistent. For example, I wouldn’t suggest mixing Indian food with Japanese decor at your reception.

The tips below focus on a Japanese inspired wedding. I encourage you to research a country with special memories for you and your partner and get creative blending Asian wedding decorations into your perfect wedding plan.

Japanese-Inspired Wedding Dresses

A kimono is worn by both bride and groom at a Shinto wedding ceremony. The bride wears a traditional white shiro-maku wedding kimono usually made of fine silk. The bride and groom may change outfits several times during the course of the ceremony and reception.

After the religious ceremony, the bride will don a rich silk brocade kimono for the reception called an uchikake. The uchikake will have elaborate scenes of flowers and nature woven into the fine red threads of the background fabric. Kimonos are a great way to dress for your own wedding. Find a kimono shop near you and select a vintage or new kimono for your Japanese wedding.

Japanese-Inspired Wedding Venues

Traditional Japanese weddings are held at a Shinto shrine. Modern Japanese couples have created temporary shrines inside glamorous hotels. Only close family members attend the religious ceremony. After the ceremony, the couple greets their guest and throws an elaborate wedding party including their friends and work associates.

When choosing a venue in the United States, try to find an Asian inspired hotel, or restaurant for your reception. Research Japanese gardens in your area. For example, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has a gorgeous Japanese garden that would be idyllic for a wedding.

Wherever you select to hold your wedding, embellish the setting with plenty of Asian wedding decorations like Japanese fans, and plenty of colored paper lanterns.

Japanese-Inspired Wedding Flowers

Of course, the most famous of all Japanese flowers would be the Cherry blossom. Find a florist who is trained in the art of Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangements, to ensure you have striking presentations for your event. Make sure to include plenty of red and white blossoms into the flower arrangements—these are the colors of happiness.

Japanese-Inspired Wedding Feast

Start the festivities with bite-sized Asian treats. Dim sum or sushi platters are a wonderful way to start the celebrations. Set up a sake-tasting bar at your wedding and have both chilled and cold varieties on hand for your guests.

For a traditional seated meal, consider Teriyaki style fish, chicken or beef. Sekihan is a red azuki bean rice that is eaten at many Japanese weddings. Red is considered a color of celebration in Japan and is woven into many of the marriage traditions of the country.

Japanese-Inspired Wedding Favors

Japanese crafts make wonderful wedding gifts and Asian wedding decorations. In Japanese tradition each guest is presented with a small souvenir of the wedding. Embellished chopsticks or good luck charms can be placed at every setting next to the name cards.

Have fun planning your Japanese inspired wedding. Use these ideas to get your creative juices flowing about exciting Asian wedding decorations for your special day.