1. The Shinto Wedding: Shinzen-Shiki
The shinzen-shiki (神前式) is the traditional Shinto wedding ceremony, celebrated before the deities (kami) at a shrine (jinja). Shinto, Japan's native religion, regards marriage as a union blessed by the kami, the spirits of nature and of the ancestors.
The ceremony is intimate by tradition: only close members of both families attend (usually 20 to 40 people). It is led by a Shinto priest (kannushi) and assisted by miko (shrine maidens) dressed in white and red.
How the ceremony unfolds
- Shuubatsu (修祓): ritual purification. The priest waves a wand adorned with white paper (haraigushi) to purify the couple and the guests
- Norito (祝詞): the priest recites sacred prayers before the altar, invoking the blessing of the kami upon the couple
- San-san-kudo (三三九度): the most emblematic ritual of the Japanese wedding. The couple exchange cups of sacred sake in three sets of three sips, using three cups of different sizes (small, medium, large). The number 3 is sacred in Shinto, and 3×3 = 9, a number considered perfect and indivisible, symbolizing eternal union
- Seishi no kotoba (誓詞): the couple speak their vows (seishi) before the kami, pledging fidelity and devotion
- Tamagushi hoten (玉串奉奠): the couple offer branches of sakaki (sacred tree) at the altar as a sign of devotion
- Shinzoku-hai (親族盃): both families share a cup of sake, sealing the union between the two families
2. Traditional Attire
The bride
- Shiromuku (白無垢): the all-white wedding kimono, a symbol of purity and of a new beginning. The bride also wears a watabōshi (large white hood) or a tsunokakushi (headdress that "hides the horns," symbolizing gentleness and obedience)
- Uchikake (打掛): a richly embroidered kimono, often red and gold, worn over the shiromuku during the reception. Its motifs depict cranes (longevity), pines (constancy), or cherry blossoms (fleeting beauty)
The groom
- Montsuki hakama (紋付袴): the formal men's ensemble consisting of a black kimono bearing the family crest (mon) and a hakama (wide pleated trousers) with stripes. It is the most formal attire for a Japanese man
3. The Ceremony at the Shrine
The ceremony at the Shinto shrine is marked by its solemnity and simplicity. The atmosphere is contemplative, with the sound of taiko drums and the fue flute in the background. The miko sometimes perform a sacred dance (kagura) to bless the couple.
The entire ceremony lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. There is no festive music and no applause: respect and silence accompany the rituals. The beauty lies in the simplicity and spiritual depth of every gesture.
4. The Reception: Hiroen
After the ceremony, the couple and their guests gather for the hiroen (披露宴), the wedding reception. Unlike the intimate ceremony, the hiroen can welcome a larger number of guests:
- Speeches and toasts: senior figures (a boss, a teacher) and close friends deliver carefully prepared speeches
- Outfit changes: the bride changes attire 2 to 3 times over the course of the evening (from the shiromuku to the uchikake, then often to a Western dress)
- Wedding cake: the couple cut a cake together (often spectacular and multi-tiered)
- Kaiseki meal: a refined multi-course Japanese meal that showcases seasonal produce
- Candle ceremony: the couple light a candle at each table as a thank-you to their guests
5. The Gifts: Goshugi
Guests give a goshugi (ご祝儀), a monetary gift presented in a special envelope called a noshi bukuro (のし袋). The rules are precise:
- The amount must be an odd number (¥30,000, ¥50,000) - even numbers are associated with separation
- The bills must be new and unfolded
- The envelope is adorned with a gold-and-white (or red-and-white) mizuhiki knot, tied in a way that cannot be undone, symbolizing an eternal bond
- The guest's name is written in brush calligraphy on the envelope
6. Planning a Japanese Wedding in France with NUPLY
Planning a Japanese-inspired wedding in France is entirely possible with the right vendors. NUPLY helps you find:
- Japanese caterers: chefs specializing in kaiseki cuisine or French-Japanese fusion for a refined meal
- Decorators: experts in clean, elegant decor, with ikebana floral arrangements, lanterns, and natural elements
- Photographers: professionals who capture the subtle beauty of the traditional attire and the solemnity of the ceremony
- Kimono rental: specialized boutiques offering shiromuku, uchikake, and montsuki hakama for the big day
- Smart matching: the NUPLY algorithm identifies vendors who understand Japanese culture and fit your budget
With NUPLY's built-in messaging, you can chat with each vendor and coordinate every detail for a perfect Japanese wedding in France.
In Summary
The Japanese wedding is a celebration of rare elegance, where every gesture, every garment, and every ritual carries meaning. From the sacred san-san-kudo to the festive hiroen, by way of the beauty of the shiromuku, it is a union that blends spirituality and refinement. With NUPLY, find the vendors who will bring your Japanese wedding in France to life. おめでとうございます (Omedetō gozaimasu) - Congratulations!