Japanese Wedding Wedding Checklist

Book Shinto Shrine

Reserve a Shinto shrine and Kannushi (priest) for the Shinzen Shiki ceremony. Confirm whether non-Japanese participants are welcome.

Book Hirouen Reception Venue

Reserve a hotel ballroom, wedding hall, or restaurant for the reception banquet.

Confirm Kannushi (Shinto Priest)

Confirm the Shinto priest who will officiate the ceremony and schedule a pre-ceremony meeting.

Order or Rent Shiromuku (White Kimono)

Arrange the traditional white wedding kimono, including all accessories. Rental is standard due to cost.

Order or Rent Montsuki Hakama

Arrange the groom's formal black kimono with family crest, hakama, and haori.

Order Ceremonial Sake Set

Purchase or rent the three sakazuki cups and sake server for San-san-kudo.

Select and Order Hikidemono

Choose items for guest gift bags, traditionally in odd numbers (3 or 5 items). Catalog gifts are increasingly popular.

Book Professional Kimono Dresser

Hire a specialist for the bridal kimono dressing and any costume changes during the reception. Allow 1-2 hours for initial dressing.

Prepare Ceremonial Sake (O-miki)

Ensure the sake for San-san-kudo is prepared and has been offered to the kami.

Prepare Tamagushi Branches

Have fresh sakaki branches with shide (paper streamers) ready for the offering.

Set Up Komodaru Sake Barrel

Position the sake barrel at the reception venue with mallets ready for Kagami-biraki.

Stage Hikidemono Gift Bags

Arrange guest gift bags at the reception exit for distribution as guests leave.

Arrange Formal Speeches

Confirm speakers: bosses, mentors, and friends for reception speeches. Brief speakers on word taboos (avoid terms suggesting separation or endings).

Order Komodaru Sake Barrel

Order the straw-wrapped sake barrel for the Kagami-biraki ceremony. Non-alcoholic alternatives are available.

Fold Senbazuru (1,000 Origami Cranes)

Begin folding well in advance — this is a time-intensive project. Involve family and friends.