My First Japanese Wedding

I went to the wedding reception of a Geos student and friend of mine on November 23rd. Her name is Ikuko and she got married in Guam on Oct. 6, but the reception was held in Sendai last week. I went with 7 other GEOS students and ex-students, so I had many people to speak English with (although I was the only foreigner present).

I must be honest and say that I think Japanese weddings are much more beautiful than weddings in Canada; the food and drinks were better than anything I've experienced, as well as the reception room. But of course the superiority in quality comes with a price. It's customary in Japan to pay about 20,000-30,000 yen ($200-300 dollars) to attend. This helps to pay for the food, drinks, reception room and the gifts that are given to everyone by the bride and groom. I received a box of chocolates, a bottle of Japanese sake and a free gift that I could choose from a catalogue similar to a Sears catalogue; and the items I can choose from don't look cheap either. I have to think carefully before I choose it (^_^).

Another difference about Japanese weddings is that Japanese brides wear between 2 to 4 different dresses as the day progresses. Brides always wear the Western style white dress, as well as a long dress of a different colour, but many also wear the traditional Japanese wedding dress, and brides with really rich parents will wear a 4th dress as well (^0^). Ikuko chose to only wear 2 dresses (which you can see in the pictures), and they were both amazing.

Anyway, I had a great time, but after 1 hour of ceremonies and 2 hours of eating and drinking a plethora of alcoholic drinks (sake, beer, champagne and sparkling sake), I felt a little tipsy, so I decided to skip the 2nd party and rest up for work the next day. I hope I can go to another wedding in the future (^_^).