I’m excited to share todays wedding inspiration board with you as I’ve always had a love affair with Japanese culture and believe this would make a gorgeous theme for a wedding. Even if organising a relatively classic wedding, elements of japanese patterns, fashions, traditions and beauty; past and present can be a beautiful addition to your wedding.
images credits: japanese paper lanterns, photography by unknown | japanese place setting, photography by simon bevan | origami cranes, photography by michael and anna costa | origami wedding dress, photography by hattie ellis | kimono shoes, shoes by hettie rose | kimono wedding dress, photography by hattie ellis | jasmine tea box, photography by scobey photography | cherry blossom wedding stationery, photography by unknown | japanese wave stationery, photography by unknown
In the gorgeous board above you can see the use of origami in the pretty hanging cranes [According to Japanese lore, folding 1,000 Origami Cranes is truly a labor of love. Tradition holds that the bride who finishes this task, called 'sembazuru', before her wedding day will be richly rewarded with a good and happy marriage. Paying homage to the magestic crane, which mates for life and is said to live one thousand years, the bride ensures her own good fortune]. The two wedding dresses also have an origami vibe with their pleats and structured folds. The hanging lanterns, plate setting and wedding stationery have beautiful japanese patterns and prints. And the shoes… the shoes have a gorgeous kimono print!
When it comes to other japanese inspired ideas try to think of things you would associate with Japan. The lotus flower perhaps, or a bonsai tree, cherry blossoms are of course iconic. Tea gardens and tea ceremonies. Obi’s and kimonos. You could incorporate these ideas into your stationery, favours, flowers and cake design.
I particularly love these Japanese prints. Flocks of cranes on the left and apricot cherry blossoms with origami paper cranes on the right. There are lots of beautiful japanese prints out there, just try googling. When you find your favourite, ask your wedding stationer to bespoke design your wedding stationery using your favourite japanese print or pattern as the inspiration.
images credits: japanese cranes paper | japanese cherry blossom paper
These pretty japanese washi papers can be used to make your own DIY badges. Great for individul name places or sweet wedding favours for your guests! Also check out this DIY washi tape wedding inspiration.
images credits: japanese paper + badges | DIY by griottes
Another great wedding favour idea or decoration is this origami tea light lotus flower. Origami stars make for wonderful hanging decorations too.
image credits: origami lotus flower, photography by unknown
Maybe you could have your ceremony or reception in a Japanese Tea Garden like the couple below? And yes, they can be found outside of Japan :))
image credits: japanese tea garden wedding, photography by alison yin| vintage japanese paper parasol, photography by unknown
I’m also obsessed with vintage Japanese prints. The paper parasol above is stunning and would make a wonderful wedding prop and also protect you from all the elements.
image credit: kimono wedding dress, photography by hattie ellis
When it comes to wedding dresses, I adore the modern, kimono inspired wedding dress above. So pretty and feminine!
image credit: fuji silk flowers and kanzashi headpiece
And if you’re looking for something really unique, the bridal Kanzashi headpiece above is created using the traditional “Tsumami Kanzashi” Japanese technique, each little petal is hand-crafted, folded and assembled to create a delicate bouquet. The traditional dangles imitate Wisteria blossoms. Amazing!
Looking for something slightly more modern? I also love the eugenia haircomb I blogged yesterday.
image credits: geisha artwork, photography by uknown | asian beauty, photography by unknown
And for your all important wedding hair and make-up, how amazing would a modern messy bun with a japanese hair ornament be? And in true geisha style, a pair of ruby red lips and a slick of black liquid liner!
So does this wedding inspiration inspire you to incorporate any Japanese influeneces into you big day? What other ideas can you think of to compliment the overall look?
Lots of Love
XxX Sonia
and remember… keep wanting!