We didn't know what to expect. We just knew that we weren't going to understand a lot of what was happening since the entire ceremony and party was going to be conducted in Japanese.
D's friend had prepared our gift that we would be giving to the bride and groom since everything had to be done in a particular way. The tradition is to give money in an origami like envelope called shugi-bukuro. Our name had to be written in Japanese on the front of it. It's polite to use brand new bills with no folds. We were instructed to hand the envelope to the person at the reception desk when we signed our names in the guest book. They tell us you are not allowed in unless you give a gift!
Before packing for the weekend, I asked D to find out what the other women at the wedding would be wearing since it was called for 10:30 on a Sunday morning. Most significant others were not invited, as is the tradition. D said that one wife was wearing a short daytime cocktail dress. "Gee, Thanks!"
When we arrived, I looked around the room and noticed the women were decked out! I mean Saturday night black tie wedding! EVERY single woman had her hair done up in an updo. EVERY single woman had beautifully painted nails...some with Swarovski crystals. Most woman were wearing black, the ones who weren't, were wearing a traditional Japanese Kimono. I was wearing blue.
The first part of the ceremony was held outside in the garden. It was lovely despite the fact that it was 32 degrees out and I had a short sleeved dress on. I don't think I could have stood any closer to the heater without getting burned.
The bride emerged in a traditional white wedding gown with her groom by her side. This wedding was only for the couples friends and coworkers. Family members and relatives were not included. Japanese words and rings were exchanged and golf balls were hit.
After moving into the warm building, the drinking and bowing started...a lot of it.
The groom and bride were drinking and bowing, the other guests were drinking and bowing, the waiters were (prob drinking during the ceremony) and bowing, and we were drinking and bowing (well one of us was).
A run down of the events:
A toast to the bride and groom (in Japanese)
The menu (in Japanese and French-luckily D was able to tell me what some of the things were that I would be putting into my mouth)
A movie about the bride and groom (in Japanese)
Speeches given by friends (in Japanese) --One speech was given in English because the friend was Chinese.
Then the bride disappeared for the outfit change. The bride came back with a beautiful colorful Japanese dress. Her hair was done in a completely different style.
There is a Japanese tradition to give away a bottle of wine to a lucky winner...who then just has to get married within in the year. The bride holds different pieces of rope in her hand and ties one to the bottle. All of the singles take a piece of rope, pull, and the one who is tied to the bottle wins.
And the desserts....
are just like they are back at home.
Overall, it was a wonderful affair and a great experience....we are ready for our next one.
