The Bridal Industry in Japan
Speciality wedding venue halls make up roughly 90% of the Japan’s bridal industry.
The bridal industry in Japan is largely dominated by wedding agencies and venues, many of which are owned by parent companies that operate multiple wedding venues. These types of speciality wedding venue halls and hotels make up over 90% of the industry.
Speciality wedding venues typically are very organized, have highly trained staff, and run their weddings with systematic and precise timing. The downside of this being that all weddings at these venues tend to look and feel almost exactly the same, i.e. 3 hours in length and follow the same basic schedule of events. On weekends it’s uncommon for many Japanese wedding venues to run between 4-12 weddings in a day, which can make weddings lose some of the magic as guests are quickly herded around to make room for the next wedding.
Probably the most important thing to know is that the majority of these speciality wedding venues in Japan are a “package deal” and are typically very restrictive when it comes to customization, especially once an agreement has been signed and deposit paid. The all-inclusive “package deal” means you’re not just booking the venue but also their wedding planner, chef and food menu, MC, hair and makeup, wedding dress, florist, priest, photographer, videographer etc.
If you’re happy to be fairly hands-off when it comes to your wedding details and care more about having everything taken care of in an organized and professional manner then this is likely the perfect option for you.
If however, you’d like to design and plan many of the details of your wedding and use vendors not supplied by the venue and their “package,” such as renting a dress from a different vendor or hiring an outside photographer or videographer that you feel matches your style then be warned. Wedding venues generally will say no or want to charge you between ¥30,000 - ¥100,000 ($300-$800USD) “bring-in fee” for any customizations such as bringing your own wedding dress or outside vendor photographer/videographer etc. If you do fall in love with a package based wedding venue but do have specific requests or things from their package you’d like to opt out of or change, it’s best to do this before you sign or pay a deposit as the venue will instantly become less flexible in regard to allowing customizations.
For couples more envisioning a wedding that is customized, and not three hours in length then it may be best to select a private restaurant or garden venue that rent out their space. Going this route tends to be a lot more work for the couple to arrange details but on the other hand, has less rules as these private venues typically won’t have specific vendors that you’re locked in to using. There are also freelance and private wedding planners throughout Japan available for hire who can help with the planning process and should have a suggested list of vendors and venues.
Basic info about Japanese wedding venues and “package deals.”
Venue Wedding Planners - The planners that come with the wedding venues are typically need to follow the options and schedule that are set by their managing company. The majority of options and schedule are consistent for all the weddings at their venue.
Wedding Length - From start until finish weddings in at Japanese speciality wedding venues are almost always 3-3.5 hours in length (from the time guests arrive until they leave)
Priests / officiants - The priests/officiants at most venues are often a foreign man hired to play the role and it’s not uncommon for them to do 3-4 weddings in a day at multiple venues. You will typically meet them on the day of your wedding.
Photographer - The package photographer is typically a venue staff that has been trained to take the same basic photos and shots for each wedding. Ie. photos in the exact same locations, with the same poses etc. You will typically meet them on the day of your wedding.
Videographer - The videographers too are typically venue staff who have been trained to take video from the same angles and locations. You will typically meet them on the day of your wedding.
Florist / Flowers - Wedding venues with “set programs” typically have a florist vendor that they work with. These vendors tend to mark up their floral packages to offset the since you’re locked in to using them and the venue also gets a kickback.
Here’s an example 3-hour wedding schedule at a speciality venue:
Couple arrive 2-4 hours before the wedding - Hair, makeup, and getting into dress or kimono, and some photos
30 minutes before the ceremony - Guests arrive, sign-in and give a money gift, then wait in a lounge area usually with drinks and refreshments.
Ceremony - Typically 12-20 minutes in length and may include a singing trio or harpest, walking down the aisle, the mother of the bride removing the veil, exchanging rings, vows, and kiss etc.
A group photo
Flower Toss
Bride and groom change their outfits
Reception begins with the bride and groom making a grand entrance
Welcome speech from bride and groom
Speeches/Toasts from bosses, parents, or close friend
Food, drinks, and photos
Cake cut and feeding each other cake with a small and large spoon
Photo presentation or performance from guests
Bride reads a letter to mom and presents gifts the parents
Thank you speeches and ending with the Bride and Groom exiting the hall
Good bye with gifts or catalog handed to each guest as they leave