If you’ve been invited to a wedding in Japan, one of the first things you might wonder is what to wear. Understanding Japanese wedding guest attire is important to show respect for the couple and the occasion. In our previous articles, we covered how to fill out a wedding RSVP card and the etiquette around gift money. If you’re curious about those topics, be sure to check the links below. Now, let’s go over the key dress code guidelines so you can attend the wedding with confidence and grace.
Table of Contents
Japanese Wedding Guest Attire: Dress Design Guidelines
When attending a wedding in Japan, it’s important to choose a dress that reflects elegance and respect for the occasion. While sleeveless dresses have become more accepted in recent years, it’s still recommended to opt for a dress with sleeves whenever possible. If you do choose a sleeveless style, be sure to bring a shawl or jacket to cover your shoulders.
Dress length should ideally reach at least the knees. Avoid designs with low necklines or styles that overly emphasize body shape. Fabrics such as linen, knits, animal prints, or anything with fur are considered inappropriate. While shiny materials like satin were once discouraged, they have become more acceptable in modern wedding fashion.
Japanese Wedding Guest Attire: Appropriate Dress Colors
Japanese Wedding Guest Attire: Appropriate Shoes
As part of proper Japanese wedding guest attire, footwear should be chosen carefully to reflect formality and respect. Closed-toe heels are the preferred choice, as open-toe shoes, mules, or sandals that expose the toes are considered inappropriate for wedding ceremonies. Casual footwear like boots or sneakers should also be avoided. Unless you are the mother of the bride or accompanying a young child, flat shoes are generally not recommended.
When it comes to hosiery, beige stockings are the standard. Black stockings or brightly colored tights are discouraged, as are animal prints. For a refined touch, materials such as patent leather or silk can enhance the overall elegance of your look.
Japanese Wedding Guest Attire: Appropriate Hairstyles
When considering appropriate hairstyles as part of Japanese wedding guest attire, the key is to maintain a polished and elegant appearance. For short hair, using wax or styling products to keep it neat is perfectly acceptable. For those with long hair, simply wearing it down may appear too casual for the occasion. Instead, consider tying it up in a bun, creating a low ponytail, or opting for a half-up, half-down style.
Ultimately, any hairstyle that complements your dress and conveys a refined impression is suitable, as long as it respects the formal nature of the event.
Japanese Wedding Guest Attire: Accessories
When selecting accessories as part of your Japanese wedding guest attire, it’s important to keep the overall look refined and modest. Avoid items that are overly flashy, too large, or excessively glittery, as they may draw too much attention. Pearls are a popular and elegant choice—pearl earrings or a simple pearl necklace can add sophistication without overwhelming the outfit. Subtle, classic accessories are the key to respecting the formal tone of the occasion.
Key Takeaways
Dress Design
Sleeveless dresses are becoming more accepted, but dresses with sleeves are still preferred for Japanese wedding guest attire.
Bring a shawl or wrap to cover your shoulders if wearing a sleeveless dress.
Choose a dress that reaches at least the knees.
Avoid materials such as linen, knit, animal prints, and fur.
Dress Color
Do not wear white or similar shades like light beige, light yellow, or silver, as these are reserved for the bride.
Black is also discouraged due to its association with funerals in Japan.
Shoes
Wear closed-toe heels that are elegant and formal.
Avoid open-toed shoes, mules, sandals, boots, or sneakers.
Unless accompanying a child or as a mother of the bride/groom, flat shoes are not recommended.
Hair Style
For short hair, use wax or styling products for a polished look.
Long hair should be tied up or styled half-up, half-down to maintain a formal appearance.
Any elegant hairstyle that complements your outfit is appropriate.
Accessories
Choose subtle and refined accessories. Avoid overly flashy, large, or glittery items.
Pearl earrings and necklaces are a popular and elegant choice for Japanese wedding guest attire.
