The Elegant Wedding

This is the second part of my series on Asian weddings. If you'd like to read the first part dedicated to the Indian Wedding , you'll find it right here. Traditional Japanese weddings (known as 'shinzen shiki') are usually conducted in the Shinto tradition by a Shinto priest. These were usually held in shrines, but today in modern-day Japan, are often held in smaller shrines located within reception centres and hotels. The traditional wedding in Japan is a very formal affair, with the bride wearing an amazing costume consisting of a pure white kimono known as a 'shiro-maku' (the only time she will be allowed to wear this traditional dress, as in the Japanese culture the shiro-maku is associated with unmarried women only). They also wear two different styles of very elaborate head dress. The tsunokakushi is a large, white cloth often made of silk. This headpiece is traditionally worn to, 'veil the bride's horns of jealousy, ego and selfishness' and ...

Vintage weddings lend themselves to a wonderful array of colors, design options, and beautiful, one-of-a-kind wedding favors. Not to mention a wide choice of fashion options for your wedding gown. The term 'vintage' itself, covers many eras, from the mid-19th century to the mid 20th century. So, with around 100 years of ideas to whet your creative appetite, there's a lot to choose from, and even more to be inspired by. Whether you're thinking a late 19th-century Victorian theme, a 1920's theme, or a rock'n'roll 1950's wedding, you don't have to look very far for inspiration. You'll find it in the media, on television and films (such as Downton Abbey or Kate Winslet's costumes from the Titanic, or retro 1940's movies from the golden era of Hollywood, etc.) You'll also find plenty of it in fashion magazines, novels, vintage stores and yes - even wedding blogs! Whichever era you choose, there really is only one golden rule: just make su...