Kimono Explained #5 - Bridal Kimonos
Welcome back to our series Kimono Explained!
This month, we’re exploring one of the most exquisite and symbolic uses of kimono in Japanese culture - wedding ceremonies. Weddings in Japan are rich with meaning, where garments are more than just clothing; they embody purity, celebration, and the joining of families.
From the serene beauty of shiromuku to the colourful splendor of iro-uchikake, each style of wedding kimono tells a story. These pieces are treasured for generations, carrying the blessings and memories of love through time.
Let’s take a closer look at the traditional bridal kimono and their beautiful symbolism.
1. Shiromuku (白無垢) – The Pure White Ensemble
When it’s worn: During the Shinto wedding ceremony
What it symbolises: Purity, new beginnings, and the bride’s readiness to embrace her new family.
The shiromuku is the most formal wedding kimono, made entirely of white silk - from the layers beneath to the outer robe and the wataboshi (bridal hood). The colour white represents a blank canvas, showing the bride’s openness to being “dyed” in the colours of her new family.
History: The style dates back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573), when the government set regulations regarding the garments worn for formal ceremonies. Today, it remains a timeless expression of sincerity and grace.
2. Iro-uchikake (色打掛) – The Vibrant Over Kimono
When it’s worn: After the ceremony or during the wedding photoshoot
What it symbolises: Joy, celebration, and good fortune.
Unlike the pure white shiromuku, the iro-uchikake bursts with colour and intricate embroidery. It’s worn open over another kimono, often decorated with auspicious motifs such as cranes, pine trees, or waves - each representing wishes for a long and happy marriage. It is common for the bride to change from shiromuku to iro-uchikake at the ceremony, as they step into the new stage of life.
History: Iro-uchikake were worn by noblewomen in samurai households in the Muromachi period, and gradually became the most glamorous choice for brides in the Edo period (1603-1868).
3. Hikifurisode (引振袖) – The Graceful Reception Kimono
When it’s worn: During the wedding reception or formal photos.
What it symbolises: Elegance and transition into married life.
The hikifurisode features long, flowing sleeves and an extended hem that trails gracefully behind the bride. The long sleeves, usually reserved for unmarried women, signify the final stage before becoming a wife - a bridge between two stages of life.
The kimono is often designed in deep, elegant colours like red, black, or gold, adorned with family crests and celebratory patterns.
History: From the Heian period (794-1185) to the Muromachi period (1336-1573), hikifurisode was often worn by the noble women for celebrations.
Patterns and Their Meanings
Just as with children’s celebration kimono, motifs on wedding attire carry deep symbolism. These are some of the most popular patterns:
- Cranes (鶴) - Longevity and harmonious partnership
- Pine trees, bamboo, and plum blossom (松竹梅) - Good fortune and longevity
- Peonies (牡丹) - Beauty and prosperity
Beyond the Bride – Family and Guests
When attending weddings in kimono, there are certain rules to follow.
Family members, especially the mothers of the bride and groom, often wear formal kuro-tomesode (黒留袖), a black kimono with elegant designs below the waist and the family crest on the shoulders. Married female guests may also wear iro-tomesode (色留袖 coloured formal kimono), while unmarried women sometimes choose furisode in vibrant hues.
*Check out our first Kimono Explained article to learn more about different types of kimonos.
The Modern Wedding
In today’s Japan, many couples blend tradition and modernity - wearing shiromuku for the shrine ceremony, then changing into iro-uchikake or Western-style dresses for the reception. Others choose to restyle or rework heirloom kimono, continuing their family’s story in new and creative ways.
At Kokin, this idea deeply resonates with me. Each kimono carries memories, love, and craftsmanship - and reworking them allows those stories to live on in a new form.
From the quiet elegance of shiromuku to the vibrant joy of iro-uchikake, wedding kimono beautifully reflect the heart of Japanese culture: respect for tradition, appreciation of craftsmanship, and love that transcends time.
Thank you for joining me again this month on Kimono Explained, I hope you learned something new!
Next month, we’ll explore the stunning and distinctive kimono worn by Maiko-san and Geiko-san. You won't want to miss it!
Talk soon :)
Maki