Harajuku Wedding

Technology, shopping, anime, and sushi; these things typically come to mind when one thinks of Japan. Moreover, anyone who loves Japanese culture and follows fashion knows the word Harajuku.

Harajuku culture was born from Japanese teens that dressed in unique fashion styles; they socialized and gathered around the Harajuku train station in Tokyo, hence the name. Harajuku styles are distinctive forms of expression, unique enough that some may consider them forms of art. Categories of dress styles range from Punk, Gothic Lolita, and Cosplay, to Decora, and Kawaii. Harajuku dressers pick a style, stick to it, make it distinctively theirs, and often form a bond with others who dress in their genre of style. This form of networking is the ultimate way to show off your style and be as creative as you can be with fashion.

Often a case of life-imitates-fashion, hardcore Harajuku girls and guys will allow their way of dress to exemplify their daily lifestyle, living and breathing their fashion style of choice. And why not bring this unique and personal element into some of the most important events in life: marriage! Whether you are a Harajuku dresser or admirer, there are many ways to have a Harajuku themed wedding.

With etiquette and traditions thrown out the door, here are some insights to throwing the biggest party of your life . . . Harajuku style!

THEMES & COLOR
Choosing the Harajuku path already gives your wedding day a unique theme. Be inspired by the characteristics and moods of the fashion style that you choose. Pick pastel colors like baby pink, pastel blues and greens for your Kawaii-themed wedding, or base it around your cute character of choice. Bold red, blue, and black colors would play well for a Cosplay wedding; just make sure to use lots and lots of leather! The feminine and romantic style of Gothic Lolita fashion would translate well into a glamorous and elegant wedding. One can also explore patterns—plaids, polka dots and stripes of all colors.

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION SITES
Your Harajuku wedding does not have to mimic a Halloween party (unless you want it to). Nowadays, people are finding more and more ways to stand out from the crowd and will go near and far for unthinkable venues to host their special day. For the Harajuku loving couple, an anime museum, art gallery, a favorite mall, or a century-old mansion are all unique places suited for a unique wedding. How about journeying to where it all started, to the Harajuku District, or Yoyogi Park, in Tokyo? A trip to Disney would be the ultimate choice for the Kawaii-lover, you can even make it a destination wedding or your honeymoon spot.

ATTIRE
All eyes on the bride; it’s all about the wedding dress! The Harajuku bride can mix and match a traditional white gown with details like frilly lace and corsets, bows, jewels, clips and metallic accessories. How about a traditional Japanese kimono? Bridesmaids and groomsmen can also have fun too. The attire of the wedding party is the best way to reflect your personal style and color palette.

JEWELRY, HAIR & MAKEUP

The sky is the limit with makeup, as it is essential to dressing and embodying the Harajuku style. Bold eyes, clean lips and an overdone or simple hairdo can really add the finishing touches to your wedding attire.

While not so underground anymore, Harajuku has since merged with mainstream fashion and music, becoming well embraced and widespread beyond its beginnings in Toyko. Your wedding can be all about your Harajuku style of choice, or toned down to a few key elements. The possibilities are limitless; you can add Harajuku flair to anything from invitations and favors to centerpieces and even a Harajuku cake.

What better way to give your guests an unforgettable experience than by inviting them to your Harajuku themed wedding? Yuni-ku!

By Jinny Liu
Jinny is always curious and would like to do it all! Her design blog is Jinny, like Gin – a place for her collected daily escapades, interesting finds, and a showcase of her work as a designer and creative enthusiast. Jinny is from Brooklyn, NY. (www.jinnyliu.com)