Words Used When Attending a Wedding

・wedding ceremony
・wedding reception
・gift money
・wedding favors

 

Here are some special words that are used when attending a wedding [結婚式kekkon-shiki]. They will help you to be prepared.

 

挙式 Kyoshiki  (wedding ceremony)

It is a ceremony of marriage vows. Ceremonies are held in churches and shrines. There are various styles.

 

披露宴Hirō-en (wedding reception)

Hirō-en is a party where a married couple announces to family and friends that they are married.
The married couple prepares food and drinks for the party guests. Guests give speeches, sing, or play music. A Hirō-en is often held after a wedding ceremony.

 

ご祝儀Go-shūgi (gift money)

Go-shūgi is a gift or money for a couple that is getting married.
When gifting money, put crisp new bills [新札shin-satsu] in a special gift money envelope [ご祝儀袋go-shūgi bukuro]. You can have your bills replaced with new bills at a bank. The amount of gift money will depend on your relationship with the married couple.
A go-shūgi bukuro is very important, so it is best to wrap it in a special cloth [袱紗fukusa] and take it with you.

 

引き出物Hikide-mono (wedding favors)

Hikide-mono is a gift from a married couple to express their gratitude to their guests. They are often placed on the seats of guests at wedding receptions.