Nowadays, as the science and technology is developing rapidly, young people are more concern about fashion in wedding, but some people hope to keep the tradition in wedding as well, so they are planning both style of wedding. However, there are many reasons affect the planning of wedding. This essay is going to discuss about a social trend of young engaged couples in Japan planning both traditional Japanese wedding at home and a Western-style wedding outside Japan.
Every country has their own cultural, culture usually hard to change and it is representing their country. It is for sure that Japan is a traditional country; the country has their traditional to visit the Shrine. In Japan, a traditional wedding is like a Shinto ceremony. According to Henshall ( 1999, p. 138 ) The traditional kimono worn by the bride and the traditional haori and hakama (short coat and divided skirt) for the male enforce the idea of tradition and ancient times. They have to do the Shinto rites of cleansing, making votive offerings to the gods, and exchanging sake. It is all visually impassive and understandably glamorised. Therefore, the traditional rules are one of the reason affect young people planning for their wedding. Furthermore, their parents’ acceptance is a significant reason as well. Nankervis ( 2005, p. 185) claimed that young adults are largely uninterested in the traditional Japanese wedding and demand the right to plan their own wedding ceremony and reception. It is representing that the couples want the ceremony and reception not for their parents and relatives, but for themselves. Young couples are less concerned with the religious aspect of wedding and find the Western-style wedding is more romantic and fashionable than the traditional Japanese style. Otnes & Pleck (2003, p. 208 ) stated that the Japanese are willing to cross religious boundaries. They tend to be church shoppers, who choose a place to marry because it has a long aisle and stained-glass windows. Also, Garrett ( 2007, p. 152) claimed that a Western-style wedding dress often worn for the photo session and for many other fashion-conscious women, first with evening wear, then daywear, it can attract young engaged people. Japanese youth’s preference for Western culture has meant that many newlyweds wear Western-style wedding outfits in addition to traditional outfits during the reception. Some couples are converting to Christianity solely for the purpose of having a formal Western-style wedding ceremony. In post-war times, the popularity of Shinto weddings has tended to fluctuate from day to day. This is the time for change with the growing popularity of Christian ceremonies, young adults’ affection for Western culture since the Second World War.
As a special event, the disciplines of Sociology can be used as perspectives through which to gain some understanding of this industry. Sociology is the study of human behaviors as they are affected by social interactions within groups, organizations and societies (Ferrante, 2007, p.4 ). The event planner has to consider about the age, economic status, interests and family background to create a special event. The ideal marriage age for Japanese men is considered to be between twenty-six and twenty-eight, and for Japanese women, between twenty-three and twenty-five, it is important to know the average age of marriage, hence the event planner has to consider the event whether suitable for couples. In addition, Nishiyama (1996, p. 27 ) said that the choice of a honeymoon destination is determined not only by the honeymooner’s preference, also by both of families’ financial ability and social status. It is because the costs of the wedding ceremony, reception and honeymoon trip are very expensive in Japan, parents of both the bride and groom must help to pay with the costs. Moreover, young people love and interest in taking photos. Aspers ( 2006, p. 205 ) claimed that photography can attract young people. Event planner can