Weddings

Last weekend, they had a wedding fair at the Hotel where I am staying. The bride dress was beautiful and the wedding kimono was gorgeous. I learned a little bit about weddings in Japan.
The Groom and his parents pay for the wedding. The groom pays a bride price. Riu, one of my friends here, is getting married shortly. They paid 1,000,000 yen, the equivalent of $10,000.00, for the bride price. Their family is better off than most, so they could pay that much.
The Bride must have a traditional Kimono for the wedding, and then she usually changes into a western style wedding dress for the rest of the wedding parties. The traditional kimono is very expensive, so often they rent it. It costs 10,000 yen to rent a kimono. I have been told that a kimono costs 1,000,000 yen. That means the bride would pay $1,000 to rent, and $10,000. to buy!
If you are invited to attend a wedding, you are expected to pay at least $300.00. Most presents are at least $400.00. If you are the boss of either the bride or groom, you are expected to give at least $500.00. However, as a gift for coming to the wedding, you will recieve a box of cakes,in a wrapping that is also part of the gift because it is so lovely, and a very nice gift, like a place setting of china. The gift that is given to each person who attends the wedding is usually around $50.00.
I think it would be cheaper to elope to the United States!