My sister is the MOH at her future SIL's wedding, and since the bride is 1/2 Japanese, my sis wants to do a Japanese theme (even though it will be at an Italian restaurant.)
She needs to do the centerpieces and favors, but her initial idea of cherry blossoms won't work as they wil be far out of season. They are going for a higher-end look, but don't necessarily have the budget for it.
Any ideas? Here's what she's come up with so far.
Red/Gold color scheme
We thought perhaps lanterns, but not sure if the restaurant will let her hang them.
Origami place card holders
I know the Japanese theme at an Italian restuarant seems odd, but the bride picked the venue, but the theme is supposed to be a surprise. It's not like a Buca di Beppo decor restauraunt--more like a banquet hall.
The bride isn't very well-versed in Japanese culture--in fact, I probably know more about it than she does, It is not going to be over-the-top Japanese-themed, more like Japanese flavored :)
World Market has battery powered lanterns, that can sit on the table. We used them at my shower, and they looked great!!
http://www.worldmarket.com/search/index.jsp?view=all&...
We made origami butterflies and attached them to the lanterns. For the place cards we glued origami cranes on flat place cards. (like this: http://diyweddingprojects.com/2008/08/20/origami-crane-pl...)
I would definitely agree with Dawn in that you should check with the bride first. Does she identify with her Japanese heritage? Would she appreciate this sort of attention to her cultural background or would it seem like mockery? I think you should be careful also not to offend any of her relatives who might take issue with a presentation of their culture which is not accurate or with which they do not identify. If one of your parents was German, would you appreciate a German-themed party? Or would it just feel like someone is trying too hard? Just things to think about.
Do you have a Cost World Market in your area? They usually have TONS of Japanese themed stuff at pretty good prices. Check Pier 1 Imports too, they may have some nice party favors you could wrap up with a nice oriental looking fabric bow/wrap.
Actually, red and gold is more associated with Chinese culture.
Japanese culture is red and white.
But gold is okay used in accents.
Red and White are auspicious colors.. for good luck in the Japanese culture.
Red and White are used traditionally for Japanese weddings.
You should also fold origami Cranes. 1,001 cranes for weddings.
These are always done, for important occasions.
In gold.
You can also serve Sake.
And Japanese tea.
Also do a "Banzai" toast at the banquet.
You can also have Japanese Flower arrangements. For center pieces.
Japanese flower arranging is called "Ikebana."
Or use Bamboo, to decorate.
http://www.japanesestylewedding.co.uk/ikebana_flower_deco...
Or Bonsai.
Or Japanese fans.
Or Japanese Chopsticks.
You could also use Japanese Umbrellas to decorate with.
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=japanese+wedding+accesso...
You should also have a "Daruma" doll. This is for all important occasions, in Japanese culture. As a gift to the couple.
All the best,
Susan
Yes, just going to second the comments of SH, red and gold are chinese colors. And the ikebana idea is great because it can be done cheap--can use one simple flower and accent green or simple branch. if you look it up you can get some ideas.
Bamboo is good too as you can get that pretty cheap at an asian market also.
A Japanese themed party at an Italian restaraunt?! I don't mean to be rude, but that soudsn pretty tacky. Why not have it at a nice Asain fusion place instead? Then your decorating will need to be very minimal. You can also look online to get ideas about traditional Japanese wedding traditions that you could perhaps incorporate. For instance, if alcohol will be served sake would be appropriate. Also, origami paper cranes would make a nice and affordalbe decoration, perhaps one per place setting. Cranes symbolize long life.
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