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Uchikake, or bridal kimono, are some of the most ornate garments in the realm of traditional Japanese ceremonial clothing. They are heavy and thick with padding, and extend to the floor.

Uchikake were originally worn by women of nobility for formal occasions, but is now an essential component of any traditional Japanese bridal costume. It is a robe worn atop the kakeshita kimono, and is fastened with the kakeshita obi.

The traditional costume as worn by the bride is perhaps the most colorful element in the reception. Big "Kanzashi" ornaments as worn by the bride in the hair, done in the old fashion, are hidden under the "Tsuno Kakushi" hood. It is meant to hide "Tsuno" or horns to show obedience. The "Uchikake" gown worn over the colorful wedding "Kimono" may be most gorgeous. During the course of the reception the bride is led out to change her dress. The second wedding dress is different in design and color but is just as beautiful and elaborate as the first one. The "Tsuno Kakushi" and "Uchikake" are no longer worn to exhibit the bride in all she is. The bridal dresses are sometimes handed down in the family or made into "Futon" beddings or matresses later in life.

The Shinto wedding is performed before a Shinto sanctuary, set up for the occation unless the wedding takes place in a Shinto shrine. It is presided by a Shinto priest who first holds the purification service of all present. Such a wedding is usually attended by memberrs of both families and close relatives in addition, of cource, to the couple to be united and gobetweens. Gobetweens are often selected more for ceremonial purposes from among elderly couples known and close to either or both of the families to be united in marriage.

After a ritual by the priest, reporting to olds on the marriage and requesting their lasting favors on the newly-weds it is now customary for the bridegroom to read an oath to keep faithful and obedient to each other in the married life. The oath may be given by the gobetween in behalf of the new couple.

The "San-San-Kudo" or ceremony of the Three-Times-Three Exchange of nuptial cups is then performed by the bridegroom and bride. The exchange of wedding rings is also a popular practice today.

The bridegroom and bride proceed to the sanctuary to offer twigs of "Sakaki" sacred tree in worship to gods to end the main part of the wedding ceremony.

Drinks of "Sake" are then exchanged between members and close relatives of the both families to signify their union through the wedding.

The Shinto wedding is accompanied by the traditional music and attended by "Miko" maidens who serves "Sake" in red and white dresses.

It is a short service, simple in procedure but full of solemn atomospheres.

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