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Japanese Say 'I Do' Stateside to Save Money

Couples like marrying in NY, Hawaii to duck $100K nuptials

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 3, 2009 4:50 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Thousands of Japanese couples have chosen to marry in the US over the past decade to avoid pricey weddings back home, NPR reports. Favored destinations like Hawaii and New York City may not be cheap, but they're easier on the pocketbook than ceremonies that include hundreds of family, friends, and associates in Japan—and cost $100,000 or more.

One New York City Unitarian reverend says he has married about 600 Japanese couples, even though few are Christian. Their biggest challenge is often pronouncing "th" sounds in "With this ring, I thee wed..." NPR followed one couple as they practiced and executed a nearly error-free ceremony. Awaiting them back home is a big reception, they said. How big? "300? 500?" the wife laughed. "Yes, big."

In Japan, traditional weddings can cost upwards of $100,000, and the entire social and business circles of the bride and groom are expected to be invited.
In Japan, traditional weddings can cost upwards of $100,000, and the entire social and business circles of the bride and groom are expected to be invited.   (Flickr)
Traditional Japanese weddings involve, among other costs, several changes of clothes for the bride and groom.
Traditional Japanese weddings involve, among other costs, several changes of clothes for the bride and groom.   (Flickr)
Instead of going through with the elaborate and expensive traditional weddings at home, some Japanese couples take their nuptials to the US, especially to Hawaii and New York.
Instead of going through with the elaborate and expensive traditional weddings at home, some Japanese couples take their nuptials to the US, especially to Hawaii and New York.   (Flickr)
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Stateside, weddings get scaled back, too
News Journal (Del.)

Using favors, coupons to slim down wedding budgets
Los Angeles Times

 
New York City • Japan • church • wedding • Hawaii • Destination DC

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