As the economic slump drags on, young people are finding creative ways to have their dream wedding at more down-to-earth prices.
According to a survey by bridal magazine Zexy, the average cost for wedding ceremonies and receptions is ¥3.17 million. The bride's wardrobe is also costly, averaging ¥430,000; thank-you gifts for guests typically cost ¥330,000; and photos usually cost around ¥200,000.
Kikuno Yano, a financial adviser, refused financial help from her parents, paying for the wedding, honeymoon and new life expenses out of savings she and her husband had accumulated. The couple held the ceremony and reception at a major hotel, but managed to cut their expenses from the hotel's initial estimate of ¥3 million to ¥1.8 million.