In an era of declining marriages and smaller weddings, a leading bridal fashion designer is helping to revive the custom of holding hometown nuptials that feature local food and traditional crafts.

"A bride used to prepare for a wedding at the home where she grew up, full of memories, and receive the blessing of her neighbors," Yumi Katsura said in a recent interview.

"Having looked at the bride, children in the neighborhood long for marriage," she said.