In Japan, attending a wedding is not just a simple blessing, but also an opportunity to showcase sophistication and respect for traditional culture. One essential element is preparing the wedding gift envelope (ご祝儀袋 - Goshūgi-bukuro). If you're a foreigner, especially a Vietnamese living and working in Japan, understanding how to prepare a proper wedding gift envelope will help you avoid taboos and demonstrate politeness in Japanese culture.
What is a Wedding Gift Envelope in Japan?
The wedding gift envelope in Japan is called Goshūgi-bukuro (ご祝儀袋) – a formal envelope, often wrapped in beautiful paper, with a meticulously tied Mizuhiki (水引) knot. This isn't an ordinary envelope; it's an important part of the wedding ceremony, symbolizing sincere blessings.
Where to Buy Wedding Gift Envelopes?
You can easily buy Goshūgi-bukuro at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, or bookstores and 100-yen shops (Daiso, Seria). However, opt for a more luxurious design if you're a close guest or family member of the bride and groom.
Or you can buy online on Amazon, with many beautiful designs to choose from, for example this one:
Ready-to-Use Goshugi Bag with Brush Pen
Or you can buy online on Amazon, with many beautiful designs to choose from, for example this one:
Ready-to-Use Goshugi Bag with Brush Pen
How to Choose the Right Envelope
- Choose one with the character “寿” (Kotobuki): This character means “longevity and happiness” – very common in weddings.
- Mizuhiki knot in red-gold or red-white: These colors symbolize good luck and happiness. Absolutely avoid black-white (reserved for funerals).
- Don't use envelopes where the knot can be easily untied: In Japanese culture, weddings are events that should happen “once in a lifetime,” so the knot should be hard to untie, symbolizing lasting bonds.
How Much Money Should You Give as a Wedding Gift?
Depending on your relationship and status, prepare an appropriate amount. Some suggestions:
- Friends, colleagues: $133 ~ $200 (20,000 ~ 30,000 Yen)
- Family members: $200 ~ $333 (30,000 ~ 50,000 Yen) (or more)
- Superiors, partners: $200 ~ $333 (30,000 ~ 50,000 Yen)
Important Notes:
Since ancient times, the Japanese have had specific beliefs when choosing wedding gift amounts. They often prefer odd numbers like 3 or 5, as odd numbers can't be divided evenly, symbolizing inseparability. In contrast, even numbers can suggest separation, so they're usually avoided.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, the number 8, though even, is considered lucky, meaning growth and prosperity, like “smooth sailing.” The number 2 has also become popular recently as it represents a pair, fitting perfectly for a wedding atmosphere.
As for the number 9, even though it's odd, it sounds similar to the word "suffering" (苦 – ku) in Japanese, so it's often avoided. The number 10 has various interpretations: some see it as a beautiful number, bringing a sense of completeness, with the 1 at the start symbolizing a good beginning, so it's not strictly taboo.
How to Write on the Wedding Gift Envelope
On the Outside of the Envelope:
- Write the giver's full name on the front (below the character 寿), using a brush pen or black ink pen.
- If going as a group, you can write all names or use a group title (e.g., 「友人一同」- “Group of Friends”).
On the Inside of the Envelope:
- Place the money in a white paper inner envelope, noting the amount and the giver's name.
- Fold new, clean bills in the proper direction to show respect.
Things to Avoid When Preparing the Envelope
- Don't use old, wrinkled, or torn money: This shows a lack of respect.
- Don't use even numbers (like $133 (20,000 Yen) with two $67 (10,000) bills).
- Don't use envelopes meant for funerals – check the colors and patterns carefully.
When to Present the Envelope?
Typically, you'll hand over the envelope at the reception desk (受付 - Uketsuke) of the wedding ceremony. Staff will receive it, check your name, and add the envelope to the guest list.
Be sure to bow politely and say:
「本日はおめでとうございます。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。」
(Today is a joyous day, congratulations and please take care of me.)
Preparing a wedding gift envelope in Japan isn't just about "how much money," but also about showing courtesy and understanding of Japanese culture. Whether you're a student, trainee, engineer, or long-term resident, mastering these rules will help you score points and integrate better into social relationships in the land of cherry blossoms.
「本日はおめでとうございます。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。」
(Today is a joyous day, congratulations and please take care of me.)
Preparing a wedding gift envelope in Japan isn't just about "how much money," but also about showing courtesy and understanding of Japanese culture. Whether you're a student, trainee, engineer, or long-term resident, mastering these rules will help you score points and integrate better into social relationships in the land of cherry blossoms.
If you find this article helpful, don't forget to share it with friends living in Japan!
