As an increasing number of Japanese women put their careers ahead of starting a family, the number of services that cater to single women is on the rise. One such service is the ‘Solo Wedding’ – a full wedding day experience during which a woman gets to be bride without actually getting hitched.
The absence of a groom at a wedding might sound abnormal, but the concept is surprisingly popular. Ever since Kyoto-based company Cerca Travels launched Solo Weddings in June, at least 10 single ladies have used the service. These are women who have dreamed of wearing a wedding dress all their lives, but never really had the chance to do it.
Photo: Cerca Travel
A Solo Wedding gives the client a chance to live out her childhood dream – she is put up at a plush hotel for two days and then taken in for dress fittings, bouquet design, hair and makeup. Each service is handled by a professional, and completed with the same level of precision as a real wedding ceremony. Once the bride is all decked up, she is taken to beautiful locations in Kyoto that complement her personality, for a full photo shoot.
Solo Brides can also choose to have a decorative man between the ages of 20 and 70 pose along with them. And for women who want the attention but aren’t into wedding gowns, the company provides historical dress-up tours around Kyoto, like being photographed in Geisha makeup and traditional attire. There are a variety of packages to choose from – the cheapest one starts at 330,000 yen (US$2,800).
Photo: Cerca Travel/Facebook
The company’s website features reviews of delighted Solo brides: “It really felt like a dream,” wrote one divorcee in her 50s. “I didn’t really care about the wedding dress because I was married and had children already.”
A single woman in her 30s was more excited about the dress: “That was the best! I feel great! I’m dating a guy but have totally put off the pain that is getting married. I always wanted to wear a wedding dress and I didn’t want to regret it, but I also didn’t want to pester my boyfriend.”
Photo: Cerca Travel/Facebook
Some people might find the idea of a Solo Wedding bizarre, but let’s face it – it does fulfill the dreams of many women out there who aren’t getting any younger while waiting for the perfect wedding to happen.
via RocketNews24
