Once a couple decides to marry, both families often meet for the first time at a "family meeting" — a formal introduction known in Japan as Ryogake Kaoawase.
Since it's such an important occasion where soon-to-be family members gather for the first time, many people wonder, "What should I wear?"
For unmarried women, a furisode is the perfect choice for this special day.
The furisode is the most formal kimono an unmarried woman can wear.
For those about to be married, this family meeting may be one of the last chances to wear a furisode.
Here, we'll introduce why a furisode is recommended for a family meeting, along with tips for choosing one.
1. What Should You Wear to a Family Meeting?
At a family meeting, both families typically share a meal at a hotel, traditional restaurant, or other venue while introducing themselves and getting to know one another.
It's important to choose an outfit that matches the mood of the venue and what both families will be wearing.
While it doesn't always have to be formal attire, it is an important day where soon-to-be family members gather for the first time.
We recommend something a bit more elegant and put-together than everyday wear.
For women, options include a dress, a ceremonial suit, or a kimono.
Especially for a meeting held at a somewhat formal venue like a hotel or traditional restaurant, choosing a furisode creates an elegant, dignified look fitting for the occasion.
2. Before Marriage Is the Perfect Time for a Furisode
The furisode is the most formal kimono for an unmarried woman.
While it's strongly associated with Coming-of-Age Day, it's far from being just a Coming-of-Age kimono.
It can also be worn as formal attire for unmarried women at weddings, engagement ceremonies, celebrations, and family meetings.
Once married, there are generally very few occasions left to wear a furisode.
That's exactly why it's a wonderful choice for those who think,
"I'd love to wear a furisode one more time before I get married."
A beautiful furisode look becomes a cherished memory not only for the bride, but for her parents and family as well.
Why not welcome this milestone day — the start of a new family — dressed in a furisode?
3. What Kind of Furisode Is Best for a Family Meeting?
When choosing a furisode for a family meeting, consider the atmosphere of the venue as well as your own personal taste.
Vivid furisode in red or pink feel celebratory and photograph beautifully.
Softer tones like white, cream, or pale blue create an elegant, gentle impression.
Choosing a more muted color or a classic pattern gives a mature look while still feeling festive.
It's also a nice touch to try a different obi and accessory coordination than the one you wore for Coming-of-Age Day.
At HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE, we help with everything from choosing your furisode to full styling, based on your look, preferences, and the venue of your family meeting.
4. Coordinating With Your Family's Outfits
If the bride-to-be wears a furisode, one thing to keep in mind is the balance between both families' outfits.
Since a furisode is quite formal, it's a good idea to let your family know in advance that you plan to wear one to the meeting.
For mothers wearing kimono, a houmongi is a great option.
If family members are wearing Western-style clothing, choosing formal suits or dresses will help balance well with a furisode.
Both families don't need to match exactly, but discussing the overall formality level beforehand will help everyone feel at ease on the day.
5. A Family Meeting Is a Perfect Chance for Family Photos
A family meeting is a special day when everyone who's about to become family gathers together.
If you're wearing a furisode, we highly recommend capturing the moment in photos.
A furisode look is something you'll rarely see again after marriage.
Photos with your parents, or a family portrait with both families together, will become treasured memories to look back on for years — even decades — to come.
If your family meeting is in Tokyo, we recommend setting aside a little time before or after the meal to enjoy a photo session in your furisode.
At HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE, we can also arrange a professional photographer upon request.
From portraits of you in your furisode to photos with your parents or a full family portrait, we're happy to help you preserve this important milestone.
Feel free to contact us about arranging a photographer as well.
6. Renting a Furisode Is the Easiest Option for a Family Meeting
"I don't own a furisode."
"I'd like a different look from the one I wore for Coming-of-Age Day."
"I'd like dressing and hair styling taken care of together."
If this sounds like you, furisode rental is the perfect solution.
At HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE, you can enjoy furisode rental, dressing, and hair styling all in one place.
Leave the obi and accessory coordination for your furisode to us as well.
If you or a family member already own a kimono you'd like to wear, we also offer dressing services for kimono you bring in yourself.
Since we can take care of everything you need for the day, preparing for this special — and often busy — occasion becomes much smoother.
Celebrate This Important Day Before Marriage in a Furisode
A family meeting isn't just about the couple — it's an important milestone for everyone who's about to become family.
For a woman about to be married, it's also a precious opportunity to enjoy wearing a furisode.
Why not welcome this important day in a furisode that suits you now, as an adult — a different feeling from the one you wore for Coming-of-Age Day?
At HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE in Harajuku, Tokyo, we offer furisode rental, dressing, hair styling, and photography for your family meeting.
If you're planning a family meeting in the Harajuku, Omotesando, or Shibuya area, or looking for the perfect furisode to wear, please feel free to contact us.