Yukata

My company Dinner and Dance is coming and the theme this year is "Around the World" so I thought it's the perfect opportunity for me to wear a kimono! Since young, I wanted to wear a Kimono (maybe some influence from the Manga) but didn't because I have no reason to wear one.
Only after reading a little online did I realise that I should be wearing a Yukata instead of a Kimono. Generally they look similar but they are for very different purposes but basically Yukata is the casual version of Kimono.

Main difference between a Kimono and Yukata
1. Kimono is for formal occasion while Yukata is the casual wear worn in the streets
2. Kimono is made of silk while Yukata is made of cotton

First thing first, where to get a Yukata?
If you want to get one from Japan, you can try this online shop Yukata Kimono Market Sakura. They have a wide selection and most importantly, the yukatas are from Japan! The price starts from $49.99USD for a yukata and you will need to buy an Obi belt and Geta sandal set (another $49.99USD) to complete your outfit. Shipping will cost you $29.98 which means one full set of outfit will set you back for around $129.96USD.

There is always cheaper alternatives like an online spree shop in Singapore call Yukatapreorders. Basic package price from $60SGD, you get a yukata with strings, puchi obi belt and some accessories. You will still need to get a Geta sandals at additional $20SGD (you get socks too).

However this is not a fair comparison to the above because the puchi obi belt is more like a decorative belt than a functional one. So you would probably need to purchase the Full Package price starting from $100 SGD, you get a yukata with strings, puchi and Tsukuri obi belts (pre-tied obi belt, much easier to wear than hira and heko obi but more on that later), geta sandals and socks, accessories plus a free yukata pouch.

Okie about Obi belts:

 

 Hira Obi (Flat Obi)

It is basically a very long piece of sturdy fabric where you loop it around you twice before tying the knot. It is not too difficult to tie as long as you find a good tutorial. I was able to tie it successfully on my first try but the down side is my ribbon is not guaranteed to be neat every time.

This is how your Hira Obi will look like after you finish tying

Heko Obi (Soft Obi)

This is is a soft fabric version. Personally, I have not tried on this type of obi before but I don't really like how it looks. And of course you can add the puchi obi together with the Heko Obi.

That is Heko obi with a white Puchi obi

Now you know why the Puchi obi is not ideal to be used alone for yukata. Although Yukata is less formal but I still prefer some kind of "structure" feel to it. Probably that is why I don't really prefer Heko obi over Hira obi as well.

While I think Hira Obi is good enough, you can always opt for the Thukuri Obi.

Thukuri Obi (Pre-Tied Obi)

It's easier to wear, you get a nice ribbon every time and it is less time consuming to put on too.

There are many tutorials on how to wear a Yukata so I won't be doing it but I will share the tutorial I find most useful for a newbie like me here (tutorial is for the Hira belt). If you are using a Thukuri belt, you can refer to the video here.

Checklist for the minimum things you need to wear your yukata out:
1. Yukata
2. Two yukata strings
3. Obi belt (either Hira or Thukuri)
4. Geta Sandals

I got my Yukata slighly under $50SGD which include a yukata, 2 yukata strings, thukuri obi, geta sandals and socks.

Here's my Yukata print

Top: Yukata Strings, Bottom from Left to Right: Thukuri Obi, Socks, Geta Sandals

Here's how it'll look (didn't expect myself to post this photo online so yea messy)


I found a model with my yukata print but different obi color

Here's one of me in my friend's Yukata that uses Hira Obi

First time tying Hira Obi and not too bad!

Paper Photo Booth Props

If you want to have a photo booth for your wedding or party, you may want to consider getting paper photo props. They are hassle-free, clean and just as much fun. I hate those props that you have to wear on your head or stick to your face (I mean who knows who used it before you right, ewww).

Just in case you have no idea what I am talking about...

Paper props with wooden sticks

Lips and moustaches are the most common props but if you want variety, you can always look for glasses, hats and necktie/bowtie in different colors.

In Singapore, I found an online spree shop that conduct spree for paper props. MerryLove is wedding preorder site and some of the things you can find includes customerized guestbooks, paper pom pom, wedding banners, hangers and loads of other cool wedding themed stuff.

MerryLove's paper props

Some other props that caught my eye:

 

Alternatively, you can print and make our own props too. You just need to draw, cut and stick! But if you are like me, have zero talent in the art/creative side, you can print, cut and stick.

Free printable templates (click on the pictures) to get you started.

Father's Day theme printable by papercoterie.com

From Oh Happy Day

Getting the props is the first step, how should I present these props at the photo booth?

This is how I would want to do it

Love the colorful props in the bucket and together with the poster, this setup is pretty enough to form a decoration piece at the party/wedding.

And YES! I found a pretty high resolution copy of the poster.

I shall end off this post showing you what I have bought for my party.

 

I bought a 50-piece set and will upload real picture of them when they arrive

In addition, I also bought some props for my brother who is getting married end of the year.

The glasses are pretty cool but too bad I didn't buy them in time for their wedding photoshoot.