A shūgi-bukuro is a decorative envelope used to present monetary gifts for celebratory occasions. In Japan, there are some customs and unwritten rules that we should follow.

Let’s learn what a shūgi-bukuro is and how to follow Japanese customs to show respect for the culture!

What is Shūgi-bukuro?

In Japanese culture, it is very common to give money packs as a gift on special occasions, such as giving birth, promotion, or entering school. This is always done using a Shūgi-bukuro (祝儀袋) – a decorative envelope for monetary gifts​.

Especially at celebrations like weddings, we have a white hard envelope that is specifically prepared for the event. It has a few elements to note:

Mizuhiki（水引き）: A decorative cord made from washi paper

Nakabukuro（中袋）: A smaller envelope inside the Shūgi-bukuro. You must write the amount of money you enclosed

Cultural Significance and Respect

The use of a Shūgi-bukuro is not merely about enclosing money but also about conveying respect and sincerity. The envelope’s design and presentation symbolize the depth of the relationship and the joy of the occasion. ​

Preparing it correctly shows respect to the bride and the groom, so let’s learn what needs to be done!

How to choose the right Shūgi-bukuro?

We have different shūgi-bukuro for different happy occasions. For weddings, we should select an envelope with a certain mizuhiki and also change the shūgi-bukuro depending on the amount of money you prepared.

Mizuhiki（水引き）

Shūgi-bukuro features a decorative knot called Mizuhiki（水引き）. We have shūgi-bukuro that has different mizuhiki, and it’s appropriate to use at weddings when it is tied tightly.

Here are some common mizuhiki you will find:

Musubi kiri（結び切り）: This is the most common form of ribbon for marriage. The knot signifies that “once tied, it’s not come undone”, symbolizing a strong and lasting bond.

Awaji musubi（あわじ結び）: This is also suitable for weddings. The ribbon is loose, but the know will tighten when pulled.

Chōchō musubi（蝶々結び）: This is not suitable for weddings because it can be loosened. It is not appropriate for one-time life events like marriage but is suitable for recurring celebrations such as giving birth.

Amount of money

If giving a large amount, you should choose a more gorgeous shūgi-bukuro. If the amount is not that much, we should use a simpler shūgi-bukuro. The amount should be determined by your relationship with your bride and/or bribe.

Generally, it’s common to give 30K yen, but it also depends on how much you would like to give to the bride and groom.

Here are general guidelines of how much to give based on your relationship with the couples:

Proper Etiquette for Preparing the Gift

Here are some etiquette to remember when you prepare the shūgi-bukuro.

When preparing a shūgi-bukuro, attention to detail is crucial as it reflects your sincerity and respect for the couple. Every element, from the envelope choice to the way the money is inserted, carries cultural significance. Missteps in preparation could unintentionally convey the wrong message, so it’s important to follow proper etiquette carefully. Below are key considerations to ensure your gift is appropriate and well-received.

1) Give an odd-numbered amount

Avoid giving amounts such as 10K, 20K, or 40K. Even numbers can “split” nicely into two and we do not want that to happen to the bride and the groom.

2) Write the amount, address, and your name on nakabukuro（中袋）

Nakabukuro is the actual envelope to put money in. On the front, write the amount you provided. On the back, write the address and the name.

This helps the bride and the groom to check and total the amount they received.

3) Use new bills

You can receive new bills from banks or ATMs. New bills symbolize a fresh start and show respect for the occasion.

4) Do not bend the Shūgi-bukuro

Similar to using new bills, we want them to start their new life fresh without any bends in their life.

We use a thing called fukusa（袱紗）to protect from bending. If you do not have a fukusa with you, you can replace it with a handkerchief.

How to Present the Shūgi-bukuro?

Here’s how to properly present the shūgi-bukuro to the bride and the broom in 2 steps. Let’s make sure that you can pass it smoothly.

Fold inside the fukusa
Make sure that you place the shūgi-bukuro from the right side of the fukusa, and keep it in a bag. Do not bend it or fold it.

Present the Shūgi-bukuro upon arrival at the venue
Once you arrive, there will be an entrance counter where you tell your name to check in. Hand the shūgi-bukuro to the designated staff at the venue entrance.

Shūgi-bukuro Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even Japanese people sometimes make mistakes with shūgi-bukuro etiquette. Be sure to review these common errors before presenting yours:

• Forgetting to include the money – always check the nakabukuro (inner envelope)
• Writing mistakes – if you make an error in the amount or your name, you may need to buy a new shūgi-bukuro. It’s best to draft it first before writing
• Placing the shūgi-bukuro into fukusa incorrectly – Inserting it from the left signifies a funeral. Always place it from the right side

Shūgi-bukuro is Important to Show Your Feeling of Celebration

Although shūgi-bukuro is just a money pack, it has many customs to show that you are celebrating sincerely.

Refer to this guide to ensure proper etiquette and best wishes for a smooth and joyous wedding!