Japanese culture is replete with symbolic meanings, and wedding kimono are no exception. The colour combination of red and white is considered lucky, and many uchikake include white birds on a red background or have a red lining in a white garment. In Japan many birds have auspicious associations, and it is very common to see wedding kimono decorated with cranes (symbolising long life), phoenix (wisdom and immortality), peacocks (good fortune), or mandarin ducks (marital fidelity and love). Flowers are used to denote seasons as well as having symbolic associations.

Most wedding kimono have floral designs suitable for wearing at any time of year, but some are more specific. The most common floral motifs are pine, bamboo, and plum blossom (often used together, when they are known as sho-chiku-bai, a classic “winter trinity” of evergreen and early-blooming plants – a very auspicious symbol); cherry blossom and peony (spring flowers symbolizing love); iris (symbolising strength), morning glory, and running water (summer motifs); and grasses, chrysanthemum (the Japanese imperial flower), and maple (autumn motifs). Because Japanese weddings tend to occur in the spring and autumn (when the weather is best), spring and autumn flowers predominate.