Although much less common today than they used to be, even the short-term visitor is likely to see at least one of these elegant garments during their stay. Women wear kimono when they attend traditional arts, such as a tea ceremony or ikebana class. Kimono made from fabric with simple geometric patterns, called Edo komon, are more plain and casual. At weddings, the bride and groom will often go through several costume changes. One of them will see the bride in a shiromuku , a heavy, embroidered white kimono and wearing an elaborate hairpiece.
Western suits are more common for male guests.
For funerals, both men and women wear plain black kimono. With black suits being suitable for both, it's often difficult to tell whether a guy is going to a wedding or a funeral except that they wear a white tie for weddings and a black tie for funerals. On January 15th, 20-year olds celebrate their coming of age. Most women wear an elaborately-colored komono, often with a tacky fur boa. Traditionally, the art of putting on a kimono was passed from mother to daughter but these days special schools can do brisk business imparting the necessary techniques.