Looking for Buddhist wedding traditions? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Buddhist weddings – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, and more.
Weddings are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.
To help you explore Buddhist traditions, this article is organized into:
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Buddhist Wedding Traditions and Rituals
Buddhist weddings are rich in symbolism and tradition, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of followers of Buddhism.
Blessing Ceremony
In Buddhist weddings, the couple often begins their special day with a blessing ceremony conducted by a monk or senior member of the community. During this ceremony, prayers are offered to invoke blessings from the Triple Gem—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—for the couple’s happiness and prosperity.
Exchange of Vows and Rings
Similar to weddings in other cultures, Buddhist ceremonies include the exchange of vows and rings between the bride and groom. These vows typically express their commitment to each other and to following the principles of Buddhism, such as compassion, kindness, and mindfulness, in their married life.
Offering of Alms to Monks
A significant aspect of Buddhist weddings is the offering of alms to monks. This practice symbolizes the couple’s reverence for the Buddhist teachings and their desire to cultivate generosity and merit. The couple may offer food, robes, or other necessities to the monks as a way of supporting their spiritual practice.
Lighting of the Unity Candle
In some Buddhist weddings, couples participate in a ritual known as the lighting of the unity candle. They each hold a candle representing their individual selves and use them to light a single candle together, symbolizing their union and the merging of their lives into one.
Circumambulation of the Sacred Object
Another common ritual in Buddhist weddings is the circumambulation of a sacred object, such as a Buddha statue or a stupa. The couple walks around the object three times, accompanied by chanting or recitation of Buddhist scriptures, to seek blessings for their marriage and future together.
Water Pouring Ceremony
The water pouring ceremony, also known as the “blessing of the holy water,” is a traditional Buddhist ritual symbolizing purification and the washing away of past sins and impurities. The couple takes turns pouring water over each other’s hands from a decorative vessel, accompanied by prayers for purity, happiness, and harmony in their marriage.
Sharing of Merit
At the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, it is common for the couple to share the merit generated from their union with all beings. This act of generosity and compassion reflects the Buddhist principle of interconnectedness and the belief that one’s actions can benefit others.
Buddhist Wedding Wishes
When it comes to wedding wishes for a Buddhist wedding, there are many options to choose from, whether you want to include religious elements or keep it more general.
- Sukhi Hotu! (This is a common Buddhist wedding wish, meaning “may you be happy”.) Pronunciation: Soo-kee Hoh-too!
- Pubbakayani! (This is a Pali word in Buddhism expressing good wishes and blessings for future happiness.) Pronunciation: Poo-bah-kah-yah-nee!
- Sukhitatta! (This is a Buddhist term conveying wishes for happiness and well-being.) Pronunciation: Soo-khee-tah-tah!
Still haven’t found the perfect wish? Here is our full article on Buddhist Wedding Wishes.
Buddhist Wedding Gifting Etiquette
When attending a Buddhist wedding, it is customary to bring a gift for the couple. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to Buddhist wedding gifting etiquette:
Do’s in Gifting
- Donate a merit gift: Donating a merit gift, such as money, to the local temple is a common and meaningful way to show support for the couple’s union.
- Grant an animal its freedom: Releasing a bird or fish is another way to make merit and bring good fortune to the couple.
- Offer food to monks: Inviting monks to the ceremony and offering them food is a way to make merit and ensure a lifetime of love for the marriage.
- Make a generous donation: Making a generous donation to the local temple in the name of the bride’s parents is a sign of respect for the bride and her family.
- Give an auspicious amount of money: When giving money as a gift, it is customary to give an auspicious amount ending in 1.
- Personalize your gift: If possible, personalize your gift to make it more meaningful and memorable for the couple.
Don’ts in Gifting
- Don’t give inappropriate or culturally insensitive gifts, such as alcohol or items with religious or political connotations.
- Don’t wait too long to give your gift; it’s customary to give your gift at or before the wedding reception.
- Don’t give money in denominations that are not auspicious or lucky, such as amounts that end in 0 or 2.
- Don’t give gifts that are not appropriate for the couple’s culture or religion, such as items that are not in line with Buddhist teachings or traditions.
- Don’t give tangible religious items unless you know exactly what they would want/use, as they can be very personal and specific.
Conclusion
Celebrating Buddhist weddings goes beyond vows and rings. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions.
Weddings are imbued with cultural richness and meaningful rituals. Enhance the festivities with an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift. So, here’s to a traditional way of celebrating weddings!

Sophie is an etiquette coach who has the rare ability to make the intricacies of etiquette approachable and fun. She travels around the world coaching families, individuals, corporates and independent schools. Sophie has honed her craft without losing her easy-going charm.