Buddhist Wedding Checklist

Consult Astrologer for Auspicious Date

Ask a Buddhist astrologer or a senior monk to choose an auspicious date and time for the wedding. It is best to settle this before you book other things.

Invite Monks for Blessing Ceremony

Contact a local temple and invite an odd number of monks (3, 5, 7 or 9) to the ceremony.

Arrange Sai Sin (Sacred Thread)

Get the blessed Sai Sin thread from a temple for the ceremony.

Prepare Sangha Dana Offerings

Put together the offering sets: food trays, flowers, candles, incense and, if you like, the monks' requisites.

Order Khan Maak Betrothal Trays

Buy or commission ornate betrothal trays for the groom's procession. Use an odd number of trays.

Book Ceremony and Reception Venue

Reserve a venue that works for both the monk blessing ceremony and the reception.

Order Traditional Wedding Attire

Buy or commission traditional wedding attire, such as Thai silk or Sri Lankan dress, or the clothing of your own culture.

Prepare Guest Etiquette Guide

Write a short guide for your guests about temple etiquette. It should say to remove shoes, dress modestly, avoid pointing feet toward monks or Buddha images, and that women should not touch monks.

Confirm Sai Monkhon (Head Circles)

Get or borrow the Sai Monkhon (linked ceremonial head circles) from the temple, and confirm that they have been blessed and are ready.

Set Up Buddha Altar

Set up the Buddha image, candles, incense and flowers at the ceremony location.

Prepare Lustral Water (Nam Mon)

The monks bless the water for the Rod Nam Sang ceremony. Have the conch shell and the basin ready for them.

Prepare Alms Food for Tak Bat

Have freshly prepared food ready for the early-morning alms offering.

Confirm Conch Shell and Water Basin

Check that the conch shell for pouring the water and the decorative basin are set up.

Set Up Khan Maak Gates

Set up the gold chain or ribbon gates for the groom's procession, and tell the gatekeepers what their roles are.