What to Buy for a Buddhist Wedding

A Buddhist wedding shopping list needs to cover both the ceremony and the meal that follows. Alongside plates, glasses, serving pieces, and furniture, you may need an altar table, altar cloth, Buddha statue, flowers, lanterns, candles, and holders. Confirm the ceremony wording and religious customs with your officiant before buying symbolic items. Check quantities against your guest list, then schedule flowers and cake collection close enough to the ceremony that they remain fresh.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Round tablesqty 10
Ceremony chairsqty 90
Table linenqty 10
Chair coversqty 90
Buffet tablesqty 4
Welcome table
Gift table
Bride's table

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 100
Dessert platesqty 100
Soup bowlsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 90
Water glassesqty 110
Wine glassesqty 100
Coffee spoonsqty 90
Dinner knivesqty 100
Dinner forksqty 100
Dessert spoonsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 20
Serving plattersqty 20
Water carafesqty 12
Teapotsqty 6

Decorations

Buddha statue
Altar table
Altar cloth
Flower vasesqty 12
Flower arrangementsqty 12
Lanternsqty 20
Candlesqty 40
Candle holdersqty 20
White ceremonial cord
Meditation cushionsqty 30
Meditation matsqty 30
Gold table runnersqty 10
Welcome sign
Menu boardsqty 10
Name badgesqty 90
Ceremony bookletsqty 100
Table numbersqty 10
Guest book
Pensqty 6
Gift box

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Music player
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Food warmersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
High tablesqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Kitchen tongsqty 8
Aluminum foilqty 4
Cling filmqty 4
Serving trays with lidsqty 10
Cake serverqty 2
Serving trolleysqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Dish brushesqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 10
Spare batteriesqty 24

Catering

Groceries
- Basmati Rice - 8 kilograms
- Rice noodles - 4 kilogram
- Chickpeas - 3 kilograms
- Red lentils - 2 kilogram
- Tofu - 4 kilograms
- Tempeh - 3 kilograms
- Eggplants - 5 kilograms
- Zucchinis - 5 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 4 kilograms
- Carrots - 4 kilograms
- Broccoli - 5 kilograms
- Cauliflower - 4 kilograms
- Green beans - 4 kilograms
- Bok choy - 3 kilograms
- Spinach - 3 kilograms
- Mushrooms - 3 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 3 kilograms
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Potatoes - 8 kilograms
- Sweet potatoes - 5 kilogram
- Onions - 3 kilograms
- Garlic - 8 bulbs
- Ginger - 500 grams
- Limes - 30 pieces
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Mangoes - 20 pieces
- Pineapples - 6 pieces
- Bananas - 4 kilogram
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Fresh coriander - 10 bunches
- Fresh mint - 8 bunches
- Basil - 6 bunches
- Coconut milk - 12 cans
- Diced tomatoes - 12 cans
- Vegetable stock - 6 liters
- Soy sauce - 3 liters
- Sesame oil - 1 liter
- Rice vinegar - 1 liter
- Thai curry paste - 6 jars
- Sriracha - 2 bottles
- Sweet chili sauce - 3 bottles
- Peanut sauce - 3 kilogram
- Tahini - 2 kilogram
- Olive oil - 3 liters
- Sunflower oil - 3 liters
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Turmeric - 250 gram
- Cumin - 250 grams
- Coriander powder - 250 grams
- Curry powder - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Chili flakes - 150 grams
- Cinnamon - 100 gram
- Star anise - 100 gram
- Sesame seeds - 500 gram
- Cashews - 2 kilogram
- Peanuts - 2 kilograms
- Shredded coconut - 1 kilogram
- Rice crackers - 12 packs
- Krupuk - 10 bags
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Naan bread - 100 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Vegan butter - 1 kilogram
- Vegan cheese - 2 kilograms
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Vegan Cream - 3 liters
- Vegan whipped cream - 2 liters
- Wedding cake - 1 cake
- Vegan cupcakes - 100 pieces
- Dark chocolate - 2 kilograms
- Coconut cookies - 100 pieces
- Dates - 2 kilogram
- Dried apricots - 1 kilogram
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Black tea - 200 bags
- Green tea - 150 bags
- Herbal tea - 100 bags
- Sugar - 3 kilograms
- Oat milk - 12 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Honey - 2 jars
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 60 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Ginger beer - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Mango Juice - 8 liters
- Alcohol-free sparkling wine - 18 bottles
- White wine - 18 bottles
- Red wine - 18 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 50 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Aluminium trays - 50 pieces
- Food storage containers - 20 pieces

Tips

Count tableware by guest plus a small reserve: for 50 guests, prepare at least 55 dinner plates, dessert plates, water glasses, and sets of cutlery. Add extra serving spoons and platters if the meal is buffet-style.
Keep altar supplies separate from reception décor. Pack the Buddha statue, altar table, altar cloth, flower vases, candles, and candle holders together and check them at least 24 hours before setup.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water carafes and enough water glasses at every dining table.
If tea or coffee is served, count one cup and spoon per guest, plus 10% extra. Check that the number of teapots and coffee cups matches the catering service rather than assuming the venue provides them.
Collect fresh flowers and the wedding cake on the day of the ceremony unless your florist or baker gives different storage instructions. Confirm the pickup time at least 48 hours in advance and bring clean transport space for both.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a Buddhist wedding ceremony?: Typical supplies include an altar table and cloth, a Buddha statue, flower vases and arrangements, lanterns, candles, and candle holders. Confirm the exact ritual items with the officiant at least two weeks before the wedding, because traditions differ.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a Buddhist wedding?: For 50 guests, plan on at least 55 dinner plates, dessert plates, water glasses, and cutlery sets. Add 10% extra for breakage, late arrivals, or items that need replacing during the meal.
When should I buy flowers and candles for a Buddhist wedding?: Buy candles and holders several days ahead so you can check sizes and safety. Collect fresh flowers on the wedding day, ideally within a few hours of setup, and confirm the pickup time at least 48 hours beforehand.
What tableware is needed for a Buddhist wedding reception?: Plan dinner plates, dessert plates, soup bowls if soup is served, coffee cups, water and wine glasses, knives, forks, dessert spoons, coffee spoons, serving platters, serving spoons, water carafes, and teapots. Match the count to the guest list and keep a 10% reserve.

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