What is a Buddhism wedding?

Answer 1

Buddhism is not a unified one style thing. Just like "Christian" weddings can vary between smple family affairs wich are very similar to secular affairs to state ceremonies with complex religious ceremonies added in and from sect to sect, so can Buddhist weddings. Although Buddhism generally regards marriage and weddings as a secular event, the western style weddings are becoming popular. A typical ceremony might include:

• The parties concerned meet to obtain the blessing from monks at the local temple after the civil registration has been completed.
• Failling this, relatives and friends of the bride and groom may meet at shrine and recite the Vandana, Tisarana and Pancasila in English or Pali.
• The bride and groom might then recite the traditional undertakings expected of them as found in the Sigilovdda Sutta (Digha Nikilya 3 1). These are similar to promises made at most weddings (The bridegroom: "Towards my wife I undertake to love and respect her, be kind and considerate, be faithful, delegate domestic management, provide gifts to please her." The bride: "Towards my husband I undertake to perform my household duties efficiently, be hospitable to my in-laws and friends of my husband, be faithful, protect and invest our earnings, discharge my responsibilities lovingly and conscientiously.")
• Finally, the friends, and relatives should recite the Mangala Sutta and Jayamangala Gatha as a blessing.