"Let’s Unite Again in the Next Life." What Kind of Wedding Ceremony is the Heartwarming 'Butsuzen Shiki'?

Do you know what a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony" is?

If you're a bride-to-be, you've probably heard the term "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony" at least once. However, since not many people around you might have done it, and while you might know it involves a Japanese wedding, many may not know the details about what kind of ceremony it actually is.

A "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony" is a ceremony based on the Buddhist teaching that "those who have been married once are destined to be connected in the next life." In this ceremony, the couple reports their marriage to the Buddha and their ancestors. This reflects the concept of reincarnation. Unlike the typical style of a wedding ceremony where the couple vows their love for each other, the main focus here is on "reporting the marriage" and "feeling the importance of connection." It's a time-honored way of celebrating marriage!

Famous celebrities have also had Buddhist weddings!

The couple, Takahiro Azuma and Megumi Yasu, held their Buddhist wedding ceremony at the Denzoin Temple in Asakusa! Both of them look absolutely beautiful in their traditional Japanese attire, don't they? ♡

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And surprisingly, the late Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, was also a Buddhist who was deeply influenced by Zen philosophy, and both his wedding and funeral were held in a Buddhist style! This is quite astonishing...!

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Here is some interesting information and characteristics about the "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony"!

Where is a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony" held?

A "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony" is basically held at a temple. In the past, some people would even hold their ceremonies in front of a family altar at home! Recently, due to the rising popularity of traditional Japanese weddings, it seems some wedding venues and hotels are also offering the option of a Buddhist wedding ceremony.

What kind of attire is worn for a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony"?

In a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony," it is common for the bride and groom to wear a hakama and a white garment called a "shiromuku," similar to a Shinto wedding ceremony. However, there aren’t strict rules, so it seems it's also acceptable to wear Western-style attire like a wedding dress! This is quite surprising, isn't it? ♡

How much does a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony" usually cost?

The typical cost for a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony" ranges from around 100,000 to 200,000 yen, which is quite reasonable. However, if you hold the ceremony at a temple, the cost of the attire is usually not included, so you would need to arrange that on your own.

Feature 1 of a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony": A promise to meet in the next life!♡

The most significant feature of a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony" is that it allows couples to promise they will meet and be united with their loved one again in the next life! This concept from Buddhism states that those who meet in this life are connected in the next. Isn't that incredibly romantic and heartwarming? ♡ It reminds me of the popular movie "Your Name."

Feature 2 of a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony": All attendees bring prayer beads!

In a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony," it is customary not only for the bride, groom, and monk but for all attendees to bring their own prayer beads. This is quite unique and a rare experience, so it should feel refreshing for the guests!

Feature 3 of a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony": You can feel the presence of deceased family members!

In the "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony," when the couple reports their marriage and vows to the Buddha and their ancestors, deceased family members are included in this realm. Therefore, there are couples who choose this ceremony format in memory of their beloved family members...＊ They must surely be watching over the couple's happiness from a place unseen.♡

A "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony" has such a wonderful meaning behind it!♡

What do you think? We learned that with a "Buddhist Wedding Ceremony," couples can pledge to be united in the next life, and it allows them to honor their ancestors and deceased family members. It seems to carry a heartwarming and beautiful significance. This is definitely a wedding style I would love to attend at least once! ♡