A hand writing a checklist by hand in a notebook

Ceremony Packing Checklist

Pick the event and your situation to get a tailored packing list.

Choose the event below and the list updates automatically.

Progress is saved on your device - for packing the night before and checking on the day.

Pick the event and your situation

Ready: 0

PR — This page contains promotional content

Ready: 0

How to think about ceremony packing

Split your preparation into three groups: the money envelope set, dress accessories, and bag contents. The envelope set (gift envelope, fukusa cloth, the right bills) is the part you cannot fix on the morning of the event, so complete it the day before. Note that the money rules reverse: brand-new bills for weddings, used bills for funerals.

Unsure about amounts or writing? Use the Goshugi Envelope & Amount Guide and the Koden Envelope & Amount Guide. Dress details are covered in Wedding Attire and Funeral Attire.

Related pages

Frequently asked questions

What do wedding guests most often forget?

The fukusa cloth and brand-new bills. Many people prepare the gift envelope but forget the cloth to wrap it in and the new bills to put inside. Get both ready the day before.

Are prayer beads required at a funeral?

At Buddhist services, bringing your own juzu is considered proper, but not having one is not a breach of etiquette. Borrowing or lending beads is discouraged, so ideally each person owns one.

Do I need separate fukusa cloths for happy and sad occasions?

A purple fukusa works for both. If you own only one, choose purple - it covers weddings and funerals alike.

What should I bring to a memorial service?

A gobutsuzen money envelope, a fukusa cloth and prayer beads are the basics. Some regions and families also bring an offering (sweets or fruit). Check the invitation for a dress-code note as well.

Can I print this list?

Yes - the Print button prints only the checklist itself. The Share button exports the list as text to send to family.