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The Cost of Weddings (and how to save!) in Singapore

When it comes to planning a wedding, the first word that comes to mind might be “expensive.” While wedding ceremonies and receptions can get pricey with the average wedding in Singapore costing between S$30,000-S$50,000, there are ways to financially prepare for your big day. These costs are often dependent on scale, vision, and your guest list.

According to The Wedding Vow, it actually doesn’t cost much to legally get married in Singapore. The cost to get registered is only S$42 for Singaporeans and permanent residents (S$380 if you’re both foreigners). The pricey part consists of venue booking, a lunch reception, or if you choose a more glamorous option.

Curious about how to save up in preparation for your big day? We have you covered.

What's the budget

  • Key steps to take
  • Determine how much time you have to save money to put towards your big day
  • Cut out unnecessary monthly expenses
  • Start setting aside 10%-20% of your monthly income for wedding expenses
  • Make a “just in case” fund with 5% of your wedding budget

Like with any large purchase, saving up and preparing a budget is crucial to a successful wedding. Before you start buying items from your checklist or booking a venue, it’s a good idea to determine how much you and your future spouse can realistically afford to spend without breaking the bank.

How much should you save up? While there’s no short answer for this question, there are some guiding principles for young couples. An average Singaporean wedding includes wedding bands, a hotel banquet, a suit and wedding dress, pre-wedding and day-of photography, flowers, bridal car, and wedding invitations.

According to Seedly Reads, “If you plan to get married in a year’s time, you need to save at least S$2,300 a month as a couple to afford an ‘average’ wedding.”

Keep Track of Your Spending

  • Important reminders
  • Team up and build a spreadsheet with expenses and where money is allocated
  • Consider putting your wedding budget in its own separate account
  • Anticipate hidden costs such as service fees, gratuities and tips, and extra decor
  • Save all receipts!

By knowing all the costs upfront, you’ll be able to allocate what needs to go where. You and your future spouse can build a spreadsheet with deposits, dates, and even an itemized list of what you’ve bought and have yet to buy. Be sure to gather estimated costs of each item (invitations can cost a LOT!) and add this to your spreadsheet. If apps are more your speed, Tatler has a great round up of wedding apps to help you stay organized and streamlined.

Consider putting your wedding money in a separate account so you’ll be able to easily track withdrawals, additions, and you won’t get it confused with your other funds. If you like perks, choose a credit card that will give you mileage benefits or cash back. Don’t forget to pay the bill on full every month!

ROM, Solemnization, and Wedding Banquet

  • Key pointers
  • Wedding Venue bookings can be between S$2,000 – S$5,000
  • As it’s customary to give your solemnizer a red packet, keep in mind the minimum amount is S$80
  • To save money, see if you’re able to host your wedding on a weekday or choose a weekend lunch option instead

Everyone has different tastes of how they want their wedding to look and feel, and you’re no exception. Here’s a list of church wedding venues in SIngapore that offer great options for your special day. If you’re looking for a hotel wedding venue, this list includes the cost and day breakdown for weekdays and weekends.

If a lunch reception is more your speed, you will typically be looking to spend S$15-S$25 per guest. A luncheon is a great option for those looking to save a little extra money. Here’s a list of popular wedding caterers in Singapore!

The most expensive option is a wedding banquet. These elegant spaces are the choice for many due to how beautiful they are. All depending upon the venue, a 5-star wedding venue can start at S$200 a person. To save on costs, consider choosing a 3 or 4 star hotel or a boutique hotel instead. Some couples opt to host this occasion in a Chinese restaurant!

Know What Things Cost

  • A breakdown of basic costs
  • Bridal packages for dress and suit typically cost between S$2,000-S$5,000
  • Day-of wedding photography is between S$2,000-S$4,000
  • Make-up and hair is between S$600 – S$1,500
  • Bouquets/flowers are anywhere from S$500-S$2,000
  • On average, wedding planning is S$1,000 – S$1,500. Ask if the vendor includes day-of coordination

In order to stay within budget and not go into debt, you’ll need to be realistic about what each element generally costs. This way it’s easier to allocate your funds for each item. There’s multiple moving pieces to preparing a great wedding, but being prepared with what you need to pay for and how much it is keeps the stress at bay.

Since the brunt of the budget will be going towards your venue, catering, etc, here’s some great choices for wedding banquets and their accompanying price list.

Summary

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when it comes to prepping for your special day. If you’re needing a couple extra hints on cutting down costs, consider slimming down your guest list, keeping your invitations simple, and picking your top three things you’re willing to splurge on.

Keeping open communication with your future spouse will allow both of you to determine the best path forward towards your happily ever after.

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