Here comes the…wedding planning? With so much to do, planning a wedding isn’t easy. Throw in the steep costs of nuptials in Singapore and stress levels increase tenfold.
You may be surprised to know that for the three main ethnic groups in Singapore, the average cost of a wedding is about the same. The difference lies in where the main cost components are.
Today, we’ll cover the costs you can expect so you can better plan and set aside funds for your big day.
What’s the Average Cost of a Wedding in Singapore?
Weddings on average cost between $30,000 to $50,000. Some can even go beyond $100,000.
That being said, you can actually tie the knot for as cheap as $42 — this is what it costs to register at ROM or ROMM. If both are foreigners, you’ll pay $380 instead.
But the average wedding in Singapore usually involves a host of other celebratory components and festivities including wedding bands, dinner receptions, banquets, suits and dresses, photography, flowers, bridal cars, wedding invites and more. All these add up.
Here’s a quick table outlining the costs:
| Average Price Estimates | Biggest Cost Factors | |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Weddings | $30,000 to $50,000 | Dowry Banquet location Destination shoots |
| Malay Wedding | $30,000 to $50,000 | Large guest count Dowry Betrothal gift exchange |
| Indian Weddings | $30,000 to $50,000 | Temple hall wedding Hotel receptions |
Even though COVID-19 has reduced the guest count considerably, stricter measures — like pre-event testing for the unvaccinated — will also add to your wedding costs.
What Will You Spend On?
Since every wedding has its own flavour, we’ll focus on the more common expenses you’ll incur:
1. Wedding Rings: $1,000 to $6,000
The average Singaporean spends between $1,000 to $6,000 on wedding bands, though you can also find much pricier ones — like the Panthère de Cartier retailing for $58,500. The exact cost of your wedding band depends on the brand, material, and precious gemstones included.
We wouldn’t put much stock in arbitrary guidelines like one to two months’ salary for a ring: the appropriate price is the one you can afford. For cost-effective options, take a look at local brands and jewellers like Venus Tears and Meyson Jewellery.
2. Photography & Videography: $1,000 to $4,000
From the bittersweet tears of your mother to the bursts of laughter among friends and family, these captured memories last a lifetime. You can expect photography and videography to cost between $1,000 to $4,000 each, depending on the hours and deliverables.
Some studios offer competitive packages that include both photography and videography. There are also others who opt for additional pre-wedding shoots, social media takeovers, and live streaming services.
- Pre-wedding photoshoot: $400 – $800 (half day)
- Actual day wedding photography: $1,000 – $4,000 (full day)
- Actual day wedding videography: $1,000 – $4,000 (full day)
- Wedding live streaming : $1,000/hour
- Social media takeover : $500-$600 (full day)
3. Flowers: $500 – $2,000
Wedding venues are always decorated with floral arrangements, but these flowers can come with a hefty price tag. A hand bouquet can cost between $100 – $300 while table centrepieces cost around $50 to $200 per table.
Consider fake flowers, use more green foliage, or ask your florist for more affordable alternatives. Depending on your preferences, budget around $500 – $2,000 for flowers.
Here are the average costs of wedding flowers:
- Bridal bouquet: $100 – $400
- Bridesmaid bouquets: $50 each
- Corsages for groomsmen and family: $10 each
- A floral arch or canopy: $500 and up
- Car decorations: $100 – $300
- Floral decorations: $50 – $100 each for small centrepieces. $100 to $200 each for elaborate flower centrepieces. Tip: Check if your venue provides floral decorations before you order the flowers. And if you have to get the flowers yourself, consider putting a centrepiece on every alternate table.
4. Wedding Gown and Suit Rental: $700 to $2,000
It’s a lot cheaper to rent a wedding dress than splurge thousands on it, especially since you won’t wear it twice. Bridal gowns are available for rent from $700 onwards. They’re usually rented out in 72-hour periods, but some boutiques may charge daily rates.
For the guys, it’s more value-for-money to buy a suit that can double up as formal wear you can use for different occasions later. A made-to-measure suit starts from $500. Alternatively, you can rent a suit for as low as $100, but you may feel more inclined to pamper yourself with finer craftsmanship.
Before renting, check the terms and conditions carefully for unreasonably high penalty charges for late returns or minor stains.
5. Makeup and Hair: $400 to $1,000
Makeup and hairstyling cost on average about $400 – $1,000, depending on how many changes you want throughout the celebrations.
Note: If you’re planning on an outdoor photoshoot on the same day as your wedding, your makeup will need a touchup under the sweltering sun. Bring your makeup artist along to expedite things. Some charge an extra flat fee of around $250 while others charge on a per hour basis at $40 – $150.
6. Hotel Banquets: $15,000 and up (per 100 guests)
Your wedding banquet venue is important in creating just the right celebratory ambience for your big day. It can also be the most expensive item in your budget, so selecting the perfect one for your wallet can be a challenge.
Wedding banquets, on average, cost about $100 – $180 per person depending on the location. Five-star hotels charge around $200 per guest, while restaurants can cost $100 or less per person.
To save money, you can also bargain with the vendor and ask them to throw in another free night’s stay or waive the corkage fee.
Wedding Banquet Rates at Local Hotels
Prices reflected are based on a table of 10:
| Lunch | Dinner | Tables (10 pax per table) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMARA SANCTUARY RESORT SENTOSA | $1742–$2213 $2095–$2330 $2095–$2330 $2095–$2330 | $1742–$2213 $2330–$2566 $2330–$2566 $2330–$2566 | 25–45 Mon-Thu 30–45 Friday 35–45 Saturday 30–45 Sunday |
| AMARA SINGAPORE | $1281–$1751 $1457–$1751 $1457–$1751 $1457–$1751 | $1281–$1751 $1610–$1751 $1610–$1751 $1610–$1751 | 25–42 Mon–Thu 25–42 Friday 25–42 Saturday 25–42 Sunday |
| CAPELLA SINGAPORE | $2095–$3390 $2095–$3390 $2095–$3390 $2095–$3390 | $2566–$3390 $2566–$3390 $2566–$3390 $2566–$3390 | 15–40 Mon–Thu 15–40 Friday 15–40 Saturday 15–40 Sunday |
| CARLTON HOTEL SINGAPORE | $1339–$1716 $1339–$1716 $1339–$1716 $1339–$1716 | $1469–$1716 $1469–$1716 $1469–$1716 $1469–$1716 | 10–32 Mon–Thu 10–32 Friday 10–32 Saturday 10–32 Sunday |
| COPTHORNE KING’S HOTEL SINGAPORE | $883–$1104 $942–$1222 $942–$1222 $942–$1222 | $883–$1104 $942–$1222 $942–$1222 $942–$1222 | 25–38 Mon–Thu 25–38 Friday 25–38 Saturday 25–38 Sunday |
| FABER PEAK SINGAPORE | $1389–$1507 $1389–$1507 $1389–$1507 $1389–$1507 | $1624–$1742 $1624–$1742 $1624–$1742 $1624–$1742 | 3–20 Mon–Thu 3–20 Friday 3–20 Saturday 3–20 Sunday |
| FAIRMONT SINGAPORE AND SWISSÔTEL THE STAMFORD | $1610–$1751 $1610–$1751 $1610–$1751 $1610–$1751 | $1846–$1987 $1846–$1987 $1846–$1987 $1846–$1987 | 12–60 Mon–Thu 12–60 Friday 12–60 Saturday 12–60 Sunday |
| GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL | $1751–$1751 $1751–$1751 $1751–$1751 $1751–$1751 | $1751–$1751 $1904–$1904 $1963–$1963 $1904–$1904 | 18–38 Mon–Thu 18–38 Friday 18–38 Saturday 18–38 Sunday |
| HILTON SINGAPORE | $1375–$1375 $1375–$1375 $1375–$1375 $1375–$1375 | $1469–$1469 $1469–$1469 $1669–$1669 $1469–$1469 | 18–50 Mon–Thu 18–50 Friday 18–50 Saturday 18–50 Sunday |
| JW MARRIOTT HOTEL SINGAPORE SOUTH BEACH | $2163–$2634 $2163–$2634 $2163–$2634 $2163–$2634 | $2281–$2634 $2281–$2634 $2458–$2634 $2458–$2634 | 25–37 Mon–Thu 25–37 Friday 28–37 Saturday 28–37 Sunday |
| MANDARIN ORIENTAL SINGAPORE | $1834–$1834 $1834–$1834 $1834–$1834 $1834–$1834 | $1857–$1857 $1857–$1857 $2093–$2093 $1893–$1893 | 10–40 Mon–Thu 10–40 Friday 10–40 Saturday 10–40 Sunday |
| PARK ROYAL COLLECTION PICKERING | $1634–$2353 $1634–$2353 $1634–$2353 $1634–$2353 | $1375–$2353 $1375–$2353 $1987–$2353 $1987–$2353 | 8–30 Mon–Thu 8–30 Friday 8–30 Saturday 8–30 Sunday |
| ROYAL PLAZA ON SCOTTS | $1516–$1516 $1516–$1516 $1516–$1516 $1516–$1516 | $1516–$1516 $1516–$1516 $1516–$1516 $1516–$1516 | 6–11 Mon–Thu 6–11 Friday 6–11 Saturday 6–11 Sunday |
| VILLAGE HOTEL CHANGI | $1389–$1389 $1389–$1389 $1389–$1389 $1389–$1389 | $1624–$1624 $1624–$1624 $1624–$1624 $1624–$1624 | 18–25 Mon–Thu 18–25 Friday 18–25 Saturday 18–25 Sunday |
How to Cut Down on Your Costs
Making your wedding special requires you to spend quite a bit, but you also don’t want to bite off more than you can chew. Here are a few ways to save:
1. Skip the popular dates and marry during off-peak periods.
Wedding venues are especially expensive at the beginning and end of the year and on dates like 2 February, 8 August, or 11 November. Avoid them, especially if they fall on weekends. Weekday weddings are also cheaper, though it’s less convenient to host a weekday wedding for yourself and your guests.
Choosing a less popular date can also get you better deals as wedding vendors tend to run promotions during off-season periods. Your vendors will also give more attention to your wedding since they’re not as busy.
2. Send digital wedding invites.
Wedding invites can range from $0.20 apiece for basic prints to $10 apiece for better quality paper and intricate designs. This means that you could quickly be dropping anywhere between $20 to $1,000 for 100 guests. Most guests tend to discard the invites soon after the wedding.
Going digital with your wedding invites will not only save you cash but also the environment. You can even customize your digital wedding invite with RSVP links and location maps.
3. Make your own wedding favours.
Borrow a tradition from the US and call on a few good friends before your big day. This is also an opportunity to make meaningful wedding favours that guests will appreciate. Most commercial wedding favours from hotels are generic and costly.
If neither you nor your friends are crafty, look to online sellers or even Instagram to snag unique and affordable wedding favours like personalised soap bars.
4. Choose seasonal flowers.
Pick flowers in season and that are easily available. Off-season flowers may need to be specially imported, making them more expensive.
5. Don’t borrow money to pay for your wedding.
Don’t start your marriage with debt. But If you really have to take a loan, first think about how much you need, what you can afford to pay, and how long it will take to clear the debt.
Having a simple debt-free wedding is better than an extravagant one-day event that you’ll spend the next few years paying for.
6. Take advantage of your credit card deals and plan early.
Many hotels have tie-ups with credit cards, so check on the special offers available to you. Use your credit card to pay for wedding expenses whenever you can. You can also find better deals by booking in advance.
7. Be selective.
Every small item on your wedding list adds up, so it’s essential to be selective. Invite only guests you feel are significant to both of your lives, for example. Inviting everyone from your school days or workplace may leave you with lots of absentees.
Also, consider choosing a smaller but higher quality menu at the banquet or opt for less alcohol, consciously choosing the more affordable option at each step of the planning process.