Like anything in Singapore, weddings can cost you an arm and a leg. However, it's also an unavoidable cost for most people who want to start this important milestone in life. To help you save budget, attached herewith the guide touching on the average cost of weddings in Singapore. Calculating the average cost of a wedding is tough due to the wide variety of available options. The all-in price can differ by tens of thousands of dollars (if not hundreds) depending on your expectations and budget. With that in mind, we focus on breaking down the cost into its essential components and providing a range of all costs involved in a typical Singaporean wedding, including the customary wedding banquet.
Average Cost of a Wedding in Singapore
As we mentioned, the concept of "average cost" is actually elusive for something like a wedding. Therefore, we provide a range & median cost for each of the main cost items. Typically, a wedding in Singapore could cost somewhere around S$30,000 to S$50,000, though extravagant weddings can cost significantly more (i.e. more than S$100,000). Some of the biggest components are the wedding banquet, bridal package and honeymoon. We also consider the cost of dowry and photography, which we discuss in more detail below.
Wedding Banquets and Receptions – S$30,000
The wedding banquet usually represents the most significant bulk of your wedding cost. Prices of banquets have steadily increased, with more and more fanciful venue customisation and premium menus. Most couples would say that the banquet venue is chosen for their parents, since the marriage of their children is a question of “face-value”. The average cost per table (of 10 guests) is around S$1,180 for weekday lunches to S$1,340 for weekend dinners, though prices vary greatly depending on venues of your preferred date. Assuming most couples opt for about 30 tables of 10 guests each, the average cost for your banquet is estimated to be around S$37,000.
This price can go as high as S$95,000 if you invite 300 people to Singapore's most expensive venues, or as low as about S$10,000 for a weekday lunch for 200 people at some of the least expensive venues. A consolation of these high totals is that you will receive a significant amount from red packets from your guests. It is possible that you will receive at least 60% of your banquet's total cost. Please see our summary table at the bottom of this page for a detailed list of all the banquet venues available in Singapore.
Bridal Packages (Dress, Gowns, Make Up, etc.) – S$3,000 to S$6,000
Taking up a bridal package is most likely the preferred way for couples here to manage their wedding. A bridal package is convenient, since you get to rent your gowns and suits, and includes pre-wedding photography all within a single package. While it may look expensive to splurge so much for a few gown rentals and taking some pictures, bridal packages remain a popular choice because it can be even more expensive to go a la carte. A single custom-made gown could easily cost more than S$2,000.
With a bridal studio, you get to choose 3 to 4 gowns with free altering, and receive complimentary make-up artist, indoor photo studio and outdoor photoshoot. The range of cost depends on your expectations on different factors. It could vary depending on whether you want a premium range of gowns and how many changes of gowns you want. It could also vary on the number of locations of your photo shoot (or premium locations like overseas) or the number of photos in your wedding album.
Wedding Rings – S$2,000 to S$6,000
Assuming the proposal has already taken place with an engagement ring, you'll still need to look for wedding bands to exchange on the wedding day itself. As simple as they look, wedding bands can still cost between S$1,000 to S$3,000 each, depending on the type of material it is made of and whether you want one encrusted with diamonds. Some may also prefer signature rings from designer brands such the famous Trinity De Cartier or the iconic Bvlgari B.Zero 1.
Dowry – S$500 to S$5,000
While you may think of Singapore as a picture of modernity, who knew that most Chinese families here still adhere to the tradition of giving a dowry to the bride's family? This is usually a cash gift or jewellery, and most pay a price between S$2,000 to S$5,000. If you are lucky and your in-laws don't mind, you can make it away with a token of a few hundred dollars.
Solemnisation – S$1,000 to S$5,000
If you are like most Singaporeans who hold a solemnisation because you need to be married first before collecting your Build-To-Order HDB flats, then this will be an extra cost to you. Luckily, most solemnisation ceremonies are a little more casual compared to the actual wedding day. You can hire a simple venue or even hold it at the registry for a minimal fee of about S$1,000 by getting caterers or hold it at a grander venue with floral arches and fancy lunches at about S$5,000.
Check out 15 best solemenisation venues in Singapore here.
Wedding Photography & Videography – S$2,500 to S$4,000
Many couples want to capture the beautiful memories of the day, so they will most likely hire a specialised wedding photographer or/and videographer for the day. Expect these costs to run from S$2,500 to S$4,000.
Honeymoon – S$5,000 to S$8,000
After a whole year of planning, trust us, you are going to want to go on a honeymoon, even if it is just a short break. Most couples will likely take a 2-week holiday somewhere exotic, so be prepared for the cost to come up between S$5,000 to S$8,000. That being said, those looking for a more affordable option can certainly plan exciting trips for S$1,000 to $2,000.
Other Miscellaneous Costs – S$1,000 to S$2,000
There will be quite a number of red packets to be given out on the day, such as to your bridesmaids and groomsmen for helping out, hiring wedding cars and transport, corkage at the dinner or additional entertainment at the wedding or after-party costs.
Money Saving Tips
The fact is there are many ways you can actually save on your wedding cost. Some of the easiest ways include using various credit cards for rebates, making use of credit card deals with hotels for your wedding banquet and trimming the extras. With that said, if you are unable to repay your wedding expenses within one month, it might make more sense to apply for a personal loan. This is because the best personal loans tend to charge effective interest rates well below those of credit cards.
Alternatively, you may use these budgeting tips:
First, draw out how much you intend to spend on wedding, say, set aside $20,000.
Next, match this amount to the places available—a 5-star hotel will be far-fetched, but you can still try, perhaps keep the number of guests small; start considering cafes and restaurants.
Once you have narrowed down the location, re-evaluate your budget if need be. Buffer an extra 10% for unexpected costs, for example, damages to wedding gowns, top-up for alcohol.
Ask friends and families for help if they are in any of these wedding-related businesses – they can do it either for free or at a discounted price.
List of Wedding Venues in Singapore by Cost
For people who are looking for the best venue for their wedding banquets or reception, we've compiled the information of some of the renowned wedding venues in Singapore and their prices for 2022 below.
Check out 15 best wedding venues in Singapore that will leave you and your guests mesmerised here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Can I Get a Cheap Wedding in Singapore?
The best way to save money on wedding costs is to prioritise which aspects of your big day are most important to you and reduce spending on anything that doesn’t make the cut. Most wedding expenses are tiered depending on the level of extravagance you wish to pursue, making selecting “lower-tier” options super-easy if you are willing to prioritise your needs and compare the market.
2. How Much Does a Typical Wedding Cost?
An average wedding costs around $30,000 – $40,000 here in Singapore, but what you will ultimately pay will always be dependent on your tastes and preferences when it comes to individual wedding expenses.