Wedding guide for different races in Singapore

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A Complete Guide to Weddings in Singapore: Chinese, Malay & Indian Traditions

 

Weddings in Singapore are a vibrant blend of tradition, modern trends, and cultural practices passed down for generations. Whether it’s a Chinese tea ceremony, a grand Malay bersanding, or a lively Indian temple wedding, each community adds its unique flavor to the celebration of love. Planning for a wedding here can be both exciting and overwhelming, given the many traditions, costs, and family expectations involved.

In this wedding guide, we’ll walk through the essentials of planning a Chinese, Malay, and Indian wedding in Singapore — from preparation timelines and costs to wedding gifts, feasts, and housing considerations.

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1. Chinese Weddings in Singapore

Preparation Timeline

Chinese weddings are deeply rooted in tradition, though modern couples often blend cultural practices with contemporary celebrations.

• One year before: Secure a banquet venue — top hotels and Chinese restaurants are popular choices, with capacity depending on family size. Many couples also book a geomancer (“feng shui master”) to select auspicious wedding dates.
• Three months before: Finalize bridal gowns, photography sessions, and the all-important Guo Da Li (betrothal ceremony) where gifts are exchanged between families.

A practical option many couples consider is Photonow self photo studio, where they can take stunning, high-quality pre-wedding photos without spending thousands on bridal studio packages.

Wedding Feast

Chinese weddings traditionally feature an elaborate banquet of eight to ten courses. Guests expect dishes like abalone, roasted meats, fish, and longevity buns.

Costs

• Hotel banquets: $1,200–$2,000+ per table of 10
• Bridal package: $3,000–$5,000 (gowns, makeup, photography)
• Tea ceremony items & Guo Da Li gifts: $500–$1,000

Gifts & Ang Bao

Guests are expected to give an ang bao (red packet) to cover at least the banquet cost, with closer relatives giving more. On average:

• $150–$250 for restaurants
• $200–$350 for hotel banquets

Couples also prepare gifts for their parents (tea ceremony jewelry, ang bao, or tokens of appreciation).

Housing Considerations

Many Chinese couples plan their wedding after securing a BTO flat. Renovations often begin right after the wedding, so budgeting $30,000–$50,000 for home renovations is common.

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2. Malay Weddings in Singapore

Preparation Timeline

Malay weddings are colorful affairs with strong emphasis on community and family.

• One year before: Secure a void deck, community hall, or hotel ballroom. Void deck weddings are popular for affordability and space. Couples also book their tok kadi (solemnizer).
• Three months before: Confirm catering, bridal dais (pelamin), and wedding outfits. Malay weddings often span multiple days with the akad nikah (solemnization) and bersanding (reception).

Wedding Feast

Food is central, with large buffets featuring dishes like nasi briyani, rendang, ayam masak merah, and sambal prawns. Caterers usually charge per head, ranging from $15–$30.

Costs

• Venue rental (void deck decorations, permits): $2,000–$5,000
• Catering: $10,000–$20,000 for 500–1,000 guests
• Bridal outfits & pelamin: $5,000–$10,000
• Photography & videography: $2,000–$4,000

Wedding Gifts

Malay weddings center on hantaran (gift trays) exchanged between bride and groom’s families, containing items like Quran, perfumes, jewelry, and clothing. The mas kahwin (dowry) is mandatory, often around $100–$300, while the duit hantaran (gift money) can range from $5,000–$15,000 depending on agreement.

Guests typically give ang bao as well, though the amounts are smaller compared to Chinese weddings — around $20–$50, as community weddings are more about presence than covering costs.

Housing Considerations

Malay couples often move into a BTO or resale flat post-wedding. Financial planning for housing loans is crucial, given the large upfront wedding expenses.

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3. Indian Weddings in Singapore

Preparation Timeline

Indian weddings are vibrant, multi-day events with deep cultural and religious significance.

• One year before: Secure a temple hall or ballroom. Popular temples often require early bookings. Families also start planning the engagement ceremony.
• Three months before: Finalize bridal sarees, gold jewelry, and caterers. Pre-wedding photography and invitations are also prepared.

Wedding Feast

Feasts are integral, often vegetarian if hosted in temples, or lavish buffets with biryani, curries, and sweets in banquet settings. Meals are traditionally served on banana leaves in temple weddings.

Costs

• Temple wedding: $1,000–$3,000 (venue donation, hall rental)
• Hotel ballroom: $30,000–$60,000 depending on scale
• Catering: $15–$40 per guest
• Gold jewelry: $10,000–$30,000 is common, as gold symbolizes prosperity
• Bridal outfits (sarees, lehengas): $3,000–$8,000

Wedding Gifts

Indian weddings include seeru (gifts from the bride’s family to the groom’s side, often gold or household items). Guests usually give cash in envelopes, with amounts ranging from $50–$150 depending on closeness.

Housing Considerations

Similar to Chinese and Malay couples, Indian newlyweds often secure a BTO or resale flat before or soon after marriage. Some also stay with extended family initially to save costs before moving into their own place.

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Something Different: Celebrate Your Wedding with Loved Ones at Photonow Studio wedding package

Celebrate your special occasion in style by booking Photonow Studio exclusively for your friends and family. Create lasting memories together as everyone enjoys a fun, interactive photoshoot in our professional studio with catered food and drinks and each guest bringing home beautifully printed photos as keepsakes of the day. More than just a photoshoot, it’s a unique experience where laughter, bonding, and unforgettable moments are captured forever. To make the gathering even more enjoyable, you can serve food and drinks in our cozy reception area, turning your event into a complete celebration filled with joy, smiles, and photos your loved ones will treasure.

After the Wedding: Life in the First Three Months

Regardless of race, the first three months after a wedding in Singapore are busy:

• Thank-you visits and follow-ups: Couples often host post-wedding meals or small gatherings to thank family and close friends.
• Photo album and video reviews: Many spend time selecting final edits. Couples who chose budget-friendly studios like Photonow self photo studio save significantly here, while still enjoying professional-quality keepsakes.
• Financial planning: Attention shifts to housing loans, household budgets, and sometimes even starting a family.

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Final Thoughts

Weddings in Singapore are more than just celebrations; they are an expression of heritage, community, and new beginnings. Whether it’s the elegance of a Chinese banquet, the warmth of a Malay community feast, or the grandeur of an Indian temple wedding, each tradition highlights the values of family, respect, and unity.

Costs can run high — often $30,000 to $80,000 depending on the scale and culture — but couples today are also finding creative ways to celebrate meaningfully without overspending. Choosing alternatives like Photonow self photo studio for pre-wedding photography, or holding smaller, intimate receptions, are ways to balance tradition with practicality.

At the heart of it, every wedding in Singapore is about two people beginning a lifelong journey together, surrounded by love, blessings, and the richness of culture.