Singapore is a dynamic, multicultural city with a rich heritage, modern sophistication and an international outlook that makes it one of Asia's top locations for both work and play. The city abounds with luxury hotels that are perfect for those who demand the highest levels of service and world class cuisine on their big day, which is a prime requisite in a city who's population is known for their love of food.
Singapore is located a mere 137 kilometers north of the equator which means that it is hot all year round and therefore best suited to indoor weddings in one of the air conditioned hotel ballrooms that dot the island. An alternative for couples who prefer an outdoor wedding is the Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa, Singapore's only beach front resort venue.
The island's small size makes it easy for couples who desire to have their wedding separated into two distinct locations during the course of the day. Therefore, an afternoon ceremony in a church or private venue can be followed by an evening banquet in a hotel ballroom with little effort required to transport guests between locations. For couples who do not wish to get married in a hotel or restaurant Singapore has many stylish alternative locations for their ceremony or wedding reception including country clubs, private venues and museums.
In Singapore, red wedding packets known as Ang Bao are given to the couple by guests that attend a wedding just like their counterparts do for weddings in Hong Kong where it is called Lai See. The packets contain a cash gift that is usually an amount that approximately covers the cost of the guest's meal. As an indication of the expected amount please browse our Singapore wedding banquet price list then divide the table price by 10 or 12 (the number of guests per table). Ang Bao amounts will typically range from $100 to $200 for weddings that are held in four and five star hotels and around $80 for wedding banquets that take place in a restaurant.
For guests who decide to give physical gifts it is important to note a few local customs, including the fact that you should not give any cutting utensils, which indicate the severing of a relationship, or clocks which are associated with death. It is also important to never wrap gifts in the traditional mourning colors of white, blue or black.
As is the case with most Chinese weddings the tea ceremony is an important part of the day since this is where a bride will be formally introduced to the family of the groom. The bride and groom offer tea to their parents while kneeling, with the bride on the left side and the groom on the right. Then the couple serve tea to their relatives, starting with the parents then moving on to the oldest family members (such as the grandparents) followed by successively younger family members down to any older cousins. The tea ceremony is held first in the groom's house which is then closely followed by a tea ceremony in the brides home. During the tea ceremony the bride will wear a traditional outfit such as Cheongsam or Kua.
Marriages in Singapore must be registered and solemnised at the Registry of Marriages (ROM) or at a ROM approved venue. A religious wedding ceremony can not be held before the ROM's civil marriage ceremony, however it can occur at the same time if preferred. The bride, groom and two witnesses are required to carry their original NRIC's for Singaporean citizens or their passports if they are not citizens of Singapore. The bridal party must be properly attired for the solemnizer to proceed (no shorts or slippers) but the exchange of wedding rings is optional. For solemnizations that take place outside the ROM couples must bring their marriage certificates and marriage licence with them.
More details can be found at the government's ROM website
For Muslim weddings please visit the government's website for the registry of Muslim marriages
