The dogs in Indonesia did it, but can we?
Recently 2 dogs in Indonesia just tied the knot in a ceremony costing almost S$18,000! This got us wondering if it’s even possible to have a wedding in Singapore for only S$18k. In this article, we will break down the logistics of what you can get with just S$18K in Singapore. The results are pretty surprising.
Disclaimer: All prices are enquired as of 2023 and from vendors that we think are of acceptable quality. This article provides an estimate and is created based on a hypothetical situation. We cannot and do not guarantee that you can find vendors that you like within the price range mentioned. This article is published based on our opinions. Also, we are in no way shaming the two dogs or their owners by the way! Wishing the doggos a happy and wonderful marriage!
What are the essentials you need for a Wedding in Singapore?
Needless to say, the list will vary among couples due to contributing factors such as traditions, religion, and wants. Hence, this list will focus on the bare essentials required.
- ROM Registration
- Wedding Solemnization
- Wedding Bands
- Wedding Gowns & Suits
- Bridal Florals
- Makeup & Styling
- Wedding Catering
- Actual Day Photography
ROM Registration (S$42 – S$380)
Well, it isn’t surprising that Registering at ROM is at the top of the list since it’s the most important step, to begin with! It doesn’t cost much to get legally married in Singapore. If you’re a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, it’ll only cost you just S$42 to get registered at the Registry Of Marriage (ROM) and S$380 if both of you are foreigners.
Wedding Solemnization (S$80 – S$120)
Following closely in its level of importance would be the wedding solemnization. You will first need to hire a solemnizer. Yes, you do actually need a solemnizer for your wedding. This is because the solemnization ceremony is the act of you officially marrying your significant other in the eyes of the law, and a licensed solemnizer is required to marry you and your partner. The solemnizer will officiate the ceremony, verify all the legal documents to ensure that both parties consent to the marriage, and facilitate the signing of the Certificate of Marriage.
Solemnizers typically do not charge a fee for their services, but it is customary and considerate to show your appreciation by gifting them a token of gratitude for their time and effort in officiating your wedding. The amount of the gift is at your discretion, but if you’re unsure, you may inquire with the solemnizer about the average amount they have received from previous weddings they’ve officiated.
The average amount that people usually gift is in the range of $80 – $120.
Wedding Bands (S$1,400 – S$1,800)
To align with our budget-friendly S$18k wedding, a couple could purchase a simple pair of 18k yellow or white gold wedding bands from local jewellery shops. It only makes sense to purchase a simple band since it’s worn on a day-to-day basis but we understand uniqueness is an element wanted in a wedding band; a budget-friendly way to do it is to consider engraving your initials and wedding date. Regardless, depending on the type of design you choose for the wedding bands, it can result in the cost being anywhere between S$1,400 – S$1,800.
For more context, at SK Jewellery, you can get your 18k wedding bands within the range of S$1,200 – S$2,200. At Poh Heng, it’ll be within the range of S$1,800 – S$2,800, and at Michael Trio, it’ll be within the range of S$1,100 – S$1,700.
*Prices may exclude GST or are nett
Wedding Gowns & Suits (S$1,000 – S$2,500)
Coming to the section on Wedding Gowns & Suits, the price range can vary quite a lot. For instance, if you opt to purchase from an online store like Taobao, the total price for a custom-made gown could be as low as S$200 and a custom-made suit could go as low as S$100.
Alternatively, you can choose to opt for rental shops instead which could be a cheaper alternative for better quality outfits. Typically, rental shops offer a variety of suits ranging from S$200 – S$500. For gowns, it could start as low as S$500 to upwards of S$10,000!
Assuming you rent from a mid-tier range for their wedding gown and suit, we can expect an estimated total spending of S$1,000 – $2,500
*Prices may exclude GST or are nett
Bridal Florals (S$100 – S$200)
Even though bridal florals aren’t a must, it is a beautiful accessory with great significance for the bride, groom, and parents during weddings. The most basic package for bridal flowers includes the bridal bouquet, groom’s boutonniere, parents’ corsages, and bridal car decoration. These typically range from S$600 – S$1,500. Factors like the type of flowers will usually be the biggest determining factor.
*Prices may exclude GST or are nett
Makeup & Styling (S$900 – S$1,200)
It’s your big day and you would definitely want to look your best! This makes makeup and hair styling crucial on your special day.
Generally, a comprehensive package would encompass the creation of one distinct bridal makeup look and hairstyle on the actual wedding day. The groom’s makeup will have additional charges which range from S$80 – S$250.
Do note that, if you would like your makeup to be done earlier in the morning, there might also be a morning surcharge – either by the hour or a flat rate, ranging from S$25 – S$50. If trials are not included in the package already, each trial session can cost anywhere from S$150 – S$350. All these prices are ale carte.
Depending on what the package encompasses, it can range anywhere from S$350 – S$2,000. Factors like how many looks you want, the makeup artist you’ve chosen, if you want a trial session, if there are morning surcharges, and if the groom wants to do his makeup as well. Assuming you are getting a basic package with one look and no early surcharge for just the bride and groom, you would have to spend approximately S$430-S$1,150.
However, it should be noted that there are some makeup artists with hidden charges and you need to be careful of these charges. Of course, The Wedding Editorial would dive deeper into this in a future article. For now, let’s move on to the next point!
*Prices are usually nett for this service
Wedding Catering (S$2,300 – S$4,500)
Usually, Wedding Reception/Banquets can get quite expensive, in addition to the recent GST hike. As such, we’ve decided to go for a simpler option, which is to do catering instead. For Wedding catering, there is typically a minimum party size of 80 – 100 pax. For our budget estimates, we’ll assume a party size of 100 pax. For a party of 100 pax, the average cost per pax (inclusive of GST) can range anywhere between S$23 – S$45, which adds up to a total of S$2,300 – S$4,500.
For more context, at Belly Good, you can go for their Blissful Wedding Buffet for S$41.04 per pax (inclusive of GST), which serves a huge variety of food and desserts. At Rasel, you can go for their Lavish Menu for S$37.80 per pax (inclusive of GST), which also serves a huge variety of food and desserts.
*Prices are usually nett for this service
Actual Day Photography (S$2,000 – S$3,000)
It’s your big day, you look like the Belle of the Ball and you are surrounded by all your loved ones. This calls for investing in an actual day wedding photographer because I am sure that you would love to preserve these cherishable moments These visual memories hold immense sentimental value, allowing you to relive the joy, emotions, and love shared during their special occasion.
As compared to pre-wedding photoshoots, actual day photography and videography are more expensive due to the equipment, manpower, and expertise required. Usually, couples will engage a photographer for a minimum of 4 hours to a maximum of 10 hours. However, realistically speaking from a budget-friendly wedding, you would not require a 10-hour shoot since the focus would be on ROM and solemnization. Hence, 4-6 hours of photography is sufficient for you to take pictures with everyone you love and even the behind-the-scenes! The price of a 4 – 6 hour photography package can range from S$1,500 – S$3,500.
If you are more into videography, you can always opt for a videographer instead. For budget purposes, always check with the photographer you engaged with because they might have a special discount if you engage with their in-house or partnered videographer. The price of a videography package can range from S$1,500 – S$5,000, depending on the duration of the shoot.
*Prices may exclude GST or are nett
Closing Thoughts
Assuming you spends within the range that we’ve shared above, you can expect to spend approximately S$7,800 – S$13,700. Of course, as we mentioned, it really depends on what you want/need for your big day but this article proves that you can definitely have an S$18K Wedding in Singapore with all your bare essentials uncompromised!
