Just hearing about planning a wedding sounds complicated and difficult. From purchasing wedding rings to solemnisation, it may all sound foreign and new to someone who’s just started planning. With the cost of everything increasing, budgeting for weddings have also changed.
In our previous article about the average cost of weddings in Singapore, we broke down the different costs of wedding planning, from banquets to bridal packages, wedding rings, dowry, and honeymoon. (Note that the total cost of the event can vary depending on the preferences.)
Here, we outline the various steps and facilities needed in planning for the big day.
Wedding Banquet Venues
In the beginning process of finding the perfect venue, it’s crucial for the couple to list out their preferences and determine the type of wedding they would like. Whether it is an outdoor wedding, beach wedding, traditional wedding, or a destination wedding, the range of options for the setting of the event varies.
Cost of the Venue
Usually, the wedding venues account for the majority of the wedding budget. The cost of the banquet will vary depending on the number of guests attending, preferred date and time of the wedding, etc. The breakdown of the prices of the wedding venues will depend on the location, a hire fee, some that charge per hour or minute, and some that charge per person attending.
When the venues have a lower price than others, it may be possible that they don’t include some amenities such as food and drinks. It is important to ask for a specific breakdown of the total cost of the venue when inquiring!
Time of Day and Week
Most times, the prices will be higher when booking the venue during weekend dinner times compared to weekdays. Per person, it typically differs by S$15-S$20. However, these can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars when accounting for all the guests. Just by switching times or booking for a certain number of hours for the venue, it can reduce the price significantly.
Time of Year
The cost may also vary depending on the time of the year to plan the wedding. In Singapore, the peak months to host a wedding are March, May, June, July, September, November, and December. During these times, the prices and costs to rent the venue may be more expensive compared to other months.
Package Deals
To reduce the amount of different options and add-ons, many venues also provide package offers and all-inclusive packages that may be a better and cheaper option compared to individually booking for necessities. Certain packages may consist of accommodations, decorations, food, and drinks.
Other venues also allow you to bring your own (BYO) alcohol which may also cut down on the cost of alcohol the venues may charge the guests.
Cancellation Process
The cancellation process for each venue will also vary on the venue and when the cancellation occurs. Most times, there may only be a 50% refund when cancelling closer to the wedding date of within 3 months and no refund when cancelling within 30 days. Always check with your venues for the exact timeline!
Additional Charges
Most wedding venues will provide equipment and facilities for the wedding, but there are certain banquets that charge to borrow their accommodations. This may include the sound PA system, projector, TV, or even air conditioning! In this case, looking for a venue with an exclusive deal or a package will save you both the time and money.
How to Finance Your Wedding
As couples get ready to finance their wedding, it becomes more clear that organising a wedding is expensive and can take years of saving to accommodate for all the specific wants and needs. From quick cash personal loans to cashlines, there are various ways one can utilise to fund for their wedding.
Using a specific credit card to make all wedding and honeymoon payments separate from personal daily expenses can also save extra charges and trouble along the way. Check out the best credit card to meet your wedding needs!
Compare Best Credit Cards in SingaporeFind Out More
More Tips to Save Money
Lots of little expenses can add up to a lot in the end. Other ways to save money in planning for a wedding are to cut down and budget on other aspects. This can include renting the wedding dress or suit instead of purchasing one, borrowing what you can from friends and family, and using a travel agent for the honeymoon!
Other little things include opting for digital wedding invitations compared to physical invitations, choosing and being your own personal DJ, going for widely available flowers for the season, and recruiting friends to help you out along the way.
Conclusion
It is not easy to plan and budget for your dream wedding. But everything at the end will work out through thorough planning and research. Remember to start arranging and budgeting early to be eligible for early-bird discounts and cheaper costs overall.
Planning your wedding? Check out our roundup of the best credit cards in the market you can use to optimise your spending!
Compare Best Credit Cards in SingaporeFind Out More
Read More:
- 5 Ways to Save Money On Your Wedding in Singapore
- Average Cost of a Wedding in Singapore
- Top 5 Tips For Planning Your Dream Wedding Without Compromising Your Budget
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Financing Your Wedding in Singapore
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