The True Cost of Saying ‘I Do’ in Singapore: What Couples Often Overlook

Just said “yes” to forever? Congratulations! Now comes the planning, the Pinterest boards, and the avalanche of to-dos leading up to your big day.

As romantic as weddings are, the financial side of tying the knot is often where reality kicks in. And no, it’s not just about picking a date and a gown—it’s about fully understanding what you’re really signing up for.

So, let’s take a closer look at the hidden costs lurking beneath the surface of weddings and how you can manage them responsibly.

 

Hidden costs of a wedding

1. What are some hidden costs of a wedding?

2. Other big expenses to keep in mind

3. The credit card trap: convenient now, costly later

4. A low-stress alternative: personal loans

5. Marriage is for a lifetime, so plan like it

 

What are some hidden costs of a wedding?

On average, a typical wedding banquet can cost anywhere from S$30,000 to S$50,000, with more high-end ones running upwards of S$100,000. And that’s before you even factor in all the other hidden expenses here and there.

Here’s a breakdown of commonly missed expenses:

1. Venue-related charges 

While the per-table cost is often the primary focus, additional charges can significantly inflate your venue expenses.

• Service charges and GST: Most venues impose a 10% service charge, and with the current GST at 9%, this adds approximately 19% to your total bill. For instance, a banquet costing S$40,000 would incur an additional S$7,600 in these charges.
  
• Corkage fees: Bringing your own alcohol? Corkage fees can range from S$20 to S$50 per bottle, depending on the venue’s policy.
• Overtime charges: Extending your event beyond the agreed time can result in overtime fees, which may be charged hourly and vary by venue.

Estimated additional costs: S$7,000 – S$10,000+

 

2. Bridal attire alterations

Alteration services for gowns or suits are rarely included in the initial price. These costs alone can inflate your budget, especially if multiple fittings are required. Rush fees for last-minute alterations can also double these expenses, particularly during peak wedding seasons.

• Standard alterations: Typically range from S$200 to S$500, depending on the complexity.
  
• Rush fees: Last-minute alterations can incur rush fees, potentially doubling the standard cost, especially during peak wedding seasons.

Estimated additional costs: S$200 – S$1,000+

 

3. Transportation expenses

Shuttle buses, valet parking, or special transportation for guests, often considered conveniences, can unexpectedly total several hundred dollars. Transportation for bridal parties and even unexpected surcharges from transportation providers can further inflate these costs.

• Guest transportation: Hiring shuttle buses or arranging transport for guests can cost between S$300 and S$1,000, depending on distance and number of guests.
  
• Bridal car rental: Luxury or vintage car rentals for the bridal party can range from S$500 to S$1,500.
  
• Valet services: If your venue doesn’t offer parking, hiring valet services can add another S$300 to S$800.

Estimated additional costs: S$1,100 – S$3,300+

 

4. Solemnisation ceremony costs

Expenses like venue setup fees, marriage licenses, hiring professional solemnisers, and rental of specialised equipment like sound systems or decorations can significantly increase your budget.

• Venue rental: Depending on the location, rental fees can range from S$500 to S$2,000.
  
• Professional solemniser: While some solemnisers offer their services for free, others may charge between S$200 and S$500.
  
• Equipment rentals: Sound systems, microphones, and other equipment can add S$300 to S$800 to your budget.

Estimated additional costs: S$1,000 – S$3,300+

 

5. Decor and floral expenses

If you have a specific theme in mind, like a Disney castle fantasy, then be prepared to spend extra. 

• Floral arrangements: Comprehensive floral setups, including arches, centrepieces, and aisle decorations, can cost between S$4,000 and S$7,000.
  
• Custom rentals: Items like unique chairs, lighting, and thematic props can add another S$1,000 to S$3,000.

Estimated additional costs: S$5,000 – S$10,000+

 

6. Photography and videography 

Couples might initially budget for photography and videography, but often overlook additional costs such as drone footage, extra hours, photo albums, prints, and professional editing services—all of which can add significantly to the overall expense. 

• Standard packages: Full-day photography and videography packages can range from S$2,000 to S$5,000.
  
• Add-ons: Drone footage, same-day edits, and extended hours can add S$500 to S$2,000.

Estimated additional costs: S$2,500 – S$7,000+

 

7. Entertainment and music

If you’ve decided to add some flair to your wedding, additional entertainment options such as live bands, DJs, and equipment rentals are often overlooked. Yet they can significantly increase your overall entertainment budget.

• Live bands/DJs: Hiring professional musicians can cost between S$1,000 and S$5,000, depending on experience and duration.
  
• Equipment rentals: Sound systems and lighting equipment can add another S$300 to S$1,000.

Estimated additional costs: S$1,300 – S$6,000+

 

8. Guest accommodations

Costs related to welcoming guests, such as accommodation for overseas guests, welcome gift bags, and pre-wedding events like rehearsals or welcome dinners, can significantly add up.

• Hotel rooms: Booking multiple rooms can cost between S$500 and S$2,500, depending on the number of guests and hotel class.
  
• Welcome gifts: Preparing welcome bags or gifts can add S$200 to S$600 to your expenses.
  
• Pre-wedding events: Hosting welcome dinners or rehearsal events can cost an additional S$500 to S$1,500.

Estimated additional costs: S$1,200 – S$4,600+

 

Other big expenses to keep in mind

But wait, there’s more! Most couples are juggling not just a wedding, but a BTO flat, renovation costs, and long-term savings goals all at once. That’s a perfect storm of financial commitments.

• BTO downpayment: Depending on your type of flat and loan, couples can expect to pay anywhere from S$20,000 to S$100,000 upfront.
• Renovation costs: Expect to fork out S$30,000 to S$70,000 for renovations, especially if you’re customising your dream home.
• Savings: Whether it’s for a honeymoon, a rainy day fund, or planning for kids, you’ll want to set aside enough savings for each.

Trying to balance all 3 can put immense strain on a couple’s finances. Without careful planning, you might find yourselves sacrificing your future for a single day of celebration.

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ALSO READ: Should I Use Personal Loans For Home Renovations?

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The credit card trap: convenient now, costly later

When cash flow tightens, it’s tempting to swipe your way through the wedding bills. After all, credit cards offer points, cashback, and other rewards—so surely it’s a good move… right?

Well, credit cards also come with annual interest rates and fees. Unless you’re able to pay off your balance in full and on time, the cost of that dreamy wedding can quickly snowball into long-term debt.

Plus, juggling multiple cards with different billing cycles and credit limits can lead to disorganisation—and financial stress is the last thing you want in your first year of marriage.

Of course, that’s not to say that using credit cards to settle your wedding payments is a bad idea. If you know what you’re doing and are confident you can clear your debts on time, then go ahead. In fact, we’ll even share a tip on where to score the best credit card deals.

 

A low-stress alternative: personal loans

What other choices are you left with? For starters, you could consider a personal loan instead. And no, we’re not talking about shady back-alley deals. We mean fully legal personal loans from licensed moneylenders and banks.

Here’s why a personal loan could make more sense:

Lower interest rates: Personal loan rates typically range between 3.5% to 8% per annum, which is significantly lower than credit cards.

Fixed repayment plan: You’ll know exactly how much you’re paying each month, which helps with budgeting and avoids surprises.

Larger loan amounts: Depending on your income, you can borrow a larger sum, consolidating all your wedding expenses into one manageable loan.

Less temptation: Unlike revolving credit, a personal loan disburses a lump sum. That limits overspending and encourages disciplined use.

Of course, this isn’t a license to splurge. Any loan should be taken responsibly, with a repayment plan in mind. But for couples who’ve done the math and still face a funding gap, a personal loan could be the difference between starting married life in comfort or chaos.

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ALSO READ: Taking Personal Loans From Licensed Moneylenders vs Borrowing From Banks: What’s the Difference?

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Marriage is for a lifetime, so plan like it

While weddings are a celebration of love and commitment, we have to be realistic, especially when it comes to financing one. After all, is it really worth it to splurge on a single day when it can impact your marriage long after the last slice of cake is served?

So, before you get lost in floral arrangements and seating charts, sit down with your partner and talk money. Set realistic expectations, prioritise what matters, and weigh your financing options. 

Whether it’s scaling back the guest list (a good excuse not to invite that third uncle who always gets drunk) or choosing a personal loan over a credit card, every decision should be made with the future in mind.

This article was first drafted with the help of AI and later reviewed and refined by the author.

Know someone who’s about to get married soon? Send this article to them!

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