When we talk about wedding ang baos (red packets), most people think of guests giving them to the bride and groom. But what about the other way around?
On their big day, the happy couple receives plenty of help to make the occasion special and meaningful—from friends who pitch in as wedding helpers, to the emcee, solemniser, restaurant staff, and more. It’s a longstanding tradition for couples to give ang baos as a token of appreciation to these important contributors. In this guide, we’ll look at who should receive ang baos from the couple, and how much you might consider giving each group.
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1. Who should receive ang bao at your wedding
Weddings are team efforts, and many people work behind the scenes to ensure everything goes smoothly. As a couple, it’s customary to show appreciation with an ang bao to those who have supported or contributed to your celebration. Here are the main groups to consider:
1) Wedding helpers
These are friends or family members who volunteer their time to help with logistics, usher guests, manage the reception table, or oversee the programme. Their contributions, while informal, are invaluable.
2) Emcee
Whether your emcee is a professional or a close friend, their role in keeping the event flowing and engaging is crucial.
3) Solemniser
If you’re having a civil ceremony, your solemniser is the one who officiates the proceedings. For religious weddings, it may be a pastor, priest, or other religious leader. A token ang bao is customary for their time and service.
4) Restaurant or banquet staff
This includes the servers, banquet manager, and sometimes the kitchen team. Some couples give a group ang bao to be shared among the staff, while others tip key individuals directly.
5) Photographers and videographers
Even if you’re paying them a professional fee, a small ang bao is a nice gesture to show appreciation for their extra effort, especially if they’ve gone above and beyond. On a more selfish note, some say that a thoughtful tip might just encourage them to put in that little bit of extra care when editing your photos after the wedding.
6) Drivers or transport providers
If you’ve arranged special transportation for the wedding party, a token of thanks for drivers is thoughtful—even if the drivers are just your friends and family.
7) Musicians or performers
Live performers, whether hired or friends, often appreciate a small token of gratitude, especially for their time and preparation.
Not every wedding will have all these roles, but these are the most common recipients for ang bao from the couple. Adjust according to your event and who has contributed to your special day.
ALSO READ: Destination Wedding Ang Bao: How Much Should You Give?
2. Factors to consider when deciding how much to give in each ang bao
Deciding on the right ang bao amount for your wedding helpers and vendors isn’t just about following tradition. There are several practical factors that couples in Singapore take into account. Before you settle on a figure, here are some key things to think about:
1) Are you already covering other expenses?
If you’re paying for dresses, suits, makeup, or even a night’s hotel stay for your bridesmaids and groomsmen, that should be factored in. Some couples give a smaller ang bao if they’re already footing other major costs, while others still prefer to give a substantial token of appreciation.
2) What duties are you asking them to do?
The level of effort and responsibility matters. An emcee who’s simply announcing dinner courses is taking on less than one who is planning games, interacting with guests, and keeping the energy up. Similarly, a wedding helper who’s just ushering guests will likely expect less than someone running logistics from morning to night.
3) Do you have a wedding planner?
If you’ve hired a professional wedding planner, your friends and family might have less on their plate—so a smaller ang bao may be suitable. Conversely, if you’re relying on your inner circle for everything, you might want to give more as a thank you for the extra effort.
4) Are transport or other out-of-pocket costs covered?
If your helpers or vendors have to travel out of their way and you’re not arranging transport for them, consider topping up the ang bao to help with those costs. For roles like solemniser, it’s customary for the ang bao to cover two-way transport, time, and a gesture of thanks—especially for Chinese weddings, where an auspicious number ending in 8 is preferred (for example, $88 or $128).
5) What is the value you place on their time and effort?
Everyone’s budget is different, and so is the value you place on the contributions of friends, family, and vendors. Some couples on Reddit shared that they gave $88 or $100 to bridesmaids or groomsmen if they also covered other costs. Others gave more—up to $150 or even $300—if their helpers were taking leave or investing significant time.
6) Your overall wedding budget
Generosity is a virtue, but so is living within your means. Couples often discuss finding a balance between showing appreciation and not straining their finances.
7) Cultural considerations and traditions
In some communities, an ang bao is expected for everyone who plays a role in the wedding, no matter how small. For Chinese weddings, numbers ending in 8 are considered auspicious, while numbers that include a “4” are generally avoided.
8) Consistency and fairness
If you’re giving different amounts to members of the same group (e.g., bridesmaids), be mindful that there is a chance they may talk among themselves and find out. Be confident in your reasons why some helpers should receive more—such as if someone took on a major extra duty.
By considering these factors, you can tailor your ang bao amounts to your unique circumstances and make sure everyone feels valued for their contribution.
3. How much wedding ang bao should the bride and groom give
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much to give in each ang bao. Your final amounts will depend on your wedding’s scale, what you’re already covering for your helpers, and how much you want to show your appreciation. Here’s a sample guide to help you decide, whether you’re having a simple celebration or a large-scale affair.
| Group | Small, simple wedding (no planner, no gatecrash) | Medium wedding (some professionals) | Large-scale wedding (planner, pros, more duties) |
| Bridesmaids / Groomsmen | $30–$70 | $100–$150 | $200–$300+ |
| Wedding helpers (ushers, reception) | $30–$50 | $60–$100 | $100–$150 |
| Emcee (friend) | $50–$100 | $100–$200 | $200–$300 (if professional) |
| Solemniser (civil / religious) | $40–$70 | $70–$100 | $100–$150 |
| Restaurant / banquet staff | $90–$130 (group ang bao) | $130–$200 | $200–$300 (or split among key staff) |
| Photographer / videographer | $30–$70 | $70–$150 | $150–$250+ (if extra effort) |
| Drivers / transport providers | $30–$50 | $50–$80 | $80–$120 |
| Musicians / performers | $30–$50 | $50–$100 | $100–$150 |
| Makeup artist (token, if applicable) | $30–$50 | $50–$70 | $70–$100 |
Note: If you or your partner are Chinese, it’s traditional to end ang bao amounts with 8 (e.g., $68, $88) for luck, and to avoid amounts ending in 4, which is considered inauspicious.
Use these ranges as a starting point, and adjust according to your budget, the amount of help you’re receiving, and the value you place on your ang bao as an expression of thanks. For example, I’m having a small/mid-sized wedding lunch in a restaurant with about 70 people, but my fiancé and I intend to give our wedding helpers ang baos of $188 or $288, which some might consider on the higher end for the scale of our wedding. Ultimately, your ang bao is a gesture of gratitude and should feel right for your circumstances.
4. Tips for budgeting ang bao as a couple
- List everyone who should receive a ang bao — Start with a complete list (helpers, vendors, etc.) so you don’t overlook anyone and can estimate your total outlay.
- Agree on amounts for each group early — Use suggested ranges as a guide and factor in your relationship and what you’re already providing.
- Include ang bao in your main wedding budget — Set aside a specific portion of your budget just for ang bao, like you would for food or décor.
- Prioritise the most involved roles — If your budget is limited, focus higher amounts on those who are helping the most or taking on major duties.
- Prepare your ang bao packets in advance — Withdraw new notes and pack your ang bao early to avoid last-minute stress. Label them to ensure each ang bao goes to its intended recipient.
- Keep a simple record — Track who you’ve prepared ang bao for, and the amounts, to stay organised and avoid double-giving.
- Check in with your partner — Regularly review your ang bao plan together in case your wedding team changes or you need to adjust the budget.
- Have extra cash on hand — This will come in useful in case you feel extra appreciative on your wedding day and want to top up any ang baos.
ALSO READ: 5 Tips to Buy An Engagement Ring Under $1,000 in Singapore
5. Conclusion
Giving ang bao as a wedding couple is more than just following tradition—it’s a heartfelt way to thank the friends, family, and professionals who make your celebration possible. The exact amounts are less important than the thought and appreciation behind each packet. As long as you budget thoughtfully and give within your means, your gratitude will be felt and remembered. Ultimately, your wedding is about celebrating love and community, and a well-considered ang bao is a meaningful part of that story.
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This article was first drafted with the help of AI and later reviewed and refined by the author.
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