How much do I need to save up for a wedding?

Someone emailed me, asking me to give a breakdown cost of a decent wedding with the usual requirements.

So how much do you really need to save up before a wedding? Let's do a break down of the necessary (or required by GF) expenses for a wedding.

Image credit: www.theworldofchinese.com

ROM
Estimated cost: min S$26.00 

Bethrothal Gold (娉金)
Estimated cost: min S$888.00 (very very very subjective)

Bethrothal Gift (聘礼)
Estimated cost: min S$300.00

*Teochew Dowry Jewellery (四點金)
Estimated cost: min S$3000.00 

*Banquet (4 star hotel & above)
Estimated cost: min S$1200.00 per table

*Wedding packages (including actual day gowns, actual day photography, wedding car decor)
Estimated cost: min S$3000.00

*Videographer (from morning gatecrashing to dinner)
Estimated cost: S$2000.00 including OT

Wedding bands
Estimated cost: min S$1000.00

*Engagement (Proposal) Ring
Estimated cost: min S$1500.00

*Wedding car rental
Estimated cost: min S$238.00

*Gatecrashing Angbao
Estimated cost: min S$188.00

Misc expenses for the Newlyweds bedroom
Estimated cost: min S$200.00

Misc angbaos of S$28.00 each
Estimated cost: min S$500.00

Pre-wedding Photoshoot
Estimated cost: min S$2000.00


*Denotes optional items (in my opinion)


Let's assume the couples only invite close friends and relatives. So they require 18 tables (180pax)

The total cost for a decent wedding would be: S$36,440.00.

This is just an estimate that you will need for a wedding. BUT not to worry, there are still ang baos from your guests which you can use to offset the cost.

ALWAYS assume you will make a loss of between 10% and 20% of the banquet. That will let you control your budget and not burst your budget.

Hence, you should get back S$18,360.00 (estimated loss of 15%).

Your total cost for the wedding is now: S$18,080.00.

FRET NOT GUYS! You only need S$18,000.00 to hold a decent wedding with banquet at a 4 star hotel.

It's not as difficult as you think!

If you omit those which I think are optional and can do without, it will only cost you S$5000.00! Take the balance of S$13,000 to go on a honeymoon in Europe instead!

It is always good to work out all these expenses to have a good idea of how much you really need for a wedding! Try not to overspend and keep to a budget (that is if your other half agrees). And SAVE for your BIG day!



Tags: wedding, expenses, budget, banquet, hotel, bethrothal gift, price, angbao