Budgeting for a Muslim Wedding in Singapore (Q&A Edition)

Planning a wedding is exciting — but we get it, budget talks rarely make the list of fun tasks. While it may not sound as appealing as dress shopping or food tasting, setting a clear budget helps ensure you spend where it matters most as the big day draws near. So if the numbers feel overwhelming, you’re not alone! Many couples share similar concerns: how much should be set aside for the venue? What about catering? This Q&A guide breaks it all down so you can make confident choices and keep the planning process as stress-free as possible. Note: All costs mentioned are estimates for the years 2025 and 2026. Please check with your preferred vendors directly for the most accurate and up-to-date prices.  

Wedding Costs at a Glance

One of the most popular questions couples ask is: “How much does a wedding actually cost?” The answer? It largely depends on your guest list and priorities! Categories that involve guests, like venue and catering, can account for at least 40% to 50% of total expenses — which is why we’ll start with those.  

Q1: How much should we set aside for the venue?

To work out the actual amount, start by deciding whether you’ll be holding your nikah and sanding at the same place or at different venues.  

• Combining both in one venue often simplifies logistics and can reduce décor and rental fees since you’re setting up just one space.
• Splitting venues (e.g. nikah at a mosque and sanding at a hotel) can be more meaningful, allowing for a customised atmosphere for each ceremony. Do keep in mind, however, the additional expenses and time taken for transport, décor and coordinating multiple bookings.

Here’s a rough estimate of Singapore’s venue rental prices:  

• Community centre halls and HDB void decks are reasonably priced from a minimum of $70. This usually covers water and electricity usage but you’ll have to budget separately for catering, furniture, AV, etc.
• Mosques can range from $500 to $2,200 depending on the location, facilities and package type. They’re a popular choice for solemnisation, but note that space and rental time may be relatively limited e.g. some nikah packages cover only 2 hours with 15 chairs provided.
• Hotel ballrooms and dedicated wedding venues are priced from $8,000 to $15,000 upwards, depending on guest numbers and whether it’s a weekend/peak season. These often come with all-inclusive services, so be sure to check with the venue representative for those packages! 

  Tip: When considering the all-inclusive route or á la carte route, take note of what you’ll have to source separately (if you go the á la carte route). This can help you get a full picture of all your options. While all-inclusive packages may come with a seemingly higher upfront price tag, these venues can save you both cost and hassle in the long run — just check out The Iris’ packages! Since they cover catering, professional photography and more, you won’t need to juggle multiple vendors.

Q2: How much does catering cost?

Catering usually charges per person so the size of your guest list will determine the cost. Most caterers provide plated courses or buffet stations, though price varies by menu and level of service. Assuming you’re inviting 200 guests, catering can range from:

• $4,000 for a standard buffet ($20 per pax) to
• $10,000 for premium menus ($50 per pax).

Tip: If you’re not choosing a comprehensive wedding package, be sure to request quotes from multiple caterers. Don’t forget to compare their services (e.g. number of servers per buffet station) and variety of dishes so as to get the best value.

Q3: What about décor and entertainment?

Good food keeps your guests happy, but it’s the décor and entertainment that truly bring the party to life. How much you spend here really depends on how elaborate you’d like your celebration to be.  

• Décor: Pelamin and floral sets typically range from $3,000 to $5000 for a basic setup and at least $7,000 for fresh flowers and fully customised designs. 
• Entertainment: Emcees and kompang troupes can range from $500 to $800 each while DJs and live bands charge between $1,000 to $2,000.

  Tip: Check with your venue if they offer all-in-one packages that cover décor and entertainment so you won’t have to manage multiple services. At The Iris, for instance, packages include a pelamin setup alongside a professional emcee.  

Q4: What nikah costs should we budget for apart from the venue?

Beyond the venue rental (see Q1), there are a few smaller but equally important expenses tied to the nikah itself. First, you’ll need to allocate $39 for registration of marriage under the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM). It’s also customary to prepare a token of appreciation for the tok kadi, this being around $80 to $100 to cover their time and transport costs.

Q5: Are mahar and hantaran compulsory?

Speaking of customs, many couples may wonder about the role of mahar (dowry) and hantaran in a Malay wedding.  

• Mahar (mandatory): This is a legally required gift from the groom to the bride. Currently, the minimum amount is $100. The mahar can come in the form of cash or items of equal value e.g. jewellery.
• Hantaran (customary): This is an optional gift from the groom to the bride’s family. The amount is usually agreed upon by the couple and their families.

 

Q6: How much should we budget for attire and makeup?

As your wedding is a momentous occasion, you’ll naturally want to look and feel your best. These days, it’s common for couples to prepare between two to five outfits — a modest look for the nikah, followed by a traditional songket and sometimes a Western-style gown for the sanding. Rental packages for two complete sets typically range between $1,500 to $3,500 per person, depending on the designer and number of alterations. For custom pieces, it’s best to consult the bridal boutique or tailor for a direct quote, so you can factor the cost into your budget accurately. Some boutiques bundle in bridal makeup and hairstyling as part of their bridal packages. If booked separately, expect to set aside $400 to $700 per session based on the artist’s experience and whether touch-ups are included. Tip: Inquire about comprehensive packages that cover both attire and makeup for possible cost savings. Remember to check what’s included such as trials, touch-ups and accessories.

Q7: What’s the cost of wedding photography and videography?

While your celebration lasts only a day, photos and videos last a lifetime. Expect to spend at least:

• $1,500 to $2,500 for photography or
• $2,400 to $4,200 for both photography and videography. 

The exact amount varies with the type of package, coverage hours, your photographer’s experience and deliverables (e.g same-day edits). Weddings can sometimes run longer than planned, so it’s also wise to check how extra hours are charged! Tip: Look for studios that bundle photography and videography, or work with partner vendors. Bundled packages ensure a coordinated experience and in many cases, offer a better overall rate than booking each service separately.   

Q8: What about wedding favours and invitations?

Door gifts and invitations are a thoughtful way to connect with your guests, and they don’t have to strain your wallet. Bulk buying favours (e.g. keychains or candles are priced at $2 to $5 per guest) or sending out digital e-invites are simple ways to help stretch your budget while still adding a personalised touch.

Final Tips for Budgeting Your Wedding

The key to budgeting is prioritising what matters most to you as a couple and planning around that. To help get you started, here are a few things you can consider:  

• Book early to enjoy cost savings or secure better deals. If you’re unsure when to book, our step-by-step Wedding Timeline suggests ideal months to contact specific vendors by.
• Set a clear savings target so you’re aware of what you’re working towards
• Attend bridal showcases for exclusive discounts (Follow us @theiriscityplaza to stay updated on the latest events!)
• Build in a 5% buffer for last-minute expenses or unexpected costs.

 

Bringing It All Together 

Budgeting may feel daunting at first but once you’ve mapped out the major costs and set aside funds for the smaller details, you’ll have peace of mind knowing everything is accounted for. The only thing left to do is enjoy your big day surrounded by the people you love! If you’d like to know more about how an all-in-one package can simplify your budget planning, we invite you to message us at +65 9647 7711 or come meet us in person at our next showcase!