Let’s get one thing out of the way: Weddings in Singapore are expensive. Even before you start blinking at banquet prices or getting gaslit by florists who want to charge $1,200 for “boho chic” baby’s breath [51. Floral Arrangement trends for weddings (2025) in Singapore], you’re already spiralling down a rabbit hole of hidden costs and impulse upgrades.
Now that my fiancé and I are on the other side of it all—married, happy and slightly traumatised—I thought I’d do all my fellow brides-to-be a public service and break down what was worth every cent… and what I low-key regret spending on.
So here’s my honest, no-holds-barred post-wedding audit. Learn from my wins (and facepalms).
😬 What I Regret Spending On
1. Customised Wedding Favours
We ordered personalised mini soy candles with our initials and wedding date, because I thought it’d be “so meaningful.”
Reality: At least 30% were left behind on the tables like forgotten props.
Verdict: Cute, yes. But totally not essential. Save that budget or go edible (more on that later).
2. Fancy Envelope Liners for Invites
Yes, I was that girl. I saw these Pinterest-worthy gold-foiled envelope liners and thought, “This is my moment.”
Spoiler: No one noticed. Not even my own mother.
Invites get opened, glanced at, and dumped into the family WhatsApp group.
Verdict: Unless you’re doing snail-mail invites for the British royal family, skip the liner drama.
3. Too Many Bridesmaid Outfits
I got matching silk robes and customised pyjamas and coordinated dresses. Because, you know, aesthetics.
In the end? The girls only wore the robes for 20 minutes, and the dresses got swapped out halfway through because… pockets. (Or lack of.)
Verdict: One thoughtful outfit is enough. Focus on comfort and something they’d actually rewear.
4. Overly Elaborate Cake
We ordered a 3-tier fondant-covered masterpiece. Guess how many people ate it? Basically just my cousins and one uncle who loves desserts.
Banquet desserts were already included, and everyone was too busy taking photos and catching up to remember the cake table.
Verdict: If you’re not cutting the cake in front of everyone, consider a smaller, prettier dummy cake and serve something else guests will actually eat.
😍 What I Don’t Regret Spending On
1. Photographer & Videographer [53. Wedding Videographer – Necessary or Extra?]
This was non-negotiable for us. And honestly? Worth. Every. Dollar.
We hired a team that felt like part of the wedding party. They caught all the real, in-between moments—my dad tearing up, my MIL doing a cheeky dance, my husband looking at me like I’m a walking miracle.
Verdict: Get pros you vibe with. These are the memories you’ll keep forever.
2. Good Hair & Makeup [56. Wedding makeup vs day to day makeup for females]
I was tempted to save money and go for a lesser-known makeup artist. But I ended up splurging on someone who was really experienced with Singapore humidity, uneven eyelids, and bridal nerves.
And I’m so glad I did.
My face didn’t melt. My hair stayed. My confidence level? Beyoncé.
Verdict: Do the trial. Invest in someone who understands your face, not just trends.
3. Live Band [58. Live music at weddings - pros and cons]
This was a late add-on, and I was hesitant. But my fiancé convinced me and OH MY GOODNESS—it changed the whole energy of the dinner.
People were dancing, vibing and singing along. It felt like a party, not a stiff banquet.
Verdict: If budget allows, live music adds so much magic—especially in intimate venues.
4. Cold Brew Coffee Wedding Favours[28. 3 Wedding Favour Ideas Your Guests Will Actually Love]
Unlike the soy candles, the cold brew coffee bottles from Parallel Coffee Roasters were a hit. Everyone grabbed one on the way out. Some even asked for extras.
Verdict: Edible (or drinkable) favours FTW. Singaporeans love food. Don’t fight it.
5. Solemnisation Decor
I originally wanted to DIY, but at the last minute we hired a stylist to spruce up the space.
It was simple but stunning—florals, candles, a sweet backdrop with our names. It made our solemnisation ceremony feel like a whole moment, not just a legal formality wedged between lunch and tea.
Verdict: If you can’t do the whole ballroom extravaganza, elevate your solemnisation. It’s where the actual vows happen!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, people remember:- How they felt
- The couple’s love story
- Whether they were well-fed and didn’t sweat too much
They probably won’t remember if your napkins were linen or if your aisle runner had petals flown in from Japan.
So if you’re planning your big day in Singapore, spend on what brings you joy and meaning—not what TikTok told you to.
Because let me tell you: joy photographs really well.
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