Wedding Ang Bao Rates in Singapore (2026 Guide)

What Are Wedding Ang Bao Rates?

In Singapore, giving a red packet (ang bao) at weddings is a deeply rooted tradition. The amount you give typically reflects your relationship with the couple, the venue of the wedding, and the current cost of living. While there's no fixed rule, there are widely accepted guidelines that most Singaporeans follow.

The golden rule? Your ang bao should ideally cover the cost of your plate — and then some, as a genuine gift to the couple starting their new life together.

2026 Ang Bao Rates by Venue Type

Here's our recommended guide based on venue type and your relationship with the couple:

Hotel Ballroom (5-Star)

Think Fullerton, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Capella — the premium venues with tables ranging from $1,800++ to $3,000++ per table.

| Relationship | Per Person | Per Couple | |---|---|---| | Close friend | $200 - $250 | $400 - $500 | | Friend / Colleague | $150 - $200 | $300 - $400 | | Acquaintance | $120 - $150 | $250 - $300 | | Relative (close) | $250 - $300 | $500 - $600 | | Relative (distant) | $150 - $200 | $300 - $400 |

Hotel Ballroom (4-Star)

Hotels like Andaz, Sofitel, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL — tables typically range from $1,200++ to $1,800++ per table.

| Relationship | Per Person | Per Couple | |---|---|---| | Close friend | $150 - $200 | $300 - $400 | | Friend / Colleague | $120 - $150 | $250 - $300 | | Acquaintance | $100 - $120 | $200 - $250 | | Relative (close) | $200 - $250 | $400 - $500 | | Relative (distant) | $120 - $150 | $250 - $300 |

Restaurant / Country Club

Popular choices like CHIJMES, Raffles Town Club, Halia at Botanic Gardens — tables typically $800++ to $1,200++ per table.

| Relationship | Per Person | Per Couple | |---|---|---| | Close friend | $120 - $150 | $250 - $300 | | Friend / Colleague | $80 - $120 | $180 - $250 | | Acquaintance | $80 - $100 | $160 - $200 | | Relative (close) | $150 - $200 | $300 - $400 | | Relative (distant) | $100 - $120 | $200 - $250 |

Void Deck / Community Club / HDB Function Room

Budget-friendly options that keep celebrations warm and communal.

| Relationship | Per Person | Per Couple | |---|---|---| | Close friend | $80 - $100 | $160 - $200 | | Friend / Colleague | $50 - $80 | $100 - $160 | | Acquaintance | $50 - $60 | $100 - $120 | | Relative (close) | $100 - $150 | $200 - $300 | | Relative (distant) | $60 - $80 | $120 - $160 |

Factors That Affect How Much to Give

1. Venue Cost

The single biggest factor. A wedding at the Ritz-Carlton costs roughly $250-$300 per head, while a void deck reception might be $30-$50 per head. Your ang bao should at minimum cover your seat.

2. Your Relationship

The closer you are to the couple, the more generous the gift. Best friends and siblings are expected to give more than casual colleagues.

3. Reciprocity

If the couple gave you $200 at your wedding, it's customary to match or exceed that amount at theirs. Many families keep track of this carefully.

4. Your Financial Situation

Never go into debt over an ang bao. Give what you can comfortably afford — real friends understand.

5. Plus-One Considerations

If you're bringing a date who doesn't know the couple well, add proportionally for the extra seat.

Should You Give More or Less Than These Guidelines?

Give more if:

• You're part of the wedding party (bridesmaid, groomsman, emcee)
• The couple didn't charge you for your own wedding (common in closer circles)
• You want to genuinely bless the couple beyond covering your plate

Give less if (and that's OK!):

• You're a student or just started working
• You're attending multiple weddings in a short period
• You're facing financial difficulties — real friends won't judge

The Honest Truth About Ang Bao Culture

Let's be real: ang bao anxiety is a uniquely Singaporean stress. Many couples tell us they genuinely don't mind if guests give less than "expected" — they invited you because they want you there, not for the red packet.

That said, here are some honest observations from our community:

• Most couples do track ang bao amounts. Not to judge, but to reciprocate appropriately in the future.
• Under-giving by a lot is noticed. If you attend a $300/head dinner and give $50, it will be remembered.
• Cash is king. Cheques are inconvenient. Bank transfers are increasingly accepted but check with the couple first.
• Use new notes. It's considered good etiquette in Chinese culture. Queue at the bank before peak wedding season.
• Even numbers only. Avoid amounts with the digit 4 (considered unlucky). $138, $168, $188 are popular auspicious amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still give ang bao if I attend only the ceremony?

If you attend the solemnisation or church ceremony but not the dinner, a smaller token amount ($50-$80) or a thoughtful gift is perfectly appropriate.

What if I can't attend the wedding?

If you RSVP'd yes but can't make it last minute, it's polite to still send an ang bao (at least covering your plate cost, since the couple has already paid for your seat).

Is it OK to give a gift instead of cash?

Cash is strongly preferred in Singapore wedding culture. If you want to give a gift, combine it with a reasonable ang bao. Registry gifts are the exception — if the couple has a registry, honour that.

What about Malay or Indian weddings?

For Malay weddings, gifts or cash in green packets are common, with amounts typically $30-$80 depending on your relationship. For Hindu weddings, the traditions vary — when in doubt, ask a mutual friend or the couple directly.