The Ultimate Singapore Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline (2026)

Why You Need a Singapore-Specific Checklist

Generic wedding checklists from American bridal websites are about as useful as a snow shovel in Jurong. Planning a wedding in Singapore involves unique logistics that no global template covers: ROM filing deadlines, HDB/BTO key collection coordination, guo da li ceremonies, tea ceremony logistics, table-by-table banquet planning, and navigating well-meaning but opinionated relatives.

This checklist is built specifically for Singapore couples getting married in 2026. It follows a 12-month countdown format, but if you have more or less time, simply adjust the timeline — the sequence of tasks matters more than the exact month.

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12 Months Before: The Foundation

This is when you lay the groundwork. The decisions you make now determine everything that follows.

The Big Conversations

• [ ] Set your total wedding budget — be honest about what you can afford. Include contributions from parents if applicable. Our wedding cost guide has detailed breakdowns.
• [ ] Decide on your wedding style — intimate ROM + lunch? Traditional Chinese banquet? Destination wedding? Church ceremony + reception?
• [ ] Discuss cultural/religious requirements — will there be a tea ceremony? Gate crash? Church blessing? Guo da li? Align early to avoid surprises.
• [ ] Agree on estimated guest count — this is the single biggest cost driver. Be realistic — your parents' list will be longer than you expect.
• [ ] Talk about the housing situation — are you applying for BTO, buying resale HDB, or renting? This affects your ROM timeline significantly (more on this below).

HDB & Housing Coordination

If you're planning to buy an HDB flat, your wedding timeline and housing timeline are deeply intertwined.

• [ ] BTO applicants: Check your estimated key collection date. You need to submit your marriage certificate to HDB within 3 months of key collection. Plan your ROM date accordingly.
• [ ] Resale HDB buyers: You can buy a resale flat before ROM, but you'll need to complete the marriage within the validity of your Option to Purchase (OTP). Coordinate timelines carefully.
• [ ] Already have a flat? One less thing to worry about. Focus on the wedding.

Pro tip: Many couples file their ROM early (a simple ceremony at the registry) to secure their HDB flat, then hold their "wedding celebration" — banquet, ceremony, the works — separately. This is extremely common in Singapore and perfectly fine.

Start Booking

• [ ] Research and shortlist banquet/reception venues — popular hotels and restaurants book 12–18 months in advance for peak dates
• [ ] Visit 3–5 venues in person — photos lie, especially about room size
• [ ] Book your venue with a signed contract and deposit — this locks in your date
• [ ] Research wedding planners (if using one) — full planners should be engaged now; day-of coordinators can wait until 6 months out

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10–11 Months Before: Lock In Key Vendors

Your venue is booked. Now it's time to assemble your vendor team.

Vendor Booking Priority List

Book these vendors in this order — they fill up fastest:

1. [ ] Photographer — popular photographers book 10–14 months ahead. See our photography guide.
2. [ ] Videographer — especially if you want a same-day edit (SDE) for the banquet
3. [ ] Bridal boutique — start trying on gowns and suits. Popular boutiques need 8–12 months for custom orders.
4. [ ] Wedding planner/coordinator (if not already booked)
5. [ ] Makeup artist — top MUAs book up fast, especially for peak season weekends

Administrative Tasks

• [ ] File your Notice of Marriage on the ROM portal — you can file up to 6 months before solemnization, but start the process early
• [ ] Decide on your solemnizer — ROM-appointed, Justice of the Peace, or religious leader. Browse the ROM directory.
• [ ] Check passport validity — if you're planning a honeymoon, ensure passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates

Guest List (First Draft)

• [ ] Create a master guest list spreadsheet — include columns for: name, relation (bride/groom side), table assignment, RSVP status, dietary restrictions, contact info
• [ ] Get parent input early — your parents will have their own must-invite list. Better to negotiate now than fight about it later.
• [ ] Set a realistic maximum — remember, every additional table at a hotel banquet costs S$1,500–$2,500+

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8–9 Months Before: Details Take Shape

Vendors & Services

• [ ] Book your florist/decorator — share your mood board and confirm the overall theme
• [ ] Book entertainment — live band, DJ, emcee, or a combination
• [ ] Book your wedding car — yes, even the bridal car needs to be booked months ahead for peak dates
• [ ] Start pre-wedding photography planning — choose locations, schedule the shoot for 4–6 months before the wedding
• [ ] Order wedding invitations — allow 4–6 weeks for printing plus mailing time

Attire Progress

• [ ] Bride: attend bridal gown fittings — expect 2–3 fitting sessions
• [ ] Groom: get measured for suit — custom suits need 6–8 weeks; off-the-rack needs alterations (2–4 weeks)
• [ ] Decide on bridesmaids/groomsmen attire — coordinate colours and style. In Singapore, matching outfits are common but not mandatory.
• [ ] Mother of the bride/groom dresses — don't forget! Mums want to look good too.

Cultural & Traditional Planning

• [ ] Consult parents on guo da li requirements — items vary by dialect group (Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka, Hainanese)
• [ ] Set the guo da li date — traditionally 2–4 weeks before the wedding. Choose an auspicious date if relevant.
• [ ] Research guo da li vendors — companies like Eternal Red Bonds or Bridely can supply complete sets
• [ ] Plan the pin jin (betrothal money) amount — discuss with both families to avoid awkwardness
• [ ] Discuss tea ceremony logistics — who serves tea to whom, in what order, what gifts to prepare (gold jewellery, ang bao, etc.)

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6–7 Months Before: Midway Checkpoint

Pre-Wedding Shoot

• [ ] Complete your pre-wedding photography shoot — local or overseas
• [ ] Select and edit favourite photos for invitations, reception decor, and montage video

Banquet Planning

• [ ] Confirm your banquet menu — most hotels offer tasting sessions. Book yours now.
• [ ] Finalize table count estimate — give your venue a preliminary number (you can adjust later, within the guaranteed minimum)
• [ ] Plan the banquet program — march-in, speeches, yam seng, games, video screening, cake cutting, first dance? Map out the sequence.
• [ ] Book your emcee if you haven't already — a good bilingual emcee is gold in Singapore's multilingual wedding scene

Hair & Makeup Trials

• [ ] Schedule bridal makeup trial — ideally 4–6 months before the wedding
• [ ] Test the look in different lighting — what looks great in studio may look different in hotel ballroom lighting
• [ ] Confirm hairstyle for each outfit change — most Singapore brides have 2–3 outfit changes (morning tea ceremony outfit, evening gown, second march-in dress)

Legal & Admin

• [ ] Complete ROM verification and statutory declaration — visit ROM's interim site or complete online if eligible
• [ ] Confirm solemnizer — upload consent to ROM portal
• [ ] Wedding insurance — optional but worth considering, especially for large-budget weddings. Policies cover vendor no-shows, venue cancellation, etc.

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4–5 Months Before: Commitments Firm Up

Invitations & RSVPs

• [ ] Send out wedding invitations — physical cards for older relatives, digital invitations for friends
• [ ] Include RSVP deadline — set it for 6–8 weeks before the wedding
• [ ] Include dietary restriction questions — halal, vegetarian, allergies
• [ ] Track RSVPs systematically — use your spreadsheet or a wedding website

Ceremony Details

• [ ] Write or choose your solemnization vows — personalised vows are becoming more popular in Singapore
• [ ] Choose ceremony readings (if applicable)
• [ ] Plan the gate crash games — coordinate with your brothers and bridesmaids. Keep it fun, not cruel.
• [ ] Prepare gate crash forfeit items — hongbao, silly props, etc.

Honeymoon

• [ ] Book flights and accommodation — prices climb closer to the date
• [ ] Apply for visas if needed — some countries need 4–8 weeks processing
• [ ] Arrange travel insurance

Home & Renovation (If Applicable)

• [ ] If you've collected your BTO/HDB keys: Start or continue renovation
• [ ] Engage an interior designer or contractor — good ones book 2–3 months out
• [ ] Order key furniture — some items (custom wardrobes, kitchen fittings) need 8–12 weeks

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2–3 Months Before: Final Coordination

Vendor Confirmations

• [ ] Confirm all vendor bookings — send a summary email to each vendor with date, time, location, and your contact details
• [ ] Provide a detailed timeline to photographer, videographer, makeup artist, and coordinator
• [ ] Confirm banquet menu and final table count — most hotels need confirmed numbers 2–4 weeks before
• [ ] Share the photography shot list — include must-have family group combos

Guest Management

• [ ] Chase outstanding RSVPs — call or WhatsApp anyone who hasn't responded. This is normal and expected.
• [ ] Finalize seating plan — the most stressful task of wedding planning. Accept that it will never be perfect.
• [ ] Prepare table assignment cards/chart
• [ ] Arrange transportation for elderly guests if venue is hard to reach

Guo Da Li Ceremony

• [ ] Purchase/collect all guo da li items — double check with your vendor or family
• [ ] Confirm guo da li logistics — which home, what time, who's attending
• [ ] Prepare return gifts from the bride's family (hui li)

Personal Prep

• [ ] Bride: start skincare routine — facials, skin treatments if planned. Don't try anything new closer to the wedding.
• [ ] Groom: haircut 2 weeks before — not the day before (in case it's too short)
• [ ] Schedule dental cleaning — you'll be smiling a lot
• [ ] Break in your wedding shoes — wear them around the house for a few days

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1 Month Before: The Home Stretch

An Chuang (Setting the Matrimonial Bed)

• [ ] Choose an auspicious date — typically 2–3 days before the wedding
• [ ] Purchase new bedding set (red for Chinese tradition)
• [ ] Prepare an chuang items — dried fruits, red dates, lotus seeds, peanuts, longans, and a tray of sweets
• [ ] Arrange for a "good fortune" person (usually a parent or elder with a happy marriage) to set the bed

Final Confirmations

• [ ] Reconfirm ALL vendors — call each one. Restate the date, time, and venue.
• [ ] Reconfirm solemnizer — triple check.
• [ ] Collect wedding gown, suits, and accessories — try everything on one last time
• [ ] Final makeup and hair trial (if doing a second trial)
• [ ] Prepare hongbao/ang bao for helpers: photographer, videographer, MUA, coordinator, drivers, daikam (wedding chaperone), siblings
• [ ] Prepare tea ceremony gifts — gold jewellery for parents and in-laws, ang bao for elders
• [ ] Write thank-you speech — keep it under 3 minutes. Seriously.

Practical Logistics

• [ ] Prepare a day-of emergency kit: safety pins, double-sided tape, blister plasters, Panadol, mints, stain remover, sewing kit, phone charger, tissues
• [ ] Print table seating chart and place cards
• [ ] Prepare reception table items — guest book, card box (for ang baos), photo display
• [ ] Assign day-of duties — who's collecting ang baos? Who's managing the registration table? Who's coordinating with the hotel? Delegate clearly.
• [ ] Inform your bridal party of the full timeline — share a WhatsApp group with all details

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1 Week Before: Breathe

Final Week Checklist

• [ ] Confirm final guest headcount with your venue
• [ ] Pack everything you need for the wedding day in one place — gown, suits, shoes, accessories, marriage cert docs, IC/passports, emergency kit
• [ ] Charge all devices — phones, portable chargers, cameras (if using any personal devices)
• [ ] Prepare ang baos for vendors and helpers — label each one clearly
• [ ] Confirm pickup times with your wedding car driver
• [ ] Lay out your outfit for each part of the day — morning outfit, afternoon outfit, evening gown
• [ ] Get your nails done (bride)
• [ ] Get a good night's sleep — easier said than done, but try

The Rehearsal

• [ ] Walk through the ceremony with your bridal party and coordinator
• [ ] Confirm gate crash timing and logistics with brothers/bridesmaids
• [ ] Confirm tea ceremony sequence — who serves tea to whom, in what order
• [ ] Review the banquet program — march-in song, speech order, video timing

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Wedding Day: The Big Day Itself

Typical Singapore Wedding Day Timeline

| Time | Event | Key People | |---|---|---| | 5:00–6:00 AM | Bride starts hair & makeup | MUA, bride, bridesmaids | | 6:00–6:30 AM | Groom gets ready | Groom, brothers | | 7:00–7:30 AM | Groom departs for bride's home | Groom, brothers, photographer | | 7:30–8:30 AM | Gate crash games | Everyone | | 8:30–9:30 AM | Tea ceremony (bride's side) | Immediate families | | 9:30–10:30 AM | Travel to groom's home | Couple, photographer | | 10:30–11:30 AM | Tea ceremony (groom's side) | Immediate families | | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM | Couple portraits + lunch break | Couple, photographer | | 1:00–4:00 PM | Rest / outfit change | Couple | | 4:30–5:30 PM | Arrive at banquet venue | Couple, coordinator | | 5:30–6:30 PM | Photos at venue / cocktail hour | Photographer, guests | | 7:00 PM | Banquet begins | Everyone | | 7:15 PM | First march-in | Couple, emcee | | 7:30–8:30 PM | Dinner (courses 1–4) | Everyone | | 8:30 PM | Second march-in / outfit change | Couple | | 8:45 PM | Yam seng | Everyone | | 9:00 PM | Speeches, video montage screening | Parents, best man/maid of honour | | 9:30–10:00 PM | Table photos, cake cutting | Couple, photographer | | 10:00–10:30 PM | Final course, dessert, farewell | Everyone |

Pro tips for the day:

• Eat breakfast. You will not have time to eat once things start moving.
• Designate an ang bao person you trust completely — they'll be handling a lot of cash.
• Stay hydrated. Singapore heat + heavy outfits + emotion = dehydration risk.
• Don't stress about the small stuff. Something will go wrong. It always does. Your guests won't notice.

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After the Wedding

Within 1 Week

• [ ] Submit marriage certificate to HDB (if applicable — required within 3 months of key collection)
• [ ] Change your name on IC (if applicable) — visit ICA
• [ ] Send thank-you messages to parents, bridal party, and key helpers
• [ ] Tip/thank your vendors — a positive Google review goes a long way

Within 1 Month

• [ ] Count and bank the ang baos — track amounts in your spreadsheet for future reference (when you attend their weddings!)
• [ ] Update your legal documents — bank accounts, insurance policies, CPF nominations, will
• [ ] Change address with relevant authorities if you've moved to a new home
• [ ] Return rented items — gowns, suits, accessories, decor
• [ ] Follow up on photo/video delivery — most photographers deliver within 6–10 weeks

Within 3 Months

• [ ] Receive and review wedding photos — back up to cloud + external drive
• [ ] Order prints and album — do it while the excitement is fresh. Couples who wait a year often never get around to it.
• [ ] Write thank-you cards to key guests and helpers (optional but classy)
• [ ] Submit marriage certificate to HDB if you haven't yet — this is the deadline
• [ ] Update CPF nominations — important and often forgotten

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Singapore-Specific Tips & Tricks

Navigating Family Politics

• Start the guest list conversation early. Your parents will have opinions. Strong ones. Address this at month 12, not month 3.
• The "family table" dilemma: In Chinese weddings, seating your divorced parents, estranged relatives, or feuding aunties requires diplomacy. Discuss with your planner or a trusted family member.
• Contribution expectations: Some parents contribute financially and expect input on guest list, venue, or menu. Set boundaries early but respectfully.

Saving Money Without Sacrificing Quality

• Weekday or Sunday weddings can save 20–30% on venue costs
• Lunch banquets are cheaper than dinner — and end earlier, giving you your evening back
• Off-peak months (January–March, July–August) often have promotional rates
• Combine photo and video with one studio for package discounts
• DIY your decor strategically — table numbers, guest book, photo display are easy wins
• Skip the bridal car upgrade — your guests won't remember if you arrived in a Mercedes or a decorated Grab

Managing the Ang Bao Math

Your ang bao collection at the banquet will offset some wedding costs, but don't count on breaking even. Current average rates:

• Hotel banquet: S$150–$250 per guest
• Restaurant wedding: S$100–$180 per guest
• Colleagues/acquaintances: typically on the lower end
• Close friends/relatives: higher end, especially if they're already married

See our ang bao rates guide for detailed breakdowns by venue type and relationship.

The BTO-Wedding Timing Dance

This deserves its own section because it trips up so many couples:

1. You need to be married to collect BTO keys. Specifically, you must submit your marriage certificate within 3 months of key collection.
2. BTO completion dates are estimates. Delays of 6–12 months are common. Don't plan your wedding banquet date solely around your BTO key collection date.
3. The common strategy: File ROM and do a simple legal marriage (at ROM or a small ceremony) when you're ready to collect keys. Hold the "big wedding" — banquet, celebration, the works — whenever suits you, even months later.
4. Resale HDB is more flexible but still requires coordination between OTP validity and your ROM date.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to plan a Singapore wedding?

9–14 months is the sweet spot. You can do it in 6 months if you're decisive and your preferred vendors are available, but 12 months gives you a comfortable buffer for booking, fittings, and family coordination.

What's the first thing I should book?

Your venue. Everything else — photographer, menu, decor — depends on the date and location. Lock in your venue first, then build your vendor team around it.

Should I hire a wedding planner?

If your budget allows it, yes. A full planner (S$3,000–$8,000) handles vendor coordination, timeline management, and problem-solving. A day-of coordinator (S$1,500–$3,000) is a more affordable option that ensures your actual day runs smoothly. Either way, having a professional managing logistics means you actually get to enjoy your wedding.

Do I need to ROM before my banquet?

Not necessarily on the same day, but your marriage must be solemnized at some point. Many couples ROM months before their banquet for HDB purposes or personal preference. Others solemnize during the banquet itself. Both approaches are common in Singapore.

How do I handle the guo da li if my partner is from a different dialect group?

Discuss with both sets of parents. Each dialect group (Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka, Hainanese) has slightly different customs and items. A common approach is to follow the bride's family's dialect traditions, but this varies. When in doubt, consult an experienced guo da li vendor — they deal with cross-dialect weddings all the time.

What if my BTO is delayed?

This is common. If your BTO completion is delayed beyond your planned ROM date, you have options: proceed with ROM anyway (you'll just need to rent or stay with family until keys arrive), or delay your ROM to align with the new key collection date. Most couples choose to ROM first and sort out the flat later.

How much should I budget for a Singapore wedding?

A realistic range for a mid-range Singapore wedding is S$30,000–$55,000, including a hotel banquet for 15–20 tables. Budget weddings can work for S$15,000–$25,000, while luxury celebrations at premium hotels can exceed S$100,000. See our wedding cost breakdown for detailed numbers.

What documents do I need for ROM?

• NRIC (for Singapore Citizens/PRs) or passport (for foreigners)
• Proof of termination of previous marriage (if applicable) — final divorce papers or death certificate
• Parental consent (if under 21)
• MOM approval (if either party is a current/former Work Permit holder marrying an SC/PR)
• Filing fee: S$42 (SC/PR) or S$380 (both foreigners)

Can I change my wedding date after booking?

It depends on your venue and vendor contracts. Most venues allow date changes with advance notice, but you may lose your deposit if you're within the cancellation window. Read your contracts carefully before signing, and consider wedding insurance for added protection.

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Your Printable Checklist Summary

Here's a condensed version you can screenshot or print:

12 months: Budget → Guest count → Book venue → Start vendor research 10–11 months: Book photographer, videographer, bridal boutique, MUA → File ROM 8–9 months: Book florist, entertainment, wedding car → Send invitations → Start fittings 6–7 months: Pre-wedding shoot → Banquet menu tasting → Makeup trial → ROM verification 4–5 months: Chase RSVPs → Write vows → Book honeymoon → Gate crash planning 2–3 months: Confirm all vendors → Finalize seating → Guo da li ceremony → Prepare hongbaos 1 month: An chuang → Final fittings → Collect gown → Write speeches → Emergency kit 1 week: Final confirmations → Pack everything → Rehearsal → Rest Wedding day: Breathe. Eat breakfast. Enjoy every moment. 💛

This checklist is based on 2025–2026 Singapore wedding planning norms. Timelines and requirements may vary based on your specific situation, cultural background, and venue choices.