Between demanding careers, family commitments and life’s endless to-do list, carving out time for wedding preparation can seem impossible. You may long for a celebration that’s thoughtful, personalised and stress-free, but feel daunted by how to fit it all into your calendar. It’s astonishing just how much planning a single day can require.
If the thought of coordinating meetings with vendors or researching seating plans feels like adding another job to your plate, this article is for you.
Here at I-PRIMO, we’ve distilled the process into an elegantly simple timeline, paired with a streamlined checklist and a realistic budget framework, so you can spend less time worrying and more time savouring your engagement.
Designed for couples on the go—whether you’re launching a business, climbing the career ladder or managing a household—this guide ensures you reach your wedding day feeling composed, connected and utterly ready to say “I do”.
A Refined Wedding Timeline
12 to 14 Months Out
Begin by insuring your engagement ring and setting up a wedding‑specific email and cloud folder to centralise all correspondence. Over a quiet dinner, agree on your overall budget and guest‑list priorities; these decisions will shape venue choices, vendor hiring and catering numbers. Research potential venues—from lush Botanic Gardens lawns to elegant hotel ballrooms and industrial‑chic lofts—and, if it suits your budget, schedule consultations with a full‑service planner. Finally, launch a simple wedding website to share save‑the‑dates, travel details and inspiration with friends and family.
11 to 10 Months Out
Lock in your ceremony and reception venues now that your date is set in stone. Select your wedding party—bridesmaids, groomsmen, or any special roles—and let them know what to expect in terms of attire, responsibilities and celebrations, from fittings to pre-wedding events. Book your key vendors—photographer, videographer, florist and entertainment—ensuring you review portfolios and contracts carefully. Shop for your wedding attire, allowing at least two fittings: gowns typically start from S$2,000 and bespoke suits from S$800. Don’t forget to reserve hotel room blocks for out‑of‑town guests and consider transport options like shuttle coaches or rideshares.
9 to 8 Months Out
Send your save‑the‑dates (digital or printed) once you have a rough headcount, giving guests ample notice. Finalise your menu with your caterer (expect S$80–150 per head) and schedule a tasting session. Order formal invitations with an RSVP deadline roughly six weeks before your big day, and book hair and make‑up trials to perfect your bridal look.
7 to 6 Months Out
Confirm your florist’s design for bouquets, table centrepieces and any special installations. It’ll be good to exchange Pinterest boards and mood images to fine‑tune colours and textures. Book your rehearsal‑dinner venue and send those invitations once your guest list is finalised. Shop for wedding bands (S$1,200–2,000 each) and apply for your marriage licence at the Registry of Marriages. If you wish, attend premarital counselling to strengthen communication and align expectations.
5 to 4 Months Out
Lock in your cake design and complete your cake tasting (budget S$500–1,000), then confirm delivery logistics. Begin any DIY projects—calligraphy place cards, personalised signage or welcome‑bag items—so you avoid last‑minute stress. Mail formal invitations and, once replies arrive, draft your seating‑chart layout. Liaise with your DJ or band to finalise playlists and do‑not‑play lists, ensuring the atmosphere reflects your tastes.
3 to 2 Months Out
Write and practise your vows aloud, letting the words flow naturally rather than last‑minute panic. Assemble welcome bags with thoughtful touches—locally made snacks, cosy socks or travel‑size toiletries—and schedule a final venue walkthrough with your planner and key vendors. Chase any outstanding RSVPs, update your caterer with the final headcount, and attend your first dress or suit fitting to purchase undergarments and resolve any tailoring needs.
1 Month to Week Before
Print your ceremony programmes, menus, place cards and signage. Delegate day‑of responsibilities—tipping envelopes, vendor contact lists, an “on‑call” person for guest needs, and someone to discreetly oversee reception table logistics, including gift and envelope collection. Break in your wedding shoes at home to ensure comfort. In the week leading up, confirm deliveries and timings with all vendors, rehearse the ceremony with your wedding party, pack your honeymoon luggage and savour a relaxed rehearsal dinner with loved ones.
Day Of and After
On the morning, sip water, enjoy hair and make‑up, and exchange private notes or gifts with your partner. This is your moment to be present—let your coordinator take care of any last-minute details so you can focus on joy, not logistics. After the wedding, send handwritten thank‑you cards, preserve your gown, order your wedding album. And most importantly, take time to reflect on the memories you’ve created together.
Budget Snapshot
Below is an overview of typical wedding costs in Singapore. Use this as a foundation, then adjust according to your priorities. For example, some couples prefer splurging on photography and saving on décor.
|
Category |
Low Range (S$) | High Range (S$) |
|
Venue and F&B |
15,000 |
40,000 |
|
Photography and Videography |
2,500 |
6,000 |
|
Attire (Bride and Groom) |
3,000 |
7,000 |
|
Florals and Styling |
2,000 |
5,000 |
|
Entertainment |
1,000 |
4,000 |
|
Stationery |
500 |
1,500 |
|
Rings |
2,500 |
4,000 |
|
Transport |
500 |
2,000 |
|
Miscellaneous and Contingency |
1,000 |
3,000 |
| Total | 27,100 |
71,500 |
Note: Aim to set aside at least 10 percent of your total budget as a contingency for any unexpected extras.
Hidden or Overlooked Costs
It’s all too easy to forget the extra charges that accompany many wedding services. Venues and vendors typically add a 10-12 percent service charge plus GST on top of their base rates. Don’t be caught out by corkage or cake‑cutting fees, as these can range from S$200 to S$500 depending on your venue. Factor in freight, set‑up and tear‑down costs for any AV equipment or rented décor (often S$300–800) and, if you plan special effects such as a lion dance performance or drone footage, allow an additional S$100–300 for licences and permits.
A Smooth Payment Timeline
Mapping out when the money leaves your account keeps cash flow calm. Plan to pay a 10 percent deposit on your venue as soon as you book. Around three months before the date, a second instalment of roughly 40 percent will usually fall due. The remaining balance, which is about half of the venue cost, tends to be payable two weeks prior to your wedding. Apply the same pattern to other major vendors (photographer, caterer, florist) so you never face multiple large bills at once.
Expert Insights and Practical Advice
Seasonal Savings
Booking peak‑season dates (May–October) can be costlier. Consider a weekday or off‑season celebration to unlock discounts.
Virtual Guest‑List Manager
Use WhatsApp or Telegram groups for guest communications. Reminders and updates circulate instantly, reducing no‑shows.
Live‑Stream Option
For overseas relatives, set up a simple Facebook Live or Zoom link. This adds minimal cost but deepens connection.
Eco‑Friendly Favour Swap
Replace single‑use favours with digital “thank‑you” cards or donate to a charity in guests’ names, reflecting modern values.
Vendor Combo Deals
Ask if your planner or venue offers bundled services. Photography, flowers and stationery from a single supplier may yield a better rate.
Micro‑Wedding Hybrid
Combine an intimate in‑person ceremony (30 guests) with a larger virtual reception for scalability and budget control.
DIY Photo‑Booth Wall
Repurpose off‑cuts of your stationery paper or fabric swatches as a backdrop. Guests will love the bespoke touch!
Snack Surprise
Instead of traditional cake, arrange for local food carts (satay, prata) to arrive post‑dance for a fun local twist.
Your 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist
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Period |
Task |
✓ |
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12–14 Months |
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11–10 Months |
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9–8 Months |
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7–6 Months |
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5–4 Months |
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3–2 Months |
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1 Month–Week Before |
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Day Of |
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After |
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Seal Your Promise with I-PRIMO
As you look back on each thoughtfully planned detail—from the first venue visit to that final fitting—remember that this day is a celebration of you two. It’s the laughter you’ve shared over candle samples, the quiet moments filling in your vows, and the way your partner’s hand feels in yours as you step toward the altar. Trust in your journey, lean on each other when spreadsheets feel overwhelming, and cherish the love that underpins every choice!
Now, take the next step in your own love story: select the engagement ring that will forever symbolise this chapter. At I‑PRIMO, we’re honoured to help you find the piece that reflects your unique bond. Here’s to the many beautiful moments ahead—your “I do” awaits.
Begin your story with I‑PRIMO today. Make a reservation.
