Weddings in Singapore aren’t cheap. You start with a number in mind, and somehow it triples. One vendor leads to another, and suddenly you’re deciding between a photo booth or a second dress.
It’s easy to get swept up. It’s also easy to feel like you have to do it all. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to spend big on everything. You just have to spend smart.
At I-PRIMO, we meet couples every day who are excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between. And over the years, we’ve noticed that the happiest couples aren’t the ones who had the “perfect” wedding. They’re the ones who felt good about where their money went.
So here’s a list of 10 practical ways to figure out what to splurge on and what you can skip—especially if you’re planning a wedding in Singapore.
1. Splurge on the rings, you’ll wear them forever
You’ll probably take your wedding photos down one day. You might donate your dress or suit. But the wedding rings? They stay through work days, anniversaries, birthdays, rough patches, kids, everything.
So get rings you genuinely love. Don’t settle. Try on different styles. Think about how it feels on your finger. Think about what story it tells. If you’re going to splurge on one thing, this is it.
2. Save on fancy invites
We all love beautiful invitations—but honestly? Most guests will RSVP, snap a photo for the date, and toss the card. Especially if they’re coming as a couple and only one person reads it.
These days, digital invites are gorgeous, functional, and budget-friendly. Some couples go half-half: printed ones for the grandparents, digital for everyone else. That works too.
3. Spend a little more on the photographer who gets you
There’s always a cheaper option. But your photographer is the one capturing the real stuff, like the look on your face when you first lock eyes, the moment your parents tear up, the quiet in-between shots.
Don’t just pick someone because they come in under budget. Look at full wedding galleries, not just Instagram posts. If their photos make you feel something, that’s the one.
4. Don’t stress over wedding favours
You don’t need to thank guests with mini jars of jam or engraved coasters. Most of them will forget to take it anyway.
If you really want to give something, edible is always a win. Or meaningful, like a handwritten note at their seat. Some couples make a small donation to a cause they care about and let guests know with a printed card on the table. That’s beautiful too.
5. Food is definitely worth the spend
In Singapore, we don’t mess around with food. People will remember what they ate at your wedding. And they’ll talk about it, good or bad.
So feed your guests well. Doesn’t have to be a five-star hotel spread. It just needs to be delicious, and ideally, a little “you”. Maybe it’s your favourite zi char dishes, or a Japanese buffet that reminds you of your trip to Tokyo. Just make it memorable.
6. Cut back on over-decorating
Those Pinterest weddings with hanging florals, draped fabric, ten thousand candles? Gorgeous, but potentially expensive.
You don’t need to fill every space. Choose a few spots to highlight (like your solemnisation backdrop or reception entry), and keep the rest simple. Borrow greenery from the venue if it’s outdoors. Use candles or dried flowers. It’ll still look amazing, and your wallet will thank you.
7. Music is worth every cent if it fits your vibe
Music shapes the mood more than you think. A good emcee or band makes the night feel smooth and natural. A bad one… well, you’ll feel it.
Whether it’s a string quartet, a Spotify playlist with someone hitting “next”, or a live band, make sure it sounds like you. And make sure whoever’s holding the mic knows how to read a room.
8. A smaller guest list isn’t worse
We know. Singapore weddings get big fast. Your parents want to invite their colleagues. You feel bad not including that one cousin.
But think about it: Would you rather spend time with people who know your story, or wave politely at 50 guests whose names you forgot?
A smaller guest list gives you space to breathe. You actually get to enjoy your wedding, not just host it.
9. Spend on the outfit but don’t overthink it
You don’t need ten outfit changes. You do need one that fits well and makes you feel good.
It doesn’t have to be designer. It doesn’t have to be new. But it should feel like you. Something you can move in, laugh in, maybe cry a little in. You’ll remember how you felt, not what label it had.
10. Save on planning help (if you’re naturally organised)
Full-service wedding planners are amazing, but not always necessary. If you love planning, already have vendors in mind, or just want to keep things simple, go with a coordinator instead.
They’ll take over on the actual day, so you can just show up, be present, and soak it all in. No need to chase after the emcee or check if the florist showed up.
Choose What Matters to You
You’ll hear a lot of advice. Some of it will be helpful. Some of it won’t. The truth is: every couple has different priorities.
Maybe you care about the food. Maybe it’s the photos. Maybe it’s just having your closest friends and family in one room. That’s the part worth spending on.
At I-PRIMO, we see this every day. Couples walk in excited, nervous, unsure—but always looking for something that feels right. And that’s what we help with. Not just picking a ring, but finding the one that fits into your story without feeling like just another checkbox.
So take a deep breath. Spend where it counts. And remember: you don’t need a perfect wedding—you just need a wedding that feels like you.
Visit our boutique to find a ring that feels right—one you’ll be proud to wear, every single day.
