Singapore Wedding Ang Bao Etiquette 2024

When it comes to giving a wedding ang baos, there are no hard and fast rules. A good starting point is to give enough to cover the cost of your seat at the wedding. This is generally considered polite and ensures that you’re not adding to the couple’s expenses.

If you’re close to the couple—like a close relative or a best friend—it’s thoughtful to be a bit more generous. Adding an extra 20% to your ang bao is a great way to show your support on their special day.

The wedding venue can guide how much you give in your ang bao. If it’s at a high-end spot like Marina Bay Sands or The Fullerton Hotel, consider giving more, as these venues are pricier. 

The day of the wedding matters too. Weekend weddings, especially on Saturdays, are usually more expensive, so a higher ang bao might be appropriate. For weekday weddings, a slightly lower amount could be suitable.

How Much Money Do You Give at a Wedding in Singapore?

When deciding on your wedding ang bao amount, aim to cover at least your share of the cost.

• For a high-end hotel wedding, you might consider $300 to $500 if you’re close family
• $200 to $300 as a close friend
• For colleagues or acquaintances, $100 to $200 is more typical.

Adjust the amount based on the venue and time: weekend dinners are more costly than weekday lunches, so increase your gift accordingly. 

For non-hotel venues, like restaurants or temple hall weddings, consider the event’s scale and formality. A decent range is $30 to $100 per person for casual settings, and $51 to $101+ for temple halls. For void deck weddings, $20-$30 per person is appropriate, while country club receptions might warrant $30-$50.

Here are the 2024 Ang Bao rates for different wedding venues in Singapore, categorized by day of the week to help you prepare.

Where the weddings held directly dictates the wedding ang bao amount. For hotel weddings, high-end venues demand higher contributions, while more casual spots, like Chinese restaurants, community centers or church weddings, allow for less. Match your gift to the venue’s standard—it’s about respecting the couple’s choice as indicated in their wedding invitation.

Factors to Consider When Deciding the Ang Bao Amount

When deciding how much to give in an ang bao, several factors come into play.

1. Relationship with the Couple

Of course, a wedding wouldn’t be complete without the couple’s most important people. If you’re one of these, you might want to consider your role when deciding the ang bao amount:

• Close Family: Immediate family members like siblings or parents often give higher amounts, as their close bond and significant role in the couple’s lives are reflected in their generosity.
• Close Friends: For close friends, the ang bao tends to be generous, symbolizing the deep personal connection and shared history with the couple.
• Colleagues: In a professional setting, a moderate amount is usually appropriate. It reflects respect and well-wishes without the personal attachment found in closer relationships.
• Acquaintances: When the relationship is more distant, like with acquaintances, the contribution might be smaller, reflecting a polite acknowledgment rather than a deep personal connection.

2. Type of Event

When deciding on the ang bao amount, the type of event plays a significant role. For instance:

• ROM Ceremony: These events are typically more intimate and less formal, so contributions might be on the lower side. Think of it as a small gathering where close friends and family are present, like at a simple lunch at a venue such as Ah Yat Seafood Restaurant.
• Banquet: A traditional dinner reception like a Chinese banquet usually requires a larger ang bao, especially in more upscale venues like Marina Bay Sands, where the ang bao might be higher to cover the cost of the meal and the grandeur of the event.
• Destination Wedding: If the couple is hosting a destination wedding, attendees often factor in travel expenses alongside the ang bao. This might lead to higher contributions, particularly if the event is held at a luxurious location like The Clifford Pier at The Fullerton Bay Hotel.

3. Day and Time of the Event

Weddings on weekends are pricier, so guests typically give more. At Marina Bay Sands, a weekend wedding dinner might be $350, while a weekday lunch is $290. 

Dinner events, being more formal, often demand a higher ang bao—like $310 for a Friday dinner at The Fullerton Hotel versus $290 for a Sunday lunch.

What is a Good Ang Bao Number for a Wedding?

When it comes to giving a wedding ang bao etiquette, there are several key beliefs and traditions to follow, ensuring your gift is both respectful and considered auspicious.

• Avoid the Number Four
  In Chinese tradition, the number four is linked to death and misfortune, making it a number to avoid. So, when you’re preparing your ang bao, steer clear of amounts like S$4, S$44, or anything containing a four.
• Embrace the Lucky Eight
  Eight is the luckiest number in Chinese culture and other Chinese dialects, symbolizing prosperity and wealth. An amount like S$88 or S$168 is not only generous but also brings good fortune to the couple.
• Favor Even Numbers
  Even numbers are considered lucky, embodying the saying, “good things come in pairs.” However, the number four remains an exception. Aim for amounts that end in even digits, avoiding odd numbers.
• Present Crisp Banknotes
  Ang bao etiquette suggests giving fresh, crisp banknotes rather than old or worn ones. Additionally, avoid including coins to keep the envelope neat and light.
• Hand Over with Two Hands
  It’s also customary to hand the ang bao with both hands, along with a wish for the couple’s happiness and prosperity. Including your name and a heartfelt message on the red packet adds a personal touch.

Remember, weddings held at prestigious venues like Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort or Millenia Singapore may have higher expectations for ang bao amounts, so adjust accordingly.

The ultimate guide is to not overlook these cultural nuances, especially if the couple cover certain costs or if you received prior notice about specific actual rates tied to the venue.

How to Calculate the Appropriate Amount

Calculating the appropriate ang bao amount is straightforward once you know the venue’s cost per table. 

Start by considering the total cost, which includes service charges and taxes. For 2024, you’ll need to add a 10% service charge and a 9% GST to the base price. Divide this total by 10, as a standard banquet table seats ten guests. This gives you a rough guide estimate of what it costs per person. 

Let’s say you’re attending a wedding at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. The cost per table for a Friday night dinner might be around $3,100 after adding service charges and GST. To calculate the appropriate ang bao amount, you would divide $3,100 by 10, giving you $310 per guest.

From there, you can decide how much to give, considering your relationship with the couple and any special circumstances, like if they’re covering travel expenses.

Special Considerations

When it comes to special considerations for ang bao, the overall wedding cost plays a significant role in determining the appropriate amount.

For bridesmaids and groomsmen, it’s thoughtful to give an amount that reflects their significant role in the wedding, typically around $88 to $168, depending on your relationship and the scale of the event.

If you can’t attend the wedding, sending your ang bao digitally via e-wallets is a practical option, especially since many of them now offer ang bao features.

Different cultural weddings have their unique customs.”

This revision better connects the mention of wedding costs with the specific amounts discussed in the following sentences.

Chinese Wedding

It’s all about avoiding odd numbers and the number ‘4,’ while embracing the auspicious number ‘8.’ 

Indian Wedding 

Prefer amounts ending in ‘1,’ and it’s common to add a personal note with your gift. 

Malay Wedding

While monetary gifts aren’t a must in Malay weddings, they’re often appreciated, especially when given in a green packet. The amount you give should reflect your closeness to the couple and the wedding’s setting.

Closing

Deciding on the right wedding ang bao rates can be a thoughtful way to show your appreciation and respect for the couple’s special day. By considering traditions, the venue, and your relationship with the couple, you can ensure your contribution is both meaningful and appropriate.

Key Takeaways:

• The wedding venue and your relationship with the couple largely determine the ang bao amount. High-end venues and close relationships typically require a higher contribution. For high-end venues like Marina Bay Sands, consider giving $300-$500 for close family.
• Respect cultural traditions by avoiding the number four, favoring the number eight, giving even numbers, and presenting crisp, new banknotes in the ang bao.
• Higher ang bao amounts are recommended for special roles like bridesmaids, and sending a digital ang bao if you can’t attend is a considerate option. Respect cultural customs for different types of weddings.

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