Singapore Wedding Ang Bao Rates 2024 – A Quick and Easy Guide
2024-03-11

Unsure of how much you should give in a wedding Ang Bao to the happy couple celebrating their big day? Don’t worry, we have compiled the latest wedding ang bao rates for 2024 as a handy and comprehensive guide for you. 

As part of Chinese wedding etiquette, wedding guests typically gift newlyweds with a red packet containing money (Ang Bao). This long standing tradition serves as a symbol of good luck and blessing, which also counts towards offsetting the wedding cost. While there is no fixed amount you should give, most guests decide on the amount by estimating the cost per person. This year, prices of hotel wedding banquets are expected to rise by 10-20% as compared to 2023, which could lead to a rise in Ang Bao rates. 

The couple may also give Ang Baos in return as a form of gratitude to those who had helped out in wedding preparations, like the bridesmaids and groomsmen. 

Wedding Ang Bao Rates 2024

The rates below are calculated by taking the lowest and highest priced wedding package for each venue before dividing by 10, the usual number of seats at a table. The final amount is then rounded up to the nearest 10. The prices of wedding packages vary based on the type of venue, which range from 3-5 star hotels to restaurants and country clubs. The day of the week and time of the wedding function are also important factors. Wedding luncheons that fall on weekdays typically cost the least. 

While we have ensured that the most updated rates are reflected, please note that these rates are subjected to change at the discretion of the hotel or restaurant, potentially without prior notice. Additionally, surcharges may apply for special dates like public holidays. Depending on the wedding package chosen by the couple, the rates stated below may differ and are best used as a guide.

Other Considerations

When preparing a wedding Ang Bao, you may also consider your relationship with the couple besides the cost of one seat. Should you be a close friend or relative of the couple, it is customary for a greater sum of money to be given beyond the cost of a seat. The additional amount could range from $50 - $100, or a 10-20% markup. Invited by a distant friend or colleague and wish to avoid an awkward night? You may choose to not attend the wedding and give a token sum of $20 - $100.

Your generosity could go a long way in making the wedding more affordable for the couple. However, you should always opt for a comfortable sum within your means. After all, it is the thought behind the gift that matters the most at the end of the day. You could also congratulate and bless the new couple in other practical forms. For instance, a small housewarming gift could be given. 

Additionally, Ang Bao money is often given in auspicious figures for Chinese weddings. With the number ‘8’ is considered as an auspicious number, examples of sums that can be given in an Ang Bao include $88, $108, and $188. You should avoid putting in sums with the number ‘4’ due to its relation to the word ‘death’ in Mandarin. An Ang Bao with an even number sum is considered auspicious, given the belief that good things come in pairs. Odd number sums should hence be avoided.

If you’d like to get an idea of the costs involved in a wedding, check out our comprehensive wedding banquet price list.

To learn more about wedding traditions, check out our article on Chinese Wedding Traditions.