Wedding planning checklist (Singapore)

About 12 to 18 months ahead, mainly because popular banquet venues and photographers book out that far in advance. This checklist starts at the 12-month mark and walks you through to the wedding day and the admin afterwards.

Set a budget, book the banquet venue, submit your marriage application and book a solemniser, sort the bridal package, photography and videography, plan the customary parts (guo da li, tea ceremony) and the gatecrash, and, if you are buying a flat as fiance and fiancee, solemnise within 3 months of the purchase completing.

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For a civil marriage, submit your marriage application on marriage.gov.sg. The solemnisation can be at least 21 days after you submit, and the application expires 6 months after submission. Align the date with your banquet and any HDB key collection.

If HDB asks, send a copy of your marriage certificate (within 3 months of the flat purchase if you married overseas), update your IC and records if you change your name, bank in the ang bao, and refresh your CPF nomination and insurance now that you are married.

Lock the banquet venue and date first, since popular venues book out 12-18 months ahead and everything else keys off the date. Then secure your photographer and videographer, bridal package/gown, and solemniser, which are the next to get fully booked on peak dates.

Guo da li (the betrothal gift exchange between families) is traditionally held a few weeks to a couple of months before the wedding day. The bride's family returns part of the gifts (hui li). Timing and items vary by dialect group. Agree the details with both families early.

An chuang is a Chinese custom where the marital bed is set up and dressed on an auspicious date before the wedding, often by a 'good fortune' woman, with items like red dates and lotus seeds for blessings of fertility and happiness. It's optional and depends on your family's traditions.