Guide to Wedding Ang Bao in Singapore in 2025

Giving a wedding ang bao (wedding red packet) to the newlyweds at a wedding is a customary practice or tradition in Singapore as well as many Asian countries, as a symbol of good luck and blessings for their marriage. So, you received a wedding invitation, and now you’re wondering how much you should give the newlyweds in your wedding ang bao. You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we provide everything you need to know to help you decide on how much you should give and the etiquette in presenting it to the happy couple.

What is a Wedding Ang Bao?

If it’s your first time hearing of wedding ang bao, it’s a monetary gift to newlyweds as a symbol of good luck and blessings. A wedding ang bao helps the couple offset wedding expenses, particularly the cost of the banquet. The amount you should give varies from wedding to wedding, based on several factors such as the venue, day and time of the wedding, and relationship with the couple. 

Factors Influencing Ang Bao Rates in Singapore

Below are factors that influence the wedding ang pao rates in Singapore.

1. Venue and Banquet cost 

One of the factors that influence Singapore wedding ang pao rates is the wedding venue. The cost per table varies depending on the hotel, restaurant or any other venues such as outdoor garden weddings. For example, a lavish hotel ballroom typically has a higher cost per table. Generally, a table seats 10 guests. Below are some estimated costs per table of 10 guests for lunch and dinner in Singapore for 2025:

• Luxury Hotels (e.g. Marina Bay Sands, The Ritz Carlton): $ 2800 – $ 3500 per table
• 5 Star Hotels (e.g. Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La Singapore): $ 2300 – $ 2700 per table
• 4 Star Hotels (e.g. Hilton, Novotel Singapore): $ 1100 – $ 2200
• Chinese Restaurants (e.g. Peony Jade, Tung Lok): $ 900 – $ 1800
• Other venues (e.g. Sky Garden Sentosa): $ 1800 – $ 2500

2. Day and Time of the Wedding

The day and time of the wedding also influence the wedding ang pao rates in Singapore. Weekday lunch or dinner is typically cheaper than weekend wedding banquets. On the other hand, weekend weddings, especially dinner banquets on Saturdays, are more expensive due to the higher cost of venue and catering, thus, a higher ang bao amount may be expected. 

3. Relationship with the Couple

Another factor to consider is your relationship with the couple. The closer you are to the newlyweds, the higher the amount you may wish to give. Close family members, as well as best friends, may contribute a higher amount of ang bao. Casual acquaintances or colleagues may give a smaller amount. 

When Do You Give the Ang Bao During the Ceremony?

A wedding ang bao is usually given at the wedding reception, particularly when you arrive at the venue and before entering the banquet hall. Most weddings have a designated box or table for collection. Guests can see this at the registration table where guests will be able to drop their ang bao in the box. In certain situations, guests can hand the ang bao directly to the couple.

You may even write your name and well wishes to the couple on the ang bao.

How Much Should I Give in My Wedding Ang Bao?

The question every wedding guest asks is, “how much should I give in my wedding ang bao?”. To decide on the right amount, you need to consider the factors that influence the ang bao rates such as the venue and banquet cost, the day and time of the wedding, your relationship with the couple and lastly, your financial situation. Generosity is always appreciated. However, it’s essential to give within your own means. 

While there are no hard and fast rules on the amount you wish to contribute in a wedding ang bao, it’s essential to prepare an amount that would cover your seat. If you have a close relationship with the couple, you may wish to be more generous and give a higher amount. Acceptable wedding ang bao ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the wedding venue, location as well as the day and time of the wedding banquet. 

Is Digital Ang Bao a Trend Now?

Digital ang bao or e-ang bao is gaining popularity in Singapore, particularly among younger couples. While physical ang bao remains the most common and traditional practice, digital ang baos are also acceptable. However, before giving, do check with newlyweds if digital ang baos are something they’re open to receiving.

Do You Still Need to Give Ang Bao If You Don’t Attend the Wedding?

If you have been invited to the wedding but are unable to attend, it is generally polite to give an ang bao to the newlyweds even if you don’t attend the wedding. However, the amount you wish to give can be lower than what you would give if you were attending. It is very thoughtful to give a wedding ang bao, especially if you have a close relationship with the couple. 

Etiquette and Personal Financial Consideration

When giving the ang bao on the wedding day, it’s important to attend to the etiquette to show your respect and best wishes to the newlyweds. Here are some etiquette tips to keep in mind when giving your angbao: 

1. Presentation Matters: Always use a clean and crisp red ang bao when giving a wedding ang bao to the newlyweds, as it symbolizes prosperity and happiness. Use new, crisp notes and avoid crumpled notes. 
2. Avoid Giving Loose Coins or Small Notes: Always stick to larger denominations when giving a wedding ang bao.
3. Avoid Giving Inauspicious Amounts: Certain numbers, like the number “4”, are considered an inauspicious number according to Chinese culture. Instead, opt for auspicious numbers like the number “8”. For example, $88.
4. Write Your Name on the Ang Bao: Be sure to write your name on the ang bao so the couple would know who the ang bao is from. This makes it easier for the couple to keep track of the guests’ contributions to the wedding.

Conclusion

It’s always a good idea to give an ang bao to the newlyweds. Understanding the factors that influence wedding ang bao rates in Singapore, as well as the proper etiquette when giving an ang bao, can help guests make better decisions when contributing to the wedding. 

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