Wedding Checklist for Singapore couples during Covid-19

From 250 pax weddings few months ago to today’s 100 pax wedding reception, rules and government mandated regulations are changing fast. What happens if you’re planning your wedding during this period? Here’s a list of things you need to prepare:

NOTE: Given the last minute nature of how regulations change all the time, we will not be listing out any specific timeline of when you need to get certain things done. However, it will be in a chronological order from what needs to be done first to what needs to be done last.

Most URGENT

#1 Secure your venue

Venues are the hardest to secure and the most important. Without a venue, you don’t have a space to conduct your ceremony and reception. Most solemnisers also will require you to secure a venue first before engaging them.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive venue + photographer + MUA option, head over to our website for our entire list of venue partnerships and bundle deals.

#2 Secure your photographer and Live stream vendor

Good photographers are always almost fully booked. If you have time to spare, engage them at least 8-12 months ahead. Some photographers or videographers also have a live stream service which you can engage to allow guests that are unable to attend view from the comfort of their own home.

#3 Secure your make up artists

Good MUAs are also always almost fully booked if you get them last minute. Do also try to engage them at least 8-12 months ahead.

Next on your priority list

#4 Apply for your marriage and collect your marriage certificate at ROM

Applying for your marriage needs a minimum of 21 days and maximum of 3 months for the application. To do so, ensure that you have a wedding venue with the address, along with the solemniser’s invitation to solemnise signed. Your solemniser will usually brief you on the next steps. Once application is complete, you’ll just need to wait for them to give you a date to collect the documents. New covid regulations will also require you to submit a document of your entire guestlist that also indicates who your 20 pax bridal party guests are. These 20 pax are the only group allowed to mingle and it includes the bride and groom. You can download the document here.

Do also send a copy of the guestlist and your itinerary to your venue coordinator.

#5 Visit a bridal boutique

Gowns and suits are everywhere so finding one is not difficult. However, do try to visit a bridal boutique at least 2-3 months before your wedding/solemnisation. This is to ensure that the boutique will have enough time to do alterations and that you are able to have at least 1 or 2 fittings to ensure that your gown or suit fits you like a glove.

#6 Print or send out your (E) – Invitation

Give your guests at least 1-2 months notice to block out the date in their calendar. If you’re looking for an easy to use RSVP tool, we have one! Simply fill in your information and a URL will be generated for you to send to all your guests for RSVP.

#7 Prepare for your Guo Da Li ceremony

This usually happens 2 weeks to 4 weeks before the wedding/solemnisation so do give yourself at least 1.5 months in advance to prepare.

#8 Engage a florist for your personal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere

This is the last essential thing you will need to do for a simple wedding ceremony. Engage your florist 1 month ahead to discuss the colour theme, or any specific designs. Do note that very popular florists will sometimes turn your down if it’s too last minute as they do not have the capacity to take on another order, especially if you are looking to do a big customisation.

#9 Get your wedding bands

If you’re planning to get a simple wedding band from the shops, you probably only need less than a month to prepare. Allow yourself some buffer time in case the rings need resizing or some minor customisation. If you’re getting it done bespoke, you will need at least 2-3 months prep time.

Last on your priority list

#10 Prepare all your angpaos

For your helpers, vendors, solemniser, parents etc.

#11 Get a haircut or a new hair colour – Or just an overall personal grooming session.

This should be done as close to your wedding date as possible. You want to look fresh and well groomed on your special day! This includes facials (1 week before the wedding), a new hair cut, brand new manicure etc.

#12 PET for your guests and yourself

PET needs at to be done within 24 hours of your wedding. If your venue does not have the capacity or facilities to conduct on-site PET, assist your guests by booking appointments for them at the relevant clinics. Like any medical appointment, give yourself some time to make the appointment. ~2 weeks should be sufficient.

#13 On the day of the wedding, do not forget to bring the following

• Marriage certificate
• Your IC/passport
• Your witnesses’ IC/passport
• Rings

Other less common essentials

#14 Catering

If you’re not hosting your celebrations in a hotel or restaurant, you will need to engage a caterer to provide the meals. Give yourself ~2 months to arrange logistics and confirm menu and if possible, tasting session with the catering vendor.

#15 Wedding Favors

If your venue is not providing any wedding favors as part of the package, you will need to consider purchasing your own wedding favors. Wedding favors are easy to find so this can be done 2 weeks to 1 month before the wedding.

#16 Event Styling

If your venue requires styling – For example, a church. You will be required to engage a wedding stylist or florist to help you in decorating the place. Give yourself at least 3-4 months in advance to plan and engage the vendor as there might be items that requires carpentry, import of exotic items and flowers, etc.

#17 – Be mentally prepared for any last minute change in the government regulations

Things can change and be enforced as soon as 1 week before your wedding. Be prepared to make changes and be open to suggestions made by your venue operator.

At the end of the day, we need to be vigilant and protect the ones we love. A celebration can turn into a nightmare if it becomes a spreading frenzy. Let’s stay strong, be positive and have fun!