Crunching the numbers may not be the most exciting part of wedding planning, but it’s crucial to the rest of the planning process. With a number in mind, you can better envision the type of wedding you want. Make notes on all the details you desire to have in your wedding, as these elements and the number of guests will most impact your budget. You can determine your budget if you have an idea of everything involved. Brainstorm for some gift ideas for your guests or also consider some luxury fashion brands to spice up your big day! 

Extra Tip: Look out for any ‘little’ additional extras that might crop up. It can be easy to forget the cost for a dress alteration, the insurance for a car or venue. They all add up and can cause you to exceed your wedding budget.

From the venue and catering to seating plan and travel arrangements, the guest list is the inspiration for many of the decisions you will be making. It is also one of the toughest to create.

Start with close family, loved ones, and VIP guests. These are non-negotiable people who should be part of your special day. Then work your way out from there. Think about how much a person means to your life and you to theirs. Remember, don’t feel obliged to invite everyone. It is your day, so make it personal.

The venue is a key priority on the wedding checklist for many couples. It is common for locations to be booked several months in advance, so it’s best to start your search early. With your partner, come up with a checklist of what facilities your perfect wedding venue would have, and which features are most important. Compile a list of different venues that fit the criteria – keep in mind your wedding planning timeline and desired dates.

Visit each venue to get a feel for the space and imagine how it fits with your desired theme. Take plenty of videos and pictures to remind you of the surroundings when you compare your options. Take note of details such as layout, acoustics, restrooms, ease of access, and parking. Rate each venue against your checklist and your dates to decide where to hold the proceedings. Do consider getting some artistic inspiration from our very own architectural design of Marina Bay Sands! 

Putting together a wedding is a team sport and requires the skills and experience of vendors to help you achieve your goals. Try to meet up with vendors rather than communicate with them virtually over texts or a video call. Meeting a baker or florist in person will give you a better sense of who you're working with and allow you to view their creations in person. Always go with your spouse, a close friend, or a wedding party member, so you have a trusted second opinion.

The official photographer will most likely not be the only snapper at your wedding. In fact, you could potentially have hundreds if you include the pictures taken by guests with their phones. Create your own unique wedding day hashtag and ask guests to tag all the photos they upload to social media so you can easily find the ones you love and add them to your memories.