Your Updated Wedding Ang Bao Red Packet Guide for 2023
Hey there, friend! So, you’ve been invited to a wedding in 2023, and you’re wondering how much to give in the famous red packet, also known as the “Ang Bao.” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this updated Wedding Ang Bao Guide for 2023, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of gifting, the current market rates, and a few tips to help you make the perfect choice for the lovely couple. Read on and get ready to celebrate love while making a great impression!
”Siao liao lor!”– If that’s the first thing that came to your mind. “How much am I supposed to give? What is the current market rate? What if I gave them too little?”
Trust us, we have seen too many scenarios like this and we are an expert to this. If you have no clues at all, or if you find yourself calling your friends frantically over the phone and asking for advice- this is what you need. A guide to Singapore’s wedding ang-bao rates! Find out how much you should insert into the red packet before getting to your friend’s wedding dinner venue.
No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- Importance of Wedding Ang Bao: A wedding ang bao is a red envelope containing money that you give to the newlyweds as a way of blessing them and wishing them happiness. It’s also a way of showing your appreciation for being invited to their special day and helping them cover some of the costs of the wedding banquet. Wedding ang bao is not just a simple gift, but a tradition that has been passed down for generations.
- Factors to Consider When Giving Wedding Ang Bao: There’s no fixed amount or rule, but there are some factors that you can consider, such as: The venue and date of the wedding, your relationship with the couple, and your budget and comfort level.
- Wedding Ang Bao Rates for 2023: The rates provided in our list are based on the cost per person, calculated by taking each venue’s lowest and highest priced package, whichever is appropriate, divided by the number of seats at a table (usually 10). Since most venues have more than one wedding package for couples to pick from, you’ll find a range of prices starting from the lowest to the highest for each venue in our wedding banquet price list.
- Tips for Giving Wedding Ang Bao: Some tips to help you give a wedding ang bao that is appropriate and respectful are: Avoid giving odd numbers or amounts with the number 4, as they are considered unlucky or rude. Give crisp and new notes, as they symbolise good fortune and respect. Write your name and a short message on the red packet, so the couple can thank you later and remember your blessings. Give your wedding ang bao personally to the couple or their parents, or place it in the designated box at the reception table.
Importance of Wedding Ang Bao
If you’re invited to a wedding in Singapore, chances are you’ll need to prepare a wedding ang bao. But what is it and why is it important? A wedding ang bao is a red envelope containing money that you give to the newlyweds as a way of blessing them and wishing them happiness. It’s also a way of showing your appreciation for being invited to their special day and helping them cover some of the costs of the wedding banquet.
Wedding ang bao is not just a simple gift, but a tradition that has been passed down for generations. It’s a sign of respect and gratitude to the couple and their families, and a way of sharing in their joy. Giving a wedding ang bao is also a form of etiquette that shows you care about the couple and their culture.
But how much should you give in your wedding ang bao? There’s no fixed amount or rule, but there are some factors that you can consider, such as:
- The venue and date of the wedding: Different venues have different prices for their wedding packages, and some dates are more auspicious or popular than others. You can check online for the latest wedding ang bao rates for various venues and dates to get an idea of how much it costs to attend a wedding there. You can also ask the couple or their close friends for guidance if you’re unsure.
- Your relationship with the couple: Generally, the closer you are to the couple, the more you should give in your wedding ang bao. For example, if you’re a family member or a close friend, you might want to give more than if you’re a colleague or an acquaintance. You can also consider how much the couple has given you in the past for your own wedding or other occasions.
- Your budget and comfort level: Ultimately, you should give what you can afford and what you feel comfortable with. Don’t feel pressured to give more than you can or want to, as that might cause resentment or stress. Remember that the wedding ang bao is a gesture of goodwill and not an obligation or a competition.
Giving a wedding ang bao is an important way of celebrating a wedding in Singapore. It’s not only about money, but about love, respect and happiness. By giving a wedding ang bao, you’re showing that you care about the couple and their future together. So don’t stress too much about it, just enjoy the occasion and have fun!
Wedding Ang Bao Market Rates 2023
The rates vary depending on a few factors, such as your relationship with the couple and the type of wedding. For instance, if you’re a close friend or family member, you might want to give more than a casual acquaintance would. Now, generally speaking, you can expect the market rates to be around SGD 80-120 for a 4-star hotel wedding, SGD 120-150 for a 5-star hotel, and SGD 150-200 or even more for a luxury hotel or exclusive venue. But remember, these are just guidelines, so feel free to adjust according to your personal preferences and budget!
Ang Bao Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts
Ang bao, or red packets, are a common way of expressing your blessings and good wishes to someone on special occasions, such as Chinese New Year, weddings, birthdays and baby showers. But do you know the proper etiquette of giving and receiving ang bao? Here are some dos and don’ts to help you avoid any awkward or embarrassing situations.
- Do use new and crisp notes in your ang bao. It’s a sign of respect and freshness to the recipient. You can get new notes from the bank or ATM before the occasion. Avoid using old, torn or dirty notes as they may imply disrespect or bad luck.
- Do give even amounts in your ang bao. Even numbers are considered auspicious and lucky in Chinese culture, especially the number eight. Avoid giving odd numbers or numbers with four, as they are associated with death and misfortune.
- Do use red envelopes for your ang bao. Red is the colour of happiness, prosperity and vitality in Chinese culture. It’s also believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energy. Avoid using white envelopes as they are used for funerals and mourning.
- Do give ang bao according to your relationship with the recipient and your financial situation. There is no fixed rule or rate for how much you should give in your ang bao, but generally, the closer you are to the recipient, the more you should give. You can also check online for some guidelines or ask around for some advice if you’re unsure. But don’t feel pressured to give more than you can afford or want to. Remember that it’s the gesture and intention that counts, not the amount.
Fun fact: We added the number “8” for each amount as “8” in Chinese symbolizes wealth, prosperity and success. It is in favor of those who is usually superstitious, also known as “pang dang” in the older generation lingo.
| Name of Establishment | Lunch | Dinner |
| Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa | $198 to $228 | $228 to $260 |
| Amara Singapore | $148 to $168 | $168 to $188 |
| Andaz Singapore | $218 to $238 | $248 to $288 |
| Capella Singapore | $228 to $348 | $258 to $388 |
| Carlton Hotel Singapore | $148 to $188 | $158 to $188 |
| Changi Cove Hotel | $118 to $158 | $118 to $158 |
| CHIJMES Hall Singapore | $168 to $228 | $188 to $248 |
| Concorde Hotel Singapore | $138 to $148 | $148 to $158 |
| Conrad Centennial Singapore | $168 to $188 | $178 to $208 |
| Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore | $118 to $138 | $118 to $138 |
| Crowne Plaza Changi Airport | $148 to $168 | $158 to $188 |
| Fairmont Singapore and Swissotel The Stamford | $168 to $188 | $168 to $188 |
| Four Points by Sheraton | $158 to $188 | $158 to $188 |
| Four Seasons Hotel Singapore | $168 to $258 | $208 to $288 |
| Furama City Centre Singapore | $128 to $158 | $128 to $158 |
| Furama Riverfront Singapore | $128 to $158 | $128 to $158 |
| Genting Hotel Jurong | $118 to $128 | $128 to $138 |
| Goodwood Park Hotel | $168 to $188 | $188 to $218 |
| Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel | $168 to $188 | $178 to $198 |
| Grand Hyatt Hotel | $178 to $208 | $208 to $228 |
| Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy | $118 to $148 | $128 to $148 |
| Hilton Singapore | $168 to $198 | $188 to $238 |
| Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium | $148 to $178 | $138 to $188 |
| Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre | $148 to $178 | $138 to $188 |
| Hotel Fort Canning | $158 to $188 | $188 to $228 |
| Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore by Shangri La | $138 to $168 | $158 to $188 |
| Intercontinental Singapore | $188 to $228 | $208 to $388 |
| JW Marriot Hotel Singapore | $248 to $268 | $258 to $288 |
| Le Meridien, Sentosa | $208 to $238 | $238 to $258 |
| M Hotel | $138 to $168 | $158 to $188 |
| Mandarin Orchard Singapore | $208 to $228 | $208 to $228 |
| Mandarin Oriental Singapore | $188 to $228 | $208 to $288 |
| Marina Bay Sands | $168 to $228 | $208 to $268 |
| Marina Mandarin Singapore | $168 to $228 | $188 to $208 |
| Mercure Singapore Bugis | $128 to $148 | $138 to !68 |
| Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay | $148 to $168 | $148 to $188 |
| Novotel Singapore on Stevens | $148 to $168 | $148 to $188 |
| Oasia Hotel Novena Singapore | $148 to $1768 | $158 to $198 |
| One Farrer Hotel | $158 to $178 | $168 to $178 |
| One 15 Marina Sentosa Cove | $168 to $178 | $168 to $178 |
| Orchard Hotel Singapore | $168 to $178 | $188 to $208 |
| Pan Pacific Singapore | $158 to $188 | $188 to $208 |
| Park Hotel Alexandra | $128 to $138 | $138 to $148 |
| Park Hotel Clarke Quay | $128 to $138 | $138 to $148 |
| Parkroyal on Beach Road | $169 to $188 | $188 to $228 |
| Parkroyal on Kitchener Road | $128 to $138 | $128 to $148 |
| Parkroyal on Pickering | $178 to $208 | $228 to $248 |
| Peninsula Excelsior Hotel | $128 to $138 | $158 to $188 |
| Raffles Hotel | $238 to $288 | $268 to $388 |
| Regent Singapore | $158 to $188 | $188 to $228 |
| Rendezvous Hotel Singapore | $148 to $178 | $158 to $168 |
| Royal Plaza on Scotts | $158 to $188 | $158 to $188 |
| Shangri-La Hotel | $208 to $268 | $258 to $318 |
| Sheraton Towers Singapore | $168 to $188 | $188 to $228 |
| Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel | $138 to $168 | $168 to $208 |
| Sofitel Singapore City Centre | $188 to $218 | $188 to $248 |
| Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa | $188 to $218 | $188 to $248 |
| Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore | $158 to $168 | $168 to $188 |
| The Fullerton Hotel Singapore | $228 to $248 | $248 to $288 |
| The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore | $238 to $268 | $248 to $338 |
| The St Regis Singapore | $228 to $248 | $258 to $288 |
| The Westin Singapore | $188 to $208 | $198 to $268 |
| Village Hotel Changi | $148 to $158 | $148 to $168 |
| Village Hotel Katong | $148 to $158 | $148 to $168 |
| W Singapore – Sentosa Cove | $198 to $248 | $218 to $268 |
| York Hotel | $128 to $138 | $128 to $168 |
The above list is generated based on WEEKEND rate, and it is an estimation based on the current market rate. Honestly, there is no “standard amount” you need to adhere to. Ultimately, it is a reflection of your relationship to the couple that is the deciding factor. Truth be told, as the Chinese love to say it- red packet is considered to be a symbol of luck, life and happiness. It is usually given during auspicious occasions such as Chinese New Year or wedding. It is a gift of blessings to the newlyweds, to congratulate them and wish them joy.
BUT…
We could not emphasize this enough- DO NOT TREAT THIS AS A COMPETITION.
We have seen people who compares the amount, who devalues one another, who feels that people who gave more is “atas” and people who does not- “xia suay”. It honesty it does not matter at all! Always remember, regardless the amount that is given to the newlywed, it should be given with sincerity and a heart full of blessings.
Conclusion
Giving a wedding ang bao is not just a matter of money, but also a matter of heart. You want to show your love and support to the couple who invited you to their big day, and you also want to respect their culture and traditions. But you also don’t want to break the bank or feel awkward about your gift.
That’s why we hope this guide has helped you to understand the importance of wedding ang bao, the factors to consider when deciding how much to give, the current market rates for different venues and dates, and the tips for giving wedding ang bao in a proper and polite way.
Remember, there’s no one right answer or rule for wedding ang bao. It all depends on your personal situation and preference. The most important thing is to give what you can afford and what you feel comfortable with, and to express your sincere blessings and congratulations to the couple.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a wedding ang bao and why is it important?
A: A wedding ang bao is a red envelope containing money that you give to the newlyweds as a way of blessing them and wishing them happiness. It’s also a way of showing your appreciation for being invited to their special day and helping them cover some of the costs of the wedding banquet. Wedding ang bao is not just a simple gift, but a tradition that has been passed down for generations. It’s a sign of respect and gratitude to the couple and their families, and a way of sharing in their joy.
Q: How much should I give in my wedding ang bao?
A: There’s no fixed amount or rule, but there are some factors that you can consider, such as: The venue and date of the wedding, your relationship with the couple, and your budget and comfort level. You can check online for the latest wedding ang bao rates for various venues and dates to get an idea of how much it costs to attend a wedding there. You can also ask the couple or their close friends for guidance if you’re unsure.
Q: How do I find out the wedding ang bao rates for different venues and dates?
A: You can refer to our updated wedding ang bao guide for 2023, which lists the current market rates for over 150 venues in Singapore. The rates are based on the cost per person, calculated by taking each venue’s lowest and highest priced package, whichever is appropriate, divided by the number of seats at a table (usually 10). The rates are updated every quarter to reflect the most up-to-date costs of attending a wedding at each venue at the time of publication.
Q: How do I give my wedding ang bao in a proper and polite way?
A: Some tips to help you give a wedding ang bao that is appropriate and respectful are: Avoid giving odd numbers or amounts with the number 4, as they are considered unlucky or rude. Give crisp and new notes, as they symbolise good fortune and respect. Write your name and a short message on the red packet, so the couple can thank you later and remember your blessings. Give your wedding ang bao personally to the couple or their parents, or place it in the designated box at the reception table.
Q: Do I need to give a wedding ang bao if I’m invited to an overseas or destination wedding?
A: If you’re invited to an overseas or destination wedding, you may want to check with the couple or their close friends if they expect a wedding ang bao from you. Some couples may prefer that you don’t give them any money, as they understand that you have already spent a lot on travel and accommodation. Others may appreciate a small token of your blessings, especially if they have arranged for some local activities or meals for you. In any case, you should always respect the couple’s wishes and culture when giving a wedding ang bao for an overseas or destination wedding.
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