Planning a wedding can be overwhelming for a newly engaged couple. Once the buzz and excitement of majlis bertunang has settled down, it is probably time to get started on the actual wedding planning.

Fret not, we have a thorough guide of what to do, and when to do it, for Muslim couples in Singapore. 

Applying for Marriage

In Singapore, every couple intending to marry is required to apply for marriage through the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM). There is a detailed process on the ROMM website that couples can refer to.

Here, you will be asked to finalise your:

• Solemnization date, time, and venue,
• Maskahwin or Mahr
• Choice of Kadi/Naib kadi (Choose from a list here)
• 2 witnesses that will be attending the marriage
• Hantaran or wedding gifts (if applicable)

When: At least 150 days before your solemnization 

Pro tip: While going for the marriage preparation course is not compulsory for couples above 21 years old, it is highly recommended. 

Wedding types: Nikah and Reception

Muslim weddings usually come in 2 parts: the nikah and the reception.

Nikah ceremonies are often smaller scaled whereas the reception tends to be bigger. 

You also want to decide whether the bride and groom would like a combined or separate wedding receptions. Either way is fine, as long as it is comfortable for the both of you. 

When: Detail this at least 6 months in advance

Setting a Date

A wedding in cool December, or a celebration in sunny August?

The choice is up to you. Setting a date that is comfortable for both sides in advance allows you sufficient time to plan and book the required vendors. It takes approximately 6-12 months to plan a wedding, depending on the scale of your celebration. 

When: At least 6-12 months before your solemnization

Wedding Help: The people you can ask for help

A wedding is indeed a big affair, and it is best that you get help because you will need it. Family members and friends (bridesmaids and groomsmen) who are willing to help you should be informed in advance so that they can make time for you. 

Additionally, if budget permits, you can hire a professional wedding planner. 

When: Detail this at least 6-12 months in advance

Pro tip: Prepare a special gift for those who helps you at the wedding.

Wedding Vendors: Search and secure your bookings

You now have shortlisted your favourite vendors and are ready to put the different pieces together. Once you have your list of decided vendors, be sure to book them in advance. Often, you need to pay a deposit to secure your booking. We recommend that you have set aside the funds for this purpose.

When: 6- 12 months before your solemnization. Popular vendors require 12-15 months advance notice.

Little Details

The monster of wedding planning is truly in the details. There are many aspects of wedding planning that are often not covered by vendors. This includes:

• Sending out invites
• Reception table 
• Wedding Cake
• Photobooth (if any)
• Family outfits or corsages 
• Hantaran gifts (if any)

Though these may seem inconsequential, they will be needed at some point. Write these details down so that you do not forget. 

When: Detail this at least 3 months in advance

Personal Schedule

Planning a wedding while working is admittedly a difficult task. Having a calendar planner and scheduling appointments is a good way to stay on top of things, and avoid being stressed or burnt out. 

In our experience, here are some appointments that are usually required in wedding planning:

• Regular meetings with vendors for decision-making

• • Food tasting 
  • Bridal outfit selection
  • Guest list 
  • Entertainment choice (e.g. music)
  • Trial make-up

• Booking dates for personal grooming and care

• • Beauty treatments
  • Haircuts 

When: Throughout the whole planning stage 

The Big Day: Wedding schedule

On the big day itself, you won’t be around to run the programme. You will be busy getting dressed and being present for the ceremonies. 

As such, do detail out a schedule for your actual wedding day, and allocate responsibilities. Brief the people helping you and give them as much information required. This includes:

• Contact numbers of key personnel such as vendors
• Schedule of the day

• What to wear and bring

When: Detail this at least 2 months in advance. 

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We hope this guide proves useful to you when planning your dream wedding. Being prepared wins at least half the battle. Nevertheless, plans can go awry despite our best efforts. Prepare for uncertainties and be adaptable to change. 

When this happens, recall your niat for a wedding, and in shaa Allah, it will be worth the effort and investment.