As your big day draws near, you may feel overwhelmed with all the preparations – selecting a venue, deciding on attire, and not to mention the intricacies of hantaran and honeymoon planning. With so much to do, it’s understandable if you need help figuring out where to start. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. Check out our guide to planning a Malay Muslim wedding in Singapore!
Pre-Wedding
Marriage Preparation Course
As part of the marriage process in Singapore, you are required to complete a Marriage Preparation Course. This two-day program, which takes place at mosques and Islamic organizations, covers various topics, including financial and family planning, conflict resolution, and the art of living together.
Registering Your Marriage
In Singapore, Malay Muslim couples must register their marriage at the Registry of Marriage for Muslims (ROMM), just like any other couple. To complete the process, you’ll need to provide your NRIC, the names and IC numbers of your witnesses and wali (male guardian), and the address of your nikah (solemnization) venue.
Hantaran & Mahr (Mas Kahwin)
For couples with more traditional families, the merisik (visit and observe) and meminang & bertunang (proposal and engagement) events may be observed before the solemnization. During these stages, the families will discuss the hantaran and mahr. The hantaran is a gift from the groom to the bride’s family, which can be used to cover wedding expenses or as a form of security for the bride’s parents. While the hantaran is optional and can be decided by the families, the mahr is a compulsory gift from the groom to the bride, which can be given in the form of money or items chosen by the bride.
Henna Party
Let’s turn our attention to the henna party now that we have the necessary information out of the way. In Singapore, it is common for Muslim brides to adorn their hands with henna tattoos and designs a few nights before the solemnization. This cultural tradition is now often celebrated in conjunction with the bachelorette party.
Pre-wedding shoot
A marriage is more than just a wedding. It’s about the bond you have together, the life you’re about to build, and the shared memories you love and cherish. This is why capturing your love and memories is important, so you can always look back and reminisce about your relationship’s growth. And what could be a better way to do that than to have a pre-wedding photography session?
Preparing For The Big Day
Outfits
Your bridal attire is a significant aspect of your Muslim wedding celebration. As the center of attention, it’s important to choose outfits that make you feel confident and at ease. You can choose to rent your attire from a boutique or opt for a custom-made ensemble. Additionally, a bouquet is a great accessory to complement your costume, so be sure to include finding a florist on your wedding to-do list.
Malay Wedding Venue
When envisioning a Malay Muslim wedding in Singapore, the words warm and lively come to mind. These weddings are typically characterized by music, laughter, and the coming together of loved ones to celebrate your special day. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a venue that is suitable for your needs, with decor and a pelamin that you’ll love, and with enough space to accommodate your guests. An ideal Malay wedding venue should provide catering, a beautiful pelamin, and some even offer services such as printing your wedding cards!
Guest List
The guest list is a crucial aspect of any wedding. It determines who will be present on your special day and influences many other decisions, such as the size of your venue, catering requirements, and even the overall budget. When creating your guest list, it’s important to consider your priorities and preferences. Some couples prioritize having a more intimate celebration with close family and friends, while others opt for a larger celebration with a broader group of acquaintances.
It’s important to finalize your guest list well in advance of your wedding date, typically at least several months ahead. This allows you to plan catering, seating arrangements, and other logistical details accordingly. This lead time also allows your wedding card vendor enough time to print and mail the wedding invitations.
Menu
Planning a menu for a Muslim wedding can be an exciting task, as Malay cuisine is diverse and full of rich flavors. Here are some steps that you can follow to plan a memorable and delicious menu for your special day:
- Determine the number of guests: Before planning the menu, you should have a rough estimate of the number of guests attending the wedding. This will help you determine the amount of food you will need to prepare.
- Choose the cuisine: Malay cuisine is a combination of different cultural influences, including Chinese, Indian, and indigenous ingredients. You can choose dishes that reflect the bride and groom’s heritage, or you can opt for a more fusion menu.
- Consult with a caterer: A professional caterer can help you create a menu that fits your taste and budget. They can also help you determine the right portions for each dish, considering the number of guests.
- Select the dishes: Some popular dishes for a Muslim wedding include nasi lemak, ayam masak merah, sambal udang, and lontong. You can also consider including traditional desserts like kuih lapis and onde-onde.
- Consider dietary restrictions: Make sure to consider any dietary restrictions of your guests, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or halal. You can offer a separate menu for these guests or include options in the main menu that cater to their needs.
- Decide on presentation: Presentation is important for a wedding, so consider how you want your dishes to be presented. You can opt for a buffet-style setup, a plated meal, or a combination of both.
- Finalize the menu: Once you have selected the dishes, finalize the menu with your caterer, taking into account any changes or additions you might have.
If planning a menu seems too much to handle, consider Mekar’s Wedding Packages, where you can leave the planning to the best! Mekar’s Wedding Packages include a wide selection from a Halal Buffet menu, sure to satisfy you and your guests.
Schedule
Planning the timeline for your wedding day is crucial to ensure that everything runs smoothly. It’s important to consider details such as the time to walk down the aisle, greet your guests, and serve the food. This is especially important if your reception is divided into sessions, and you need to account for time for guests to eat, mingle, and take photos. Additionally, don’t forget to plan for speeches and the cake-cutting session. A well-planned timeline can help ensure that everyone involved in your wedding, from bridesmaids and groomsmen to vendors and family members, knows what to do and when to do it.
Wedding Photography
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Don’t forget to include wedding photographers and videographers in your wedding planning! They play a crucial role in capturing the memories and events of your special day, so it’s important to choose the right ones. They’ll be responsible for preserving your intimate moments, and you’ll be able to look back on your wedding day for years to come. You might also want to consider a post-wedding photography service to commemorate your marriage. Or, having a photo booth at your wedding for your guests to take pictures on their own time sounds like a great idea too!
Final Thoughts
Planning a successful Malay Muslim wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can also be a truly rewarding and unforgettable experience. From finding the perfect venue to choosing the ideal outfit and décor, every step is important in creating a wedding that truly reflects the couple’s unique style and personality.
Mekar Weddings and Venues is an event management company dedicated to making your special day unforgettable. We focus on delivering memorable Halal buffet events and affordable Malay wedding packages.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the planning process or simply want to ensure that your special day goes off without a hitch, Mekar’s Wedding Packages may be just what you need. With years of experience in planning and executing Malay Muslim weddings, Mekar offers a variety of customizable packages to suit your specific needs and preferences.
By entrusting your wedding to Mekar’s team of experts, you can relax and enjoy your special day, knowing that every detail has been taken care of with care and precision. From start to finish, our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to ensure that your wedding is everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more.
So why not take the stress out of planning your big day and choose Mekar Weddings for your Malay Muslim wedding? With their expertise and commitment to excellence, you can rest assured that your wedding will be nothing short of spectacular. Contact us today to learn more about their wedding packages and start planning the wedding of your dreams!
