Wedding planning is no easy feat, and when it comes to a Malay Muslim wedding in Singapore, the unique blend of rich traditions and modern touches makes it even more headache-inducing.

With so many details to juggle, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with this essential Malay wedding checklist.

From pre-wedding rituals to the big day and more, this guide will help you tick off all the boxes while staying true to the essence of a traditional Malay wedding.

1. Start with the basics: Set your wedding date, venue, and budget

Like any other occasion, the first and foremost step is to choose a date that works for everyone.

Some couples opt for weekends or public holidays to make it easier for the guests to attend, while others may prefer dates with cultural or religious significance.

Truthfully, it depends on your (and your family') preferences. However, it's best to lock down the date as early as you can to avoid disappointment, as popular venues in Singapore get booked up quickly.

Also, decide on your budget from the beginning! Whether you’re going for an intimate celebration or a grand affair, allocate funds for the essentials like a wedding venue, catering, and attire first.

Make sure to leave some room for any unexpected expenses, such as extra decorations or last-minute adjustments.

2. Get in touch with the wedding vendors

Singapore is home to some amazing wedding vendors who specialise in Malay weddings. Here are some of the key services:

Bridal boutique

Whether you’re dreaming of timeless tradition, modern chic, or a mix of both, pick a bridal boutique that shares the same vision as you.

For instance, a boutique like The Wedding Brocade offers customisation options to ensure your attire is uniquely you while seamlessly blending tradition with modern sophistication.

Caterer

Food is the heart of a Malay wedding, so it's important to choose a halal caterer who knows how to wow. Schedule a tasting session to ensure the dishes meet your expectations.

Oh, and just to be safe, include a mix of traditional favourites and some modern twists to cater for all your guests' palates.

Wedding photographers and videographers

Every moment of your wedding matters! Look for a professional who has an eye for detail and is familiar with cultural moments like the akad nikah, hantaran, and bersanding ceremonies.

Review their portfolio to see if their style aligns with yours, and don't hesitate to contact them for further inquiries.

Also, check what's included in their wedding packages—some couples prefer to do a pre-wedding photography session while others may add the post-wedding photography service for the following day.

Décor Team

Your pelamin (wedding dais) is the centrepiece of your wedding.

Therefore, pick a main colour palette and motifs for your wedding theme and discuss it with your decorators to ensure a cohesive décor throughout the venue.

Entertainment

From traditional kompang drummers to live music and a silat performance, entertainment keeps the energy alive! You can pick traditional only performances or a mix of both—depending on your budget.

3. Nail down all the pre-wedding events

Malay weddings are more than just a wedding ceremony between the couple. It's also about strengthening the bond you have with your family and honouring traditions.

Here are several key pre-wedding milestones:

Merisik:

A meaningful tradition where the groom’s family visits the bride’s family to express their interest. While the gesture is merely symbolic today, it’s still a beautiful way to strengthen family ties.

Engagement Ceremony:

The pertunangan formalises the couple’s intent to marry! It’s a lovely event involving the exchange of engagement rings and hantaran trays filled with gifts like sweets, fabrics, and jewellery.

Marriage Preparation Course:

While it's no longer mandatory, we highly encourage you and your partner to attend the 2-day course that involves learning how to live together, financial and family planning, and even conflict resolution.

Marriage Registration:

Just like every other couple in Singapore, Malay Muslim couples also have to register their marriage at the Registry of Marriage for Muslims (ROMM). Prepare these items before registration:

couples' NRIC
names and IC of your witnesses and wali (male guardian)
the address of your nikah (solemnisation) venue

Henna Night (Malam Berinai):

A henna party is an exciting celebration where the bride is adorned with intricate henna designs, happiness and good fortune, while family and friends gather for music, dance, and delicious food.

4. Plan every detail of the wedding day

Akad Nikah Ceremony:

This solemn religious ceremony is the heart of a Malay wedding, where the groom declares his commitment in front of an ustaz and witnesses.

So, make sure all the legal and religious documents are prepared beforehand, and involve your families in planning the prayers and readings.

Bersanding Ceremony:

This is the show-stopper moment where the couple takes their place on the pelamin and receives blessings and well-wishes from guests. Add personal touches like a slideshow or heartfelt speeches to make it extra special!

Reception:

After the rituals, it’s time to celebrate! Plan every detail of the reception, including the grand entrance, seating arrangements, entertainment, and speeches for a seamless flow throughout the celebration.

5. Pick the perfect wedding attire

For Muslim brides, whether it's a baju kurung, baju kebaya, or a modern wedding dress, choose one made from luxurious fabrics like songket or silk for comfort and quality.

And complete your look with accessories like a tiara and statement jewellery to bring a touch of opulence.

On the other hand, the groom's Baju Melayu is often paired with a samping (a decorative sarong-like wrap) and tanjak (headgear) to complement the bride's outfit. Some even carry a keris for an added element of tradition and sophistication.

6. Curate a memorable feast

Treat your guests to a spread of Malay staples like nasi minyak (fragrant rice cooked in ghee), rendang (spiced beef or chicken), and ayam masak merah (spicy tomato chicken)!

Complement the main courses with acar (pickled vegetables), sambal prawns, and desserts like kuih lapis (layered cake) or agar-agar (jelly) as well as refreshing drinks like sirap bandung (rose syrup with milk) or air batu campur (ABC), a sweet shaved ice that doubles as a dessert.

All these traditional dishes reflect the warmth and hospitality of Malay culture. And honestly, is it really a Malay wedding if there's no rendang or nasi lemak served?

7. Prepare wedding gifts and favours

Hantaran & Mahr (Mas Kahwin):

The hantaran is a gift from the groom to the bride's family that will be used to offset the wedding costs for the couple, or as a form of security for the bride's parents' confidence in the groom.

Though, it's optional, and it is often up to the families to set a price or forgo it completely.

The mahr, however, is a compulsory gift in Islam from the groom to the bride. It can come in the form of money or items chosen by the bride.

Guest favours:

Thank your guests with memorable tokens of gratitude such as the traditional bunga telur (decorative boiled eggs) or a contemporary one like scented candles, miniature plants, or customised keychains.

8. Finalise the logistics and guest list

Invitation cards:

Create a comprehensive guest list and send out invitations early, complete with RSVP options, to streamline your planning and have an accurate headcount.

Transportation:

Arrange transport for key family members, especially for inter-venue travel. If your event includes guests from overseas, you can provide information on accommodations and travel in the invite.

Itinerary:

Share a detailed schedule with vendors, family, and the bridal party to keep everyone on track.

9. Don't forget about the post-wedding plans!

If you think that's the end of it, think again.

After the wedding day, it's customary for the couple to host a casual meal or gathering to thank everyone who contributed and spend more quality time with loved ones.

You'll also have to organise and sort through your gifts, and send out thank-you notes to your guests for their contributions.

The Verdict

Wedding preparation takes a lot of time and energy, especially if it's a grand affair with over 100 guests. Therefore, we highly recommend starting as early as 12 months before the actual date so you can bring your vision to life while enjoying the process!

Your Dream Malay Wedding Starts with the Perfect Dress

Ready to turn your dream wedding dress into reality?

From stunning Songket dresses to elegant accessories, The Wedding Brocade is here to ensure every detail of your look shines with perfection.

What's more, we have over 20 custom wedding packages for your choosing!

Let us be part of your journey—book your appointment today and make your wedding truly unforgettable!

The Essential Malay Wedding Checklist (Singapore Version)