2019 is drawing to a close. As for Malaysians, the end of the year usually signals a few common things. Among them are festivals, school holidays, family vacations, shopping fairs, and attending weddings. However, for the latter, we might be seeing a shift in terms of trend.
According to the latest study, there has been a significant increase in the number of Malaysians who choose to marry late in life. This despite 87 per cent of single people in the country having the desire to marry.
The prime reason for late marriage among local men has been attributed to financial problems at 56 per cent. For Malaysian women, the same reason came in second place at 26 per cent. The top reason for women was problems finding the right male candidate at 35.7 per cent.
This comes as no surprise. According to a study by the Association of Wedding Professionals (AWP), the average cost of a wedding in Malaysia is RM50,000. A staggering 42 per cent of the expenses went to reception costs such as venue, food and drinks, cake, etc.
Other expenses include flowers and decoration (10 per cent), photography (eight per cent), ceremony (six per cent), entertainment (six per cent), videography (five per cent), attire (five per cent), invitation (3 per cent), and hair and makeup (2 per cent).
However, if it’s a Malay wedding, you can actually cut out 90 per cent of the cost. Just follow these simple tips to have a wedding at just a modest RM7,000.
- The Mahr
The Mahr is the Muslim version of a dowry. In Malay culture it is usually divided into three types – the mas kahwin, dulang hantaran, and duit hantaran. By law, the only compulsory part is the mas kahwin and it differs according to state. Some states have it as low as RM22.50 while the highest is RM300.
The dulang hantaran is a tray of gifts. You can keep a maximum budget here of RM500 by going for gifts such as beauty products, perfume, fruits, Quran, clothing, etc.
Meanwhile, the duit hantaran is the most controversial one as the bride’s family usually demands a high amount. If the demand is beyond what you can afford, have a discussion. Remember, by law, the only compulsory part is the mas kahwin.
- Wedding rings
You don’t have to go for expensive rings. In fact, you can find value in rings as low as RM200. So for both the groom and bride, the budget amounts to RM400 here.
- Attire
You can use the same wedding dress for the vows ceremony (akad nikah) and reception (majlis bersanding). You can do this by holding both on the same day. The maximum budget here can be set to RM500.
- Hair and makeup
Again, by having the vows ceremony and reception on the same day, you can keep your costs low. Aim for a maximum budget of RM300.
- Food and drinks
Catering packages are available for as low as RM9 per pax. If the number of guests is 400, then that will amount to RM3600.
- Venue
Simple canopies can minimize your cost compared to renting out grand halls. Packages of three canopies along with tables and chairs can go for around RM1300.
- Door gifts
You can go for DIY paper bag door gifts and fill them up with some candy. Fruit jelly candies or small chocolates can be found at RM15 for 100 pieces. Target for a maximum budget of around RM300.
- Invitations
We live in a time of social media dominance. For a guest list of 500 people, you do not need to send out over 300 card invitations. Make use of social media such as Facebook for the rest. The maximum budget here is RM250.
- Photography
You can hire a professional photographer for around RM1500. Alternatively, you can just get a few hip relatives or friends to take photos on a good camera phone like the iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy S10. Many youths these days have good photography skills. Just remember to treat them to a special lunch or something!
- Other costs
Other costs such as entertainment, photo booth, videography can be eliminated according to your budget. Remember that life after your wedding is more important! You don’t want to end up in debt by having an extravagant wedding.