How to Get Married Without Going Bankrupt

Weddings are the first major debt trap for couples. This guide provides a reality check on costs.

Marriage is about love. Weddings are about logistics (and showing off). In Malaysia, the pressure to host a “Grand Wedding” is immense. Here is the breakdown of what it actually costs in 2025, and how to hack it.

1. The Malay Wedding (The “Kenduri” Inflation)

• The Cost: A standard wedding with a Pelamin, 3 pairs of outfits, and catering for 800-1,000 guests now averages RM30,000 – RM50,000.
• The Trap: “Gotong-royong” is dying. You are paying catering prices (RM15-RM25 per head).
• The Hack: Prioritize the Nikah. Host a small, intimate Nikah ceremony (immediate family only) at the mosque. Do the reception (“Sanding”) later, or combine it with your partner’s side to split the hall/catering costs 50/50.

2. The Chinese Wedding (The “Ang Pao” Math)

• The Cost: A table at a decent Chinese restaurant in KL/Selangor costs RM1,500 – RM2,500. A 30-table banquet is easily RM60,000+.
• The Trap: Banking on Ang Pao to cover the cost.
  • The Math: If you spend RM2,000 per table (RM200/pax), and your guest gives you RM150 (standard rate for friends), you lose RM50 per person.
  • The Risk: Do not assume you will break even. Treat the banquet as an expense, not a business transaction.
• The Hack: Cut the guest list. Uncles you haven’t seen since you were 5 years old do not need to be there.

3. The Indian Wedding (The Temple & Hall)

• The Cost: Temple fees, Sangeet night, and the reception hall can run from RM40,000 to RM80,000.
• The Trap: Gold. The price of gold is at historic highs.
• The Hack: Rent the jewellery. Nobody knows the difference between a RM20,000 gold set and a high-quality rental set for the day.

The Golden Rule: If you have to take a Personal Loan to pay for the wedding, you cannot afford the wedding. Do not start your marriage with a debt anchor around your neck.