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Do wedding couples give angbao to their bridesmaids and groomsmen?

Find out if wedding couples in Singapore typically give angbaos to their bridesmaids and groomsmen

By WeaveBlissLast Updated January 29, 2025
Do wedding couples give angbao to their bridesmaids and groomsmen?
Weddings in Singapore are steeped in tradition, and one of the most debated customs is the giving of angbao (red packets). While much has been said about guests giving angbao to the couple, what about the reverse? Do wedding couples give angbao to their bridesmaids and groomsmen? Let’s dive into the data and explore what Singaporeans have to say about this practice.
The Data: Who Gives Angbao to Bridesmaids and Groomsmen?
Based on comments from a r/asksg, here’s a breakdown of the practice of giving angbao to bridesmaids and groomsmen:

Couples Who Give Angbao

Many couples give angbao to their bridesmaids and groomsmen as a gesture of appreciation for their time, effort, and expenses incurred during the wedding.

Couples Who Don’t Give Angbao

Some couples choose not to give angbao, focusing instead on covering specific costs like outfits or transport, or emphasizing the value of friendship over monetary compensation.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Who Give Angbao

In rare cases, bridesmaids and groomsmen may also give angbao to the couple, though this is less common and often conditional on how they are treated or compensated.

Why Couples Give Angbao to Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Appreciation and Respect

Angbao is given to acknowledge the efforts, time, and costs associated with being part of the wedding party. Many couples see it as a way to show gratitude for their friends’ support.

Cultural Tradition

In Singaporean Chinese weddings, giving angbao is a way to show gratitude and good luck. It’s seen as a customary gesture to honor the role of bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Financial Fairness

Couples often give angbao to ensure that their wedding party does not suffer financial loss for participating in the wedding. This includes covering costs like outfits, transport, and other expenses.

Why Some Couples Don’t Give Angbao

Focus on Friendship

Some couples prioritize friendship over monetary gifts. They may cover specific costs like outfits but do not give angbao, as they believe close friends do not expect monetary compensation.

Budget Constraints

Weddings can be expensive, and some couples may not have the budget to give angbao to their wedding party. Instead, they focus on ensuring their bridesmaids and groomsmen are comfortable and well-supported.

Alternative Gestures

Instead of angbao, some couples show appreciation through other means, such as covering transport costs, providing meals, or giving thoughtful gifts.

Key Takeaways

It’s About Appreciation

Whether couples give angbao or not, the underlying sentiment is one of gratitude for the efforts of their bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Cultural Norms Play a Role

Giving angbao is deeply rooted in Singaporean Chinese wedding traditions, but modern couples are redefining these practices to suit their values and relationships.

Friendship Trumps Money

For many, the value of friendship and mutual support outweighs the need for monetary gifts, especially among close friends.

👉 Here’s how some Redditors feel about giving angbao to bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Changosu
Was groomsman for my very close bro. Paid for the suit myself, ran the show for him and gave him a big angpow for the banquet. For me, it’s my wedding gift to him. Didn’t really need him to bao me back. Ultimately it depends on your relationship with your groomsmen. If they are actually just acquaintances, then it’s better to cover the outfit and a decent angpow for helping out as a norm. If it’s close bros, they will counter bao it back for u. Then again, it’s situations like these that you will finally know who’s your close friends.
154
IAm_Moana
We paid for their clothes and gave an $80 angbao each. Same goes the bridesmaids. And they all “gave it back” to us through a very generous wedding angbao.
22
The Bigger Picture: Cultural Shifts
The practice of giving angbao to bridesmaids and groomsmen reflects a broader cultural shift in Singapore. While traditional norms once dictated that monetary gifts were a must, modern couples are increasingly prioritizing personal values and relationships over financial obligations. Many couples now view weddings as a celebration of love and friendship rather than a transactional event.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, weddings are about love, celebration, and the people who matter most. Whether couples give angbao to their bridesmaids and groomsmen or show appreciation in other ways, the most important thing is to celebrate without letting financial expectations overshadow the joy of the occasion. As one commenter wisely put it, 'It’s not about the money, it’s about making sure your friends feel valued and appreciated.'