'Max I will give is S$200': S'pore man says guests shouldn't feel obliged to pay 'market rate' for wedding ang bao

How much would you give as an angbao for a wedding dinner at a five-star hotel?

A social media user recently stirred up debate on this evergreen issue when he argued that he would give a maximum of S$200 for a wedding dinner, regardless of venue.

The going rate for wedding angbaos in 2025, which is pegged to wedding package prices, ranges from around S$200 to over S$400 for the more high-end venues.

'I am not obliged to contribute to feeding your ego'

In the video posted on Dec. 15, the user, who goes by the name of Reuben Chan, opined that couples who decide to host their wedding dinner at a "five or six-star hotel" should do so only if they can afford it.

"Max[imum] I will give you is S$200. The rest is on you, bro", said Chan.

To Chan, couples should not be spending beyond their means on wedding dinners at luxury hotels, as a way to "show that you are better than everyone else".

"I am not obliged to contribute to feeding your ego," said Chan.

Chan clarified that while he can afford the "market rate", he felt the angbao amount should be up to the guest instead of an obligation.

He pointed out that even if he goes out with his girlfriend, he would not be spending S$200 on a meal.

Chan added that such wedding invites often feel like "summons".

In another video, Chan elaborated on how he would approach his own wedding dinner, if he ever decided to host one.

He said he would ask guests to "just come and eat" without worrying about paying the market rate or writing their names on their angbaos.

"I won't expect people close to me to pay for my wedding right? It's my wedding."

Online users respond

In the comments, many online users agreed with Chan's take.

Other users shared positive experiences of attending weddings at luxury hotels, where the host declined to accept angbaos from the guests.

A few users, however, suggested that Chan could simply decline the invitation if he's unwilling to pay the market rate.

One user pointed out that if Chan accepted the invitation, could afford the angbao market rate but instead gave a "lowball amount", he would just come across as a miser.

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Top image from reuben2828/TikTok & Canva