Planning to tie the knot? Get ready to spend big. According to The Sun (full report here), the average cost of weddings in Malaysia has now skyrocketed to between RM50,000 and RM200,000 — among the highest in Southeast Asia.
Rising costs for venues, catering, wedding outfits, and growing social expectations are pushing many couples to spend beyond their means.
According to Prof. Datuk Dr Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Malaysia now records some of the highest wedding costs in ASEAN, with expenses ranging between RM50,000 and RM200,000.
She explained that rising inflation, soaring venue and catering prices, and social expectations have made it difficult for couples to afford their dream celebrations without heavy borrowing. Many young Malaysians are taking out personal loans or relying on credit cards, potentially leading to long-term debt or even bankruptcy.
Prof. Nik Maheran urged couples to start budgeting early, set up dedicated savings funds, and consider scaling down their weddings to avoid financial strain. She emphasized that while a wedding is an important milestone, long-term financial stability should never be compromised.
While weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, it’s important for couples to remember that starting a new life together should not come with overwhelming debt. As Prof. Nik Maheran advises, smart financial planning today can lead to a stronger, more secure future tomorrow.
What do you think? Would you scale down your dream wedding to prioritize financial stability?
Source: The Sun