Newlywed bliss: Liaw and Cheng posing for pictures after registering their marriage at Thean Hou Temple. — ART CHEN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: In light of the service tax hike from 6% to 8% starting in March, lovebirds are finding ways to cut costs while still having their dream weddings.
Newlyweds Jason Liaw, 33, and Shivon Cheng, 28, who are planning to hold their wedding reception between November and December this year, said they were looking to limit costs by sending digital invitation cards instead of physical ones.
“We don’t have to hire a specialist for this. We can design a simple one.
“For us, the main priority is good food, ample parking spaces, and meeting guests’ needs,” said the couple.
They said the increased tax rate would also see them looking for options that provided value for money.
“We will, however, hold it in a manner acceptable to both sides of the family,” they said.
A bride-to-be who wanted to be known as Lim said she and her fiance opted to have only a church wedding with a dinner reception at an event space instead of a hotel or restaurant.
“What truly matters is the joy of celebrating with family and friends,” she said.
Nur Athirah Rosli, 25, a part-time tutor, wants her wedding later this year to be as “practical as possible”.
“We have chosen not to spend on entertainers and traditional dowry decorations,” she said, adding that she and her fiance evaluated their wedding checklist to stay within budget.
“However, looking great for our wedding by hiring make-up artists and photographers is important to us,” said Nur Athirah.
Senior executive Wong Kit Sern, 26, said he and his fiance would not skip out on decorations and photographers as they wanted their big day to be special.
“We have booked most of what is needed, but we are also wary of other items that can incur more costs,” he said, adding that they meticulously planned their wedding expenses.
“We are also considering hiring a friend to coordinate our wedding instead of a professional,” he added.
Finance executive T. Gilbert, 32, said his wedding reception later this year would be catered only to family and close friends.
“We have set a limit of 50 guests. It is a special day for us and we want to be with those we know best,” said Gilbert, who is tying the knot in June.
Wong Teu Hoon, president of Pan Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants & Chefs Association, said the increased tax is not currently affecting restaurants.
He also said it was still early to tell if there was an increase in wedding bookings.
“Restaurants are a more economical alternative, but when it comes to weddings, it depends on the couple’s willingness to spend,” he added.
