Step By Step Wedding Guide

A step by step guide
to planning your wedding

Here’s an overview of what you may need to know and prepare for your wedding - from paperwork to pre-marital courses.

MUSLIMS
NON MUSLIMS
1.
Get Engaged
Everything begins here! Your proposal is the first step to all things wedding, so let’s begin by sealing the deal!

  • Choose your ring based on your preference and budget
  • Your engagement ring can be a different ring from your wedding band or one and the same.
  • Discover our credit card deals and find the perfect promotion for your choice of jewellery.
2.
Check Your Health
All Muslims looking to get married are required to get a HIV screening test.

  • Do note that the screening test report is only valid for 6 months, so do plan your appointment to fit into your marriage application timeline.
  • The screening test is available at all government clinics.
3.
Take a Pre-marital Course
All Muslim couples looking to be wedded must attend pre-marital courses.

If you’re residing in a Federal territory, these conditions will exempt you from attending a pre-marital course:

  • Have been married before;
  • Above 45 years old for males and over 40 years old for females
  • Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
  • Foreigner

Once you’ve completed your pre-marital course, a certificate for completion will be issued to you. Do note that this document is required for your marriage application.
4.
Set a Budget
Setting a budget ensures you stay financially comfortable while planning your big day. It acts as a guide for all of your other decisions.

Some factors to consider:

  • Number of guests (influences venue, catering, and more).
  • Desired location (local vs. destination wedding).
  • Non-negotiables (must-haves like a photographer or specific decor).
  • Hidden costs (tips, taxes, and overtime charges).


Tips for saving up:

  • Set up a dedicated savings account or utilise Tabung to save systematically.
  • Track expenses regularly using budgeting apps or a spreadsheet.
  • prioritise-allocate more for essentials and trim down less important extras.
5.
Set the Date
You may want to choose a date and venue that is meaningful for you and your partner.

However, you may also want to consider the weather, venue availability, and guest convenience. Popular dates might cost more, so stay flexible to save more.

Things to consider when picking a venue:

  • Indoor vs. outdoor
  • Guest capacity
  • Venue policies-check for restrictions like operating hours or vendor limitations.
6.
Set Guest List
Balance your budget and venue capacity with the people you genuinely want to celebrate with.

  • Start with immediate family and closest friends.
  • Use your budget to determine the maximum number of attendees.
  • When it comes to reception dinners, be clear about whether you’ll allow plus-ones and kids.
7.
Book Vendors
Research reviews, ask for recommendations, and meet vendors in person so you can see if you can work well with them.

  • Book vendors like photographers, caterers, and florists as soon as you secure your venue.
  • Some venues have preferred vendors or limits on how many vendors you can bring in, so confirm these details early.
8.
Plan Your Outfits
Decide the number of your outfits based on your ceremonies or preferences. Should you buy, tailor, or rent? Here’s a quick guide:

  • Buy for long-term keepsakes.
  • Tailor for custom designs and perfect fits.
  • Rent for budget-friendly access to premium outfits.
9.
Apply for Marriage Licence
You will need to obtain relevant application forms according to your registered address, along with some necessary documents to submit as part of the application process.

  • Documents needed are different depending on whether you’re a citizen or non-citizen of Malaysia.
  • You must then present themselves and complete supporting documents to the relevant governing bodies for verification.
  • Once verified, a Registrar will issue a wedding permit, which has a validity of 90 days from the date of issuance
10.
Enjoy your Big Day
Now that all your plans are in place, if things don’t go as planned, stay calm and adjust where you can.

Here are some tips on handling your wedding day stress:

  • Stick to a detailed timeline.
  • Ensure vendors confirm logistics a day or two beforehand.
  • Prepare an emergency kit (sewing supplies, painkillers, snacks).

Also, do keep in mind that an Assigned Registrar will be present during the solemnization on the wedding day.
11.
Plan your Honeymoon
Congratulations on officially sealing the deal! Now it’s time for your honeymoon, where you can finally relax and take in your brand new chapter in life.

  • Decide your vibe-romantic retreat, adventurous trip, or a mix of both.
  • Book early for the best deals and availability.
  • Plan downtime; your honeymoon should be relaxing, not stressful.

Discover our exclusive honeymoon packages and deals to make your dream trip come true.
1.
Get Engaged
Everything begins here! Your proposal is the first step to all things wedding, so let’s begin by sealing the deal!

  • Your engagement ring can be a different ring from your wedding band or one and the same. It’s completely up to your preferences and budget.
  • Discover our credit card deals and find the perfect promotion for your choice of jewellery.

2.
Set a Budget
Setting a budget ensures you stay financially comfortable while planning your big day. It acts as a guide for all of your other decisions.

Some factors to consider:

  • Number of guests (influences venue, catering, and more).
  • Desired location (local vs. destination wedding).
  • Non-negotiables (must-haves like a photographer or specific decor).
  • Hidden costs (tips, taxes, and overtime charges).

Tips on saving for your wedding:

  • Set up a dedicated savings account or utilise Tabung to save systematically.
  • Track expenses regularly using budgeting apps or a spreadsheet.
  • prioritise-allocate more for essentials and trim down less important extras.

3.
Choose a Venue
There are a few options available for your ROM, so here’s a guide on how to shortlist your choices:

Venue options:

  • Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN)
  • Malaysian Representative Office Abroad
  • Places of worship such as churches, temples, or Association
  • by Assistant Registrar of Marriage
  • Other options may include a hotel, your home, etc.

Your chosen venue might require additional fees.
Fees can range from RM30 to RM500, so do double check before you lock down details.

Your ROM date needs to be made at least 2 months in advance.

Your reception can be held at the same venue or a different one, depending on your preferences and/or budget.

4.
Apply for Marriage
You will need to obtain relevant application forms according to your registered address, along with some necessary documents to submit as part of the application process.

  • Different documents are needed, depending on where you’re a Malaysian citizen or a non-citizen.
  • Once the forms are filled in, you will need to go to the Marriage and Divorce Division of JPN to submit your application in person.
  • Display of Notice of Marriage from JPN will last 21 full days.
  • Registration of Marriage should take place after 21 days but not later than 6 months from the date of application.

5.
Plan the Reception
Planning the event: Start with your theme or vision. Is it formal, casual, or culturally specific?

  • Coordinate decor and entertainment to match your style.
  • Select a venue that enhances the ambiance (e.g., a ballroom for elegance, a garden for rustic vibes).

Be mindful of specific cultural traditions that may involve multiple ceremonies or unique customs. Factor these into your schedule and budget as well.

6.
Set Guest List
Balance your budget and venue capacity with the people you genuinely want to celebrate with.

  • Start with immediate family and closest friends.
  • Use your budget to determine the maximum number of attendees.
  • Be clear about whether you’ll allow plus-ones and kids.

7.
Book Vendors
Research reviews, ask for recommendations, and meet vendors in person so you can see if you can work well with them.

  • Book vendors like photographers, caterers, and florists as soon as you secure your venue.
  • Some venues have preferred vendors or limits on how many vendors you can bring in, so confirm these details early.

8.
Plan Your Outfits
Decide the number of your outfits based on your ceremonies or preferences. Should you buy, tailor, or rent? Here’s a quick guide:

  • Buy for long-term keepsakes.
  • Tailor for custom designs and perfect fits.
  • Rent for budget-friendly access to premium outfits.

9.
Getting married
It’s your wedding day! Here’s a list of things you’ll need to take note of:

What to bring

  • Both couples and witnesses are required to bring along myKAD for verification purposes.

Who needs to be present

  • Couple (dressed formally and for the occasion)
  • Witnesses (dressed formally and for the occasion)
  • Registrar of Marriage

Certificate of Marriage will be issued on the day of ROM
10.
Enjoy the Celebration
Now that all your plans are in place, if things don’t go as planned, stay calm and adjust where you can.

Here are some tips on handling your wedding day stress:

  • Stick to a detailed timeline.
  • Ensure vendors confirm logistics a day or two beforehand.
  • Prepare an emergency kit (sewing supplies, painkillers, snacks).
  • Assign a trusted friend or family member to deal with any possible emergencies so you can enjoy your day to the fullest.

11.
Plan your Honeymoon
Congratulations! Your wedding is done-time to relax and celebrate your new chapter.

  • Decide your vibe-romantic retreat, adventurous trip, or a mix of both.
  • Book early for the best deals and availability.
  • Plan downtime; your honeymoon should be relaxing, not stressful.

Discover our exclusive honeymoon packages and deals to make your dream trip come true.