A Paper on Wedding Ang Bao

Abstract:

In 2006, we see a surge in the number of weddings in Singapore. There is great interest in the market to understand what constitute the right amount to give for wedding ang bao for wedding dinners. This paper will study the factors influencing the amount for wedding ang bao and attempt to suggest a quick method for wedding ang bao computation.

Keywords: Gifting behaviour, wedding dinner, ang bao

As part of Chinese culture and tradition, ang bao (which means red packet), are given at wedding to bring good luck to the newly wed couple. Ang bao also serves as wedding gift to the bride and bridegroom from guests, and as a form of appreciation for invitiation to the couple for their invitation to their wedding dinner. In the practical sense, ang bao also help the couple to cover the cost of wedding dinner.

In a survey research, a significant number of respondents indicated that the key factors that influence the amount they give for wedding ang bao at a traditional Chinese wedding dinner include (1) the price per table for the wedding dinner bore by the couple, and (2) the relationship between the guest and the couple.

Given the above factors, a quick way to compute an approximate amount for wedding ang bao is as follow:

where WAB = wedding ang bao

P = price per table for wedding dinner

h = headcount per table

x = level of relationship,

where x=1 for Acquaintances,

x=2 for Friends,

x=3 for Close Friends, and

x=4 stands for Buddies/Very Important People

The approximately equal sign is in place so that one can round up or down the figure to a auspicious number, such as 88.

Limitation:

This computation serves as a benchmark for the case of wedding dinners only. The scope of this paper does not include church wedding, wedding cocktail, and other forms of wedding ceremonies. Future research can explore the wedding ang bao benchmark for these alternative forms of wedding ceremonies.