Hundreds still save the date

240 couples tie the knot on auspicious Aug 8 despite restrictions

FOR Zhuang Yaqi and Ryan Liu, getting married on Aug 8 had been in the works for over a year – 0808 is “auspicious” and it is the day before National Day.

“It just feels like it’s an extra festive period, and the date is also very easy to remember. We liked it from the start,” said Zhuang, 30, an account manager.

The couple decided to go ahead with their wedding plans yesterday despite the restrictions brought on by the ongoing pandemic.

They were among 240 couples who tied the knot on the special date, up from the 44 couples who did so on Aug 8 a year ago.

“When Covid-19 first broke in January, we considered postponing the wedding date, but as the months went on, and the pandemic looked like it would stay, we decided to stick to the original plan,” said Liu, 26, a teacher.

“The pandemic is a problem, but we shouldn’t feel tied down by it. Life goes on, whether or not there are troubles.”

A spokesperson for the Registry Of Marriages said: “With the recently announced revised safe management measures, couples who want to solemnise their marriage need not delay their plans. They can still have intimate and meaningful wedding celebrations.”

The couple can have up to 48 people attend solemnisation ceremonies held in venues such as places of worship or hotels.

If the ceremony is held at home, at the Registries of Civil and Muslim Marriages building or designated areas at the National Museum of Singapore – where the venues tend to be smaller – then the limit is eight guests.

Health measures include having guests don face masks and checking in via national digital check-in system SafeEntry for ceremonies held at an external venue. All attendees should also check their temperatures and ensure that they are feeling well before turning up.

Self-service buffets at receptions are not allowed, and neither are live performances or activities that involve singing or shouting.

Zhuang and Liu are getting married at her home, with only immediate family members attending. Everyone will be eating singleportion plates of ayam penyet following the solemnisation, and plastic shields will be provided to separate guests during the meal time.

Liu’s mother, who lives in Hong Kong and is unable to travel to Singapore, will join other guests via a livestream link.

Yuan Yiyang, 27, and Christine Sun, 29, also tied the knot yesterday.

They are the first couple to be married at Gardens By The Bay’s Supertree Observatory, which is now open for weddings.

The couple had many dates at the Gardens in the past and “felt great” to hold their special occasion there, which 20 close friends attended.

Sheryl Lim, 26, and Benjamin Yip, 30, also married yesterday.

“We’ll have another big dinner when the situation is better. For now, we will make the best out of things,” said Lim.

We’ll have another big dinner when the situation is better. For now, we will make the best out of things.

Sheryl Lim