For most Singaporeans, the first step to getting married is probably to ROM (Registry for marriage). As to when should we should ROM, it depends on individual's situations.
Scenario 1: ROM before the Traditional Wedding
This applies to couples who are planning to puchase a HDB flat. As HDB only allows for valid family units to purchase a HDB flat, we'll have to produce the wedding certificate before getting the keys to our home. Even then, the timing of ROM depends on the flat that you purchase.
For resale flats, it will be better for couples to ROM first before beginning the search for a flat. This is so, as the sellers might be in a hurry to sell off the flat, and would not like to wait too long for you to get your marriage cert. Unless you do not mind getting ROM on an inauspicious day or rushing through your ROM, it is not advisable to wait till you have found your dream flat.
For new flat owners, you are the lucky ones. Usually HDB are more lenient to newly-weds, and is willing to put the sale on hold for a couple of months.
Scenario 2: Having the ROM together with the Traditional Wedding
This applies to couples who have purchase a condominum or are staying with their parents. For you, there is not much of a hurry to plan for ROM as you could only efile 3 months before the intended date. But you probably should start searching for the solemnisation venue as well as the Justice of Peace. The important thing is to secure your appointment with the venue and the JP. You can refer to the ROM site for the list of JPs.
So how do you get ROM?
After you have decided to ROM, you should first choose a date. As for which date, well.. that depends on you. Some prefer to get a fengshui master to select for them based on their birthdates, while others just choose the nearest convenient date, and of course you can go for the special dates like 080808. Whatever date that you choose, you'll need to efile at ROM website at least 21 days before this date. For those who are going to ROM at the registry, the earliest that you could efile is 3 months before. As there are limited slots at the registry, so if you'll like to ROM on an auspicious date, better efile exactly 3 months before the selected date.
So what happens if you can't get the date that you want or you'll prefer to have it on the weekends? Well, you have 2 options, 1 is to choose another date OR host the solemnization at another place. As mentioned above, all you have to do is to find a venue and a JP to do this. For venue, the easiest place will be this place called Love that Binds. This place is only few metres away from the registry and licensed solemnizers are included sand plus there is option to host a buffet there, best of all, it opens 7days a week.
Having your ROM outside the Registry
Compared to hosting traditional wedding banquet, preparing for an ROM is much simpler. First, you'll need to decide on the venue. Here's a list of common venues:
- Hotel ballroom, pool side, garden
- Chinese Restaurant VIP room
- Home
- Chalets
- Theme cafe, pubs
To find out more about their rates, simply look for their websites or give them a call for a tour of the venue. It is important to confirm the venue before efiling, as you'll need to state the time and venue during efile.
Here's a list of the things to look out for when selecting the venue:
- Indoor or outdoor?
For indoors, you'll need to check the maximum number of guest that it could accomodate.
For outdoors, you'll need to ask about the alternative location if it rains. There might be additional cost for alternatives. - Cost by per head or per table?
For per head cost, check if it's half price for kids below 12 or free for kids below 4, etc. - Decoration
Are you given choice of colours for flowers, table cloths, seat covers, rose petals, etc - Solemnization Table
Will table cloths, centerpiece, stationaries be provided? - Type/range of food
- Wedding favours
- Cancellation charges
If time allows, visit a few venues before putting your deposit on any venue.
After you have completed efiling, you'll be notified of the date/time to certify the relevant documents to ROM. It is usually 3-5 working days before the actual day of solemnization.
Required Documents:
- Bride and Groom's NRICs or passports for foreigners
- Copy of NRICs or passports of both witnesses (above 21 years of age)
- Solemnization Consent form
Both of you will be asked to verify your details as well as to take an oath to declare that you've never been married before, blar blar blar.. It is actually pretty long-winded. After that, sign on this document, and you are done.
For those who are not having solemnization at the ROM, you'll be given 4 items:
- Your actual ROM certificate (no signature)
- The letter of Marriage (to sign on solemnization)
- A self-addressed envelope to send the letter of Marriage back to ROM
- A folder to keep your ROM certificate
- Appointment Letter (for those having it in the Registry)
All items are to be given to your JP on the actual day, and he'll present item 1 and 4 back to you at the end of the ceremony.
The Day arrives!
For those having it at the ROM, remember to arrive at the Registry at least 15mins before the scheduled time.
Even if you are hosting the event at another location, be considerate, do not delay it for too long as the JP might have another solemnization or other engagement after yours. The JP has the right to leave if you delay for more than 30mins.
Before the solemnization, the JP will request for the all the items above as well as the original NRICs of bride, groom and the 2 witnesses for verification.
At the end of the ceremony, remember to give a red packet to the JP as a token of appreciation (not applicable at the Registry). As for the amount, it is up to you, ROM guidelines states $28.
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