KUCHING: The costs of weddings can fluctuate each year, influenced by factors such as economic conditions, inflation and changes in demand for wedding-related services.
While specific details about the Sales and Services Tax (SST) and its impact can vary from region to region and country to country, indirect effects on prices may occur due to adjustments in vendor expenses.
Photographer and makeup artist Bunny Bimba, 32, said that in recent years, wedding costs had been rising due to the increasing prices of goods and services associated with weddings.
“Venue bookings, catering and other essential elements contribute to the overall expenses. Additionally, the demand for certain dates or popular seasons can drive prices higher.
“Regarding SST, if applicable in our place, it could contribute to cost fluctuations but it’s essential to consider other economic factors as well. Wedding service providers may adjust their prices to accommodate changes in taxes or operating costs.
“To assist couples in managing expenses, I will offer special packages for married couples. These packages may include bundled services or discounts on additional offerings. Exploring these options and negotiating with me can help couples find arrangements that align with their budgets while still creating a memorable wedding experience.
“When prospective brides use our packages, we will provide them with exclusive bundles. To draw in prospective brides, we will also provide packages like pelamin (wedding throne chairs), photo sessions, Iban ngepan (traditional costume), pre-wedding photo shoots, and so on,” he said.
Meanwhile, bride-to-be, Dami Nuan, 26, and her partner have carefully planned for their future, especially in terms of finances and mental health.
“The increase in SST to eight per cent can be overcome as best as possible because economic planning has already been made within a year before the wedding ceremony that will take place this May.
“For my wedding planning, I choose according to the budget, the ability to choose the selection of clothes to use during the day as well as the food and drinks for the guests,” she said.
Dami stated that she was more open to having the wedding ceremony conducted in her hometown, such as at a longhouse with prearranged costs because the ceremony there would be livelier with the support of her family.
Amanda Sara Henry, a 22-year-old housewife, said she was never thought of getting married this year.
“The current situation of the economy has driven up the cost of commodities.
The 39-year-old founder of AngelArtis Studio, Angel Artis, predicted that couples’ purchasing and decision-making would be impacted by the new fee.
“As it was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, we did not mind spending a bit more for a lasting memory,” she said.
An eight per cent entertainment tax, she pointed out, might have a big impact on the wedding business.
“Services like music, performers, and other entertainment components may cost more for couples.
“The possibility of a rise in the total cost of the wedding package can be attributed to additional taxes on specific wedding-related items.
“In this Year of the Dragon, more couples may tie the knot but the upcoming 8 per cent tax may lead to cautious spending,” she added.
But according to Angel, a problem is typically an opportunity for development, thus the tax hike will present the wedding sector with an opportunity to innovate.
“It goes without saying that if prospective brides choose to purchase a package from us, the cost will grow in accordance with the package’s value.
“Since the SST tax increased from 6 per cent to 8 per cent, we had to increase the price to reflect the going rate in the market.
“Makeup, a wedding gown, the groom’s coat, “pelamin”, a decorative car, photos, a costume set, and other items are included in the package,” she said.
According to her, companies will have the chance to be inventive with their wedding packages in order to offer prospective brides alternatives that will save money.
