Venue Hunting Part 2 as a H1 2026 Bride
Hi... sorry for the hiatus - life has been a little overwhelming lately (moving countries, moving back to Singapore, planning the wedding and the honeymoon 😅). But I’m finally back to continue my story…
Quick recap: I’m a H1 2026 bride. Our grand plan was to host 2 receptions:
- 🍲 One for family (good Chinese food)
- 🍻 One for friends (casual, chill vibes)
So here’s Venue Hunting Part 2: The Fun Restaurants We Wanted (but didn’t pick 👀).
📍The Southern Depot x Little Island Brewing Co (Gillman Barracks)
This one had my heart for a while - spacious, high ceilings, rustic brick walls, and an affordable price tag that meant more room in the budget for extras (I was already imagining a live band 🎶). I also loved that they were flexible with the menu, even a “Build Your Own Buffet” option. We were this close to doing a site visit… until we shared it with family (👀 story for another day).
📍Kinki Restaurant (Collyer Quay)
This one was more sentimental, it was one of our first date spots, with fun vibes, unique energy, and a great MBS view without the crazy price tag. But with the number of friends we wanted to invite, we’d have had to book both the restaurant and rooftop, which meant splitting everyone up… and we didn’t love that idea.
Looking back, venue hunting was honestly such a rollercoaster of budgets, options, and family conversations. Honestly, I still daydream a little about how fun it would’ve been to host friends at a place like this - with music, good food, and that laid-back vibe.
But at the end of the day, weddings are never just about us… they’re also about our families, and respecting what matters to them. Even though we didn’t choose these venues, I’m glad we explored them, it reminded us that while compromise is hard, it’s also part of what makes this journey real.
When planning a wedding, getting a handle on the budget is one of the trickiest parts, especially with multiple venue options and styles to consider. I found The Southern Depot offered really good value with its spacious 2,445 sqft event space, flexible table arrangements, and an affordable buffet starting at around $78++ per person. Their booking fees ranged between $1,800 to $5,000 depending on event time and duration, which helped me forecast costs realistically. One thing I appreciated was their “Build Your Own Buffet” option, which gave us leeway to pick dishes that’d please both family and friends—something not many venues offer. The rustic brick wall vibe and open layout also made decorating fun without extra furniture costs, creating a relaxed atmosphere everyone could enjoy. In contrast, Kinki Restaurant, while sentimental and offering stunning Marina Bay views, came with a pricier price tag. The buyout of restaurant and rooftop space could reach about $26,000 for 170 guests, and splitting the group over two floors risked breaking the flow of the event. Based on personal experience, it’s essential to weigh not only the venue’s aesthetic and capacity but also the hidden fees and how those align with your guest list and wedding style. Consider your guests’ comfort too—buffet-style might be fun but could pose challenges for elderly relatives. Ultimately, venue hunting is about more than just picking a pretty place; it involves balancing budget, guest experience, and family preferences. The Southern Depot stood out for its combination of charm and practicality, making it a strong contender, even if it wasn’t our final choice. My advice? Visit multiple sites, request detailed pricing, and imagine your wedding day at each to find the perfect fit.
