But exactly whose business is it to pay for the wedding?

Wedding planner Renee Leung, founder of The Wedding Butler, said couples tying the knot should have realistic expectations of the wedding they want.

They should also know what they can afford.

Said Ms Leung: "Very often, couples don't want financial assistance from their parents, which is fine. But they want a big fancy wedding and this can lead to a lot of stress, especially when the cost adds up."

Ms Leung, who has more than 15 years of experience in the industry, said couples often get a shock when they tally the cost of what seems to be small things.

"Many people now want certain bands to perform at their weddings, fancy flowers, invitation cards and place settings, which can bring the wedding cost up to $100,000."

But she said she tells clients and friends to give the "market rate" when going to a wedding, so as to help the couple out with their expense.

Etiquette expert Suzenne Zheng said while it is rude not to bring a gift to a wedding, the value of it should not matter as much.

She said: "When you invite someone to your wedding, it is to celebrate your happy day. They shouldn't be expected to pay for your do."

Several individuals TNP spoke to agreed that while they don't expect guests to help foot their wedding bills, they try to give the "market rate" when they go.

Human resource manager Michelle Ho, 37, who recently attended a wedding, said she gives at least $120 when attending a wedding, no matter where the location.

"My philosophy is to give enough so the couple won't lose too much money," she said.

Bride-to-be Charmaine Wee, 31, said she doesn't consider hongbao money as a recovery cost for her nuptial.

The teacher also gave a definite no when asked if she would blame guests for not meeting the "market rate" in their hongbao packets.

"For my fiance and I, we won't ask our guests to write their names down. But I've been to weddings where guests are made to write their names (on the red packets)," she said.

Miss Wee, who has been to a number of weddings, said she understands that it is difficult for couples to cover the cost of weddings, so she would give about $120 to friends she is not very close to for a wedding dinner and $100 for a luncheon.

She doesn't have a specific amount she gives her close friends, she said.

Similarly, sales executive Chan Jun Xiong, 24, said he planned his wedding according to his and his fiancee's income.

"I see people giving (hongbao) as more of a bonus," he said.

Mr Chan, who is getting married next May, will be holding a banquet lunch at InterContinental Singapore.

He said he has heard of some people who invite more people to their wedding to accumulate more hongbao packets.

He added: "We are not looking to people as a source of money."