Planning a company dinner and dance in Singapore? The short answer: expect to spend $80 to $250 per person in 2026, depending on your venue, food, entertainment, and extras. For a typical 100-pax corporate D&D at a mid-range hotel, you’re looking at around $15,000 to $20,000 all-in.
But that range is wide — and the details matter. Whether you’re an HR manager working with a tight budget or an events committee with room to splurge, this guide breaks down exactly where the money goes so you can plan smarter.
Average D&D Cost by Company Size
Your total budget scales with headcount, but not linearly. Larger events benefit from economies of scale on entertainment, AV, and décor — costs that stay relatively fixed regardless of guest count.
| Company Size | Budget Range (Total) | Per Pax Estimate | Typical Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 pax | $6,000 – $12,500 | $120 – $250 | Restaurant private room, boutique hotel |
| 100 pax | $10,000 – $22,000 | $100 – $220 | Hotel ballroom, function space |
| 200 pax | $18,000 – $40,000 | $90 – $200 | Hotel ballroom (Shangri-La, Fullerton) |
| 500 pax | $40,000 – $100,000 | $80 – $200 | Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World |
Key takeaway: Per-pax costs actually decrease as headcount grows. A 50-person D&D often costs more per head than a 500-person one because fixed costs (emcee, AV, photographer) are spread across fewer guests.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Here’s where your dinner and dance budget actually goes. These are 2026 market rates based on Singapore event industry pricing.
Venue Hire
$0 – $8,000
Many hotels waive venue rental if you hit a minimum F&B spend (typically $100–$180++ per table of 10). Stand-alone venues and function rooms charge $1,500–$5,000 for the space. Premium locations like Marina Bay Sands or The Ritz-Carlton can run $5,000–$8,000 for ballroom hire alone.
Food & Beverage
$60 – $180 per pax
This is typically the biggest line item — 40–60% of your total budget. Options range from:
- Buffet at a function room: $60–$80/pax
- 4-star hotel set dinner: $100–$130++/pax
- 5-star hotel banquet (Shangri-La, Fullerton Hotel): $140–$180++/pax
Remember: “++” in Singapore means 10% service charge and 9% GST on top — adding roughly 20% to the stated price.
Entertainment & Emcee
$1,500 – $8,000
- Professional emcee: $800–$2,500 (bilingual emcees command higher fees)
- Live band: $2,000–$5,000
- DJ: $800–$1,500
- Stage performers (magician, dance act): $500–$2,000 per act
- Interactive game segments: Often included in emcee packages
Audio-Visual Equipment
$1,500 – $6,000
Basic AV (projector, screen, mic system) is often included in hotel packages. If you need LED walls, intelligent lighting, haze machines, or multi-camera live feeds, budget $3,000–$6,000 from a production company.
Décor & Styling
$500 – $5,000
- Basic table centrepieces & backdrop: $500–$1,500
- Themed décor (casino night, masquerade, Gatsby): $2,000–$5,000
- Balloon installations or floral arches: $800–$3,000
Need theme inspiration? Check out our guide to dinner and dance themes for ideas that work in Singapore.
Photography & Videography
$800 – $3,000
- Event photographer (3–4 hours): $800–$1,500
- Photo + video package: $2,000–$3,000
- Instant photo booth: $800–$1,500 (includes props and prints)
Lucky Draw Prizes
$500 – $5,000+
Most companies allocate $500–$2,000 for lucky draw prizes. Popular choices include Apple products, Dyson items, staycation vouchers, and shopping gift cards. Some companies go big with a $3,000–$5,000 grand prize to build excitement.
Budget-Friendly D&D Ideas (Under $100/Pax)
Running a dinner and dance on a tight budget doesn’t mean it has to feel cheap. Here’s how to keep costs under $100 per person:
- Choose a restaurant or function room instead of a hotel ballroom. Venues like Orchid Country Club, HomeTeamNS clubhouses, or restaurant private dining rooms offer packages from $60–$80/pax including food.
- Go with a buffet — it’s 20–30% cheaper than a plated set dinner and lets guests mingle more freely.
- Hire a DJ instead of a live band — saves $1,000–$3,500 while keeping the energy high.
- Use in-house AV — most venues include basic sound and projection at no extra charge.
- DIY your décor — balloon arches and printed banners from local suppliers cost a fraction of professional styling.
- Book on a weekday or off-peak month (Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug) for discounted rates.
Sample budget for 100 pax under $100/pax:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue + buffet dinner (restaurant) | $6,500 |
| DJ + basic sound | $1,000 |
| Emcee | $800 |
| Basic décor & backdrop | $600 |
| Photographer (3 hours) | $800 |
| Lucky draw prizes | $500 |
| Total | $10,200 (~$102/pax) |
With a bit of negotiation, you can easily bring that under $100. Use our dinner and dance checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Premium D&D Packages ($150–$250/Pax)
For companies that want to go all out — think annual galas, milestone celebrations, or MNC-level events — here’s what a premium dinner and dance looks like:
- 5-star hotel venue — Shangri-La, The Fullerton Hotel, Marina Bay Sands, or Capella Sentosa
- Plated 5-course dinner with free-flow wine and premium cocktails
- Live band + DJ combo for cocktail reception and after-party
- Full LED wall + intelligent lighting + haze for a concert-level experience
- Professional emcee (celebrity or bilingual host)
- Themed décor — Great Gatsby, masquerade ball, or black-tie elegance
- Photo booth + roving photographer + same-day video edit
Sample budget for 200 pax at $200/pax:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5-star hotel set dinner + drinks | $28,000 |
| Live band + DJ | $4,500 |
| Emcee (bilingual) | $2,000 |
| Full AV production (LED wall, lighting) | $5,000 |
| Themed décor & styling | $3,500 |
| Photo booth + photographer + videographer | $3,000 |
| Lucky draw prizes | $3,000 |
| Total | $49,000 (~$245/pax) |
Hidden Costs Most Companies Forget
These are the budget-busters that catch first-time organisers off guard:
Corkage Fees
Bringing your own wine or whisky? Hotels charge $30–$50 per bottle for corkage. For a 200-pax event with 20 bottles, that’s an extra $600–$1,000.
Overtime Charges
Most hotel packages include 3–4 hours. Go over and you’ll pay $500–$2,000 per additional hour depending on the venue. Entertainment vendors also charge overtime — bands and emcees typically add $300–$500/hour.
Transport & Logistics
Shuttle buses for employees run $300–$800 per bus. If your venue is in Sentosa or a less accessible location, budget for 2–4 buses round trip.
Service Charge & GST
That “$120/pax” hotel quote? After 10% service charge and 9% GST, it’s actually $143.88/pax. Always ask whether prices are nett or ++.
Last-Minute Add-Ons
Stage risers ($300–$800), coat check ($200–$400), valet parking ($500–$1,000), and extra tables for registration or prizes. These “small” items add up to $1,000–$2,000.
Gratuities
While not mandatory in Singapore, tipping your emcee, band, and event crew $50–$100 each is customary for exceptional service.
How to Get the Best Value for Your D&D Budget
Smart planning can save you 15–30% without sacrificing quality:
Book Early
Hotels and popular vendors book out 3–6 months ahead for peak D&D season (October–December). Booking early gives you leverage to negotiate and access early-bird rates.
Bundle Your Vendors
Many event companies offer all-in packages (emcee + AV + entertainment + décor) at 10–20% less than hiring separately. You also get a single point of contact, which saves time.
Choose Off-Peak Dates
January, February, and July–August are quieter months. Hotels offer significant discounts — sometimes 20–30% off F&B minimums — to fill their ballrooms.
Negotiate the F&B Minimum
Most hotels have flexibility on minimum spend. Ask for complimentary items (free-flow soft drinks, a reception cocktail, upgraded centrepieces) instead of a lower price — hotels are more willing to add value than cut rates.
Skip What Doesn’t Add Value
Does every table need a floral centrepiece? Do you need a 5-piece band when a DJ and one singer would do? Focus your budget on what guests will actually remember — great food, fun entertainment, and a smooth-running programme.
For a complete planning timeline and vendor checklist, read our Ultimate Guide to Planning a Dinner and Dance in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dinner and dance cost per person in Singapore?
A typical corporate dinner and dance in Singapore costs $80–$250 per person in 2026. Budget events at restaurants or function rooms start from $80–$100/pax, mid-range hotel events cost $120–$160/pax, and premium 5-star hotel galas can reach $200–$250/pax.
What is the cheapest way to organise a D&D in Singapore?
To keep costs under $100/pax: choose a restaurant or club function room, opt for a buffet, hire a DJ instead of a live band, use in-house AV, and book on a weekday or during off-peak months (January–February or July–August).
Are hotel prices for D&D nett or subject to service charge and GST?
Most hotel prices are quoted as “++” meaning 10% service charge and 9% GST apply on top. This adds approximately 20% to the quoted price. Always confirm whether prices are nett or ++ before committing.
When is the best time to book a dinner and dance in Singapore?
Book 4–6 months in advance, especially for October–December events (peak D&D season). For the best rates, consider hosting your D&D in January, February, or July–August when venues offer off-peak discounts.
What’s included in a typical D&D package from an event company?
Most all-in packages include an emcee, sound system, basic lighting, a DJ or live music, stage games, and event coordination. Some also bundle décor, photography, and photo booths. Packages typically start from $3,000–$8,000 depending on scope.
Ready to Plan Your D&D?
Whether you’re working with $8,000 or $80,000, the key is knowing where your money goes — and where you can save without anyone noticing.
Need help pulling it all together? Explore our dinner and dance packages for all-in pricing, or start with our complete planning guide to get organised from day one.
