Comparison of Bridal Studios

As mentioned in my previous post, I have shortlisted 5; no in fact it was 6 bridal studios (i.e. La Belle Couture, My Bridal Room, Rico A Mono, Digio Bridal, Sophia Wedding and Bridal Affairs) for Sam & my wedding.

 

With the list of available bridal studios (ranges from SG, Malaysia, Taiwan and Korea based) to choose from, I don’t think it is possible to visit each and every studios to check out on their packages.  I kid you not; visiting bridal studios can be exciting but tiring at the same time. 

You will easily spend at least 2hrs in the studio, trying their gowns; checking out their photography skills (if you are planning to take up their full package inclusive of pre-wedding shoot) and discussing on the available packages the studios offer that suit your needs etcc. Hence, it is only through recommendations and by reading reviews from wedding forums that you picked up the top 5 which catches your attention.

In this entry, I will state the package details (inclusive of pre-wedding shoot) offer to me during my visit to their studios (i.e rates are quoted during first half of 2014). 

 

Reviews: Honestly, all the coordinators I met up with are really pleasant and friendly. None of them are pushy in hard-selling their packages, which is one of the deciding factors that I look out for in choosing the desired bridal studios.
In addition, I got to try at least 3 gowns (except for Sophia Wedding) before we sat down & discuss on the different types of packages that is available.

Hope below information is useful for newly engaged couples out there :)

La Belle Couture
Coordinator: Mr Lucas Yeo
http://www.labellecouture.com.sg

Cost

§  $4,088/-

Album

§  30 – 33 poses for 1 x 15R album

§  22 pages for album

§  $80/- per additional pose

§  $130/- per additional page

§  1 x 10R table top frame

§  1 x 20" X 30" or 3 in 1 portrait frame

§  Soft copies given for every chosen poses

Pre-Wedding Shoot

§  Able to select all gowns Off-the-Rack (OTR)

§  Bride: 1 wedding gown + 1 evening gown + 2 outdoor gowns (total: 4 sets)

§  Groom: 3 suits

§  4 sets of hairstyles and makeup

§  2 – 3 different outdoor locations (depend on weather & timing)

§  $50/- for both eyelash & ampoules

§  Veil / Ribbons / Bow Tie / Tie / Jewelry provided

§  Artificial hand bouquet provided

§  Indoor / Outdoor props provided for pre-wedding shoot; but allowed to bring ourselves

Actual Day

§  Same wedding gown, evening gown and suits as pre-wedding shoot

§  Bride: 1 wedding gown + 1 evening gown + 1 KUA / Tea Dress + 1 ROM dress (total: 4 sets)

§  Groom: 2 suits

§  2 complimentary father / father-in-law suits

§  2 sets of hairstyles and makeup

§  Car decoration for bridal and brothers’ cars

§  Fresh flower bouquet

§  Wrist corsages provided for sisters but need to be returned

My Bridal Room
Coordinator: Mr Sia
http://www.mybridalroom.com

Cost

§  $3,688/-

Album

§  30 poses for 1 x 18R album

§  5 poses given in unlocked file. Meaning you can develop into your desired sizing. The rest are in 5Rs.

§  24 pages for album

§  $80/- per additional 1 - 10 poses; $70/- per additional 11 - 20 poses; $60/- per additional 21 poses onwards. $1,500/- for all soft copies return.

§  No charges per additional page as they charged base on photos

§  1 x 8R table top frame

§  1 x 20" X 24" or 3 in 1 portrait frame

§  Choose 22 poses out of the 30 poses for mini album

§  Soft copies given for every chosen poses

Pre-Wedding Shoot

§  Able to select all gowns Off-the-Rack (OTR)

§  Bride: 1 wedding  gown + 1 evening gown + 1 indoor gown + 3 outdoor gowns (total: 5 sets)

§  Groom: 3 suits

§  4 sets of hairstyles and makeup

§  2 – 3 different outdoor locations (depend on weather & timing)

§  $50/- for both eyelash & ampoules

§  Veil / Ribbons / Bow Tie / Tie / Jewelry provided

§  Artificial (for outdoor shoot) or Fresh (for indoor shoot) hand bouquet provided

§  Minimal selection of props provided for pre-wedding shoot; but allowed to bring ourselves

§  $250/- for MUA to follow you during photoshoot

Actual Day

§  Same wedding gown, evening gown and suits as pre-wedding shoot

§  Bride: 1 wedding + 1 evening gown + 1 KUA / Tea Dress + 1 ROM dress (total: 4 sets)

§  Groom: 2 suits

§  2 complimentary father / father-in-law suits

§  2 sets of hairstyles and makeup

§  Car decoration for bridal and brothers’ cars

§  Fresh flower bouquet

§  Wrist corsages provided for sisters but need to be returned

Digio Bridal
Coordinator: Ms Pei Yee
http://digiobridal.com

Cost

§  $3,588/-

Album

§  34 poses for 1 x 15R album

§  22 pages for album

§  $75/- per additional poses. $1,100/- for all soft copies return.

§  $25/- per additional page

§  1 x 8R table top frame

§  1 x 20" X 24" or 3 in 1 portrait frame or 13” X 30"

§  1 mini album

§  Soft copies given for every chosen poses

Pre-Wedding Shoot

§  Able to select all gowns Off-the-Rack (OTR)

§  Bride: 1 wedding  gown + 1 evening gown + 2 outdoor gowns (total: 4 sets)

§  Groom: 4 suits

§  4 sets of hairstyles and makeup

§  2 – 3 different outdoor locations (depend on weather & timing)

§  $50/- for both eyelash & ampoules

§  Veil / Ribbons / Bow Tie / Tie / Jewelry provided

§  In-house props provided for pre-wedding shoot; but allowed to bring ourselves

§  $100/- for MUA to follow you during photoshoot

Actual Day

§  Can choose different sets of gowns and suits from photoshoot

§  Bride: 1 wedding + 1 evening gown + 1 KUA / Tea Dress (total: 3 sets)

§  Groom: 2 suits

§  2 complimentary father / father-in-law suits

§  2 sets of hairstyles and makeup

§  Car decoration for bridal and brothers’ cars

§  Fresh flower bouquet

§  Wrist corsages provided for sisters not provided

Rico-A-Mona
Coordinator: Ms Fann Fam
http://www.rico-a-mona.com

Cost

§  $3,488/-

Album

§  38 poses for 1 x 15R album

§  18 pages for album

§  $75/- per additional poses. $2,500/- for all soft copies return.

§  1 x 8R table top frame

§  1 x 20" X 24" or 3 in 1 portrait frame

§  1 mini album

§  Soft copies given for every chosen poses

Pre-Wedding Shoot

§  Able to select all gowns Off-the-Rack (OTR)

§  Bride: 1 wedding  gown + 1 evening gown + 2 outdoor gowns (total: 4 sets)

§  Groom: 2 suits

§  4 sets of hairstyles and makeup

§  2 – 3 different outdoor locations (depend on weather & timing)

§  $50/- for both eyelash & ampoules

§  Veil / Ribbons / Bow Tie / Tie / Jewelry provided

§  In-house props provided for pre-wedding shoot; but allowed to bring ourselves

§  $280/- for MUA to follow you during photoshoot

Actual Day

§  Same wedding gown, evening gown and suits as pre-wedding shoot

§  Bride: 1 wedding + 1 evening gown + 1 KUA / Tea Dress + 1 ROM dress (total: 4 sets)

§  Groom: 2 suits

§  2 complimentary father / father-in-law suits

§  2 sets of hairstyles and makeup

§  Car decoration for bridal and brothers’ cars

§  Fresh flower bouquet

§  Wrist corsages provided for sisters not provided

Sophia Wedding
Coordinator: Ms Hebe Liew
http://www.sophiawedding.com

Cost

§  $4,400/-

Album

§  30 poses

§  15 pages for album

§  $80/- per additional poses

§  1 x 8R table top frame

§  1 x 16" X 24" or 3 in 1 portrait frame

§  1 mini album

§  100 pcs thank you cards (1 pose)

§  Soft copies given for every chosen poses

Pre-Wedding Shoot

§  Able to select all gowns Off-the-Rack (OTR)

§  Bride: 1 wedding  gown + 1 evening gown + 2 outdoor gowns (total: 4 sets)

§  Groom: 2 suits

§  4 sets of hairstyles and makeup

§  2 – 3 different outdoor locations (depend on weather & timing)

§  $50/- for both eyelash & ampoules

§  Veil / Ribbons / Bow Tie / Tie / Jewelry provided

Actual Day

§  Can choose different sets of gowns and suits from photoshoot

§  Bride: 1 wedding + 1 evening gown + 1 KUA / Tea Dress + 1 ROM dress (total: 4 sets)

§  Groom: 2 suits

§  2 complimentary father / father-in-law suits

§  2 sets of hairstyles and makeup

§  Car decoration for bridal and brothers’ cars

Bridal Affairs
Coordinator: Ms Christine
http://www.bridalaffairs.com.sg

§  More details can be found in their website. Do check it out & make appointment with Christine:)

Wedding Journey Part I – Only the Beginning of #SCYESWEDO

Disclaimer: Before I start on my first wedding related post, I need to reiterate that all the entries on my wedding journey are based on personal views & opinions. Hence, apply those that you think is applicable to your wedding or reference those that you think is useful yay :) Nevertheless, thank you for reading my entries <3

In fact, I’ve actually blogged on the woes of my wedding preparation here. Reading back the entry I blogged 6 months ago (Omgggggg..I have not been updating this space here for almost 3 months. *Blows the thick layer of dust awayyyy*), I realised Sam & I have already ticked off some of the major items on the checklist.

So far I guess we are still on the track (I hope so??)

-          Collected our wedding bands & wedding pillow bears (can’t wait to show off the wedding pillow cos it    kinda exceed our expectation ^^)

-          Set our wedding date

-          Confirmed our wedding venue

-          Chosen our bridal studio

-          Confirmed our actual day photographer & videographer

-          Confirmed instant photo-booth vendor

-          Wedding bears gifted <3

Wedding Band

A picture of our wedding band (& engagement ring) since I’ve already posted on Instagram & facebook :D

I love my wedding band ALOTTTT even though it is not from Cartier, Bvlgari or Love & Co. We did check out Love & Co., Soo Kee and Goldheart beforehand but nothing catches our eye. We are not looking for high end brands due to the cost. Since we will be wearing the band daily, wear & tear is inevitable. Moreover I’m a very rough & careless person; so not point getting costly rings. The proposal ring is enough :)

Love how the band looks sleek on my ring finger & that row of diamond pieces on the band… *bling bling*. In fact, this was not the original ring design I paid for; I changed my mind after a coffee session & thankfully I made the change.

Our original pair. Couldn't capture the bling on the ring really well.

 

This is another pair which I was considering as well. The difference between both bands is the "band" surrounding the diamonds. Somehow, I love the band design. However, this is slightly different from the one I chose as seen above. The one I chose has this criss-cross design.

Sam’s ring is still the same; only I changed the design.  Fickle minded is my character >< The original wedding band I chose looks a little like Tiff & Co inspired, & it looks really perfect when worn together with the proposal ring. But when worn alone, I find that it lack the “band” feel. Moreover, I don’t think I will be wearing my proposal ring often (only on special occasions), so I personally would prefer to have a wedding band that actually looks/feels like a band when worn. I hope I din confuse you by what I mean :p

Our wedding band does not come in a pair; we chose whichever designs that caught our eye & suits our ring finger to form a pair. 

Wedding pillow bears, which we only manage to collect after the 4^th trip to the jeweller (so pissed with them), will only be shown on our ROM day :p Stay tuned..heheh!

Wedding Date

YAYYYY, FINALLY WE HAVE A WEDDING DATE!!!!!! :DDDD

16 May 2015 (Saturday); Wedding Lunch

Unhappiness stuffs on finalising the wedding date aside; I come to realise it is very important to have your wedding date advised & given by a licensed geomancer. Just be safe than sorry. It is a once in a lifetime event for both of you. You never know if the date you have chosen is really auspicious nor will it have any major impact on anyone. Yes, you will probably choose a date that doesn’t clash with certain zodiacs, but still you never know on the “hidden impact” to anyone (if you know what I mean).

To believe or not is the couple’s choice.

My say is if you have decided to ignore/forgo all the traditional beliefs, go ALL THE WAY with it. Stay positive & don’t get affected by any negative comments.

If you are like me, more to the “bang tan” side, I would really suggest heeding the geomancer’s advice. Don’t think any further. Honestly, I don’t want to see myself or anyone being sacrificed due to my wedding date.

Looking back, I am thankful that my aunt reprimanded me for not wanting to wait for the auspicious date from the geomancer & wanting to choose the earliest auspicious date from the list of 2015 auspicious dates provided by wedding forums. Like so desperate to get marry lidat -.-

Remember; this is your once in a lifetime event & you want to make it your BEST!! :)

Wedding Venue

Guess where? Heheheheh :p

√ Centralised location & near to MRT

√ Only ballroom in the hotel. No pillars; Have high ceilings.

We confirm our hotel during a wedding show held in April.

Prior to our confirmed hotel venue, we only viewed the ballroom at Park Royal @ Pickering. In fact, I slotted several other hotel viewings over the weekends; never did I expect Sam would confirm our venue so fast. We hardly make hasty decision, especially those involve $$$$. I guess he was just too worn-out after all (actually only 2-3 -.-“) the bridal studios visits. Tskkkkkkk…

Our coordinator has been very pleasant, accommodating & prompt in her replies to our enquiries. Cross fingers she will be with the hotel all the way till our wedding day.

Advice:-

1) Call up the hotels & check with the events department on the upcoming wedding lunch/dinner banquet held by other couples. You can head down to the ballroom 1.5hr prior to the banquet to check out the set-up of the ballroom & reception area.

2) View the bridal suites before signing the wedding contract. Ensure that the room is spacious enough to cater to at least 8 people (i.e. parents from both side, the wedding couple, MUA etccc..). You don’t get to book bridal suites for staycation always; so make sure the suite is to both of your satisfaction. Try asking for second night stay free as well.

3) “Bargain” for all the throw-ins available.  (i.e. 1 bottle of wine per confirmed table etc…)

Bridal Studio

Went to 6 bridal studios to check out on their packages; of which 3 are accompanied by Sam & the remaining 3 are with Jessica. Thank you to “OH My Pretty Gf, Jessica!” once again <3 Rest assured that I will definitely be there for your gown hunting when you need me :)

I wouldn't deny that it is rather tiring in search of that perfect gown, perfect pre-wedding photographer & perfect package with the studio. Yes; Sam & I chose to sign up the full package with the bridal studio to minimise cost & time. Ironically, I pretty enjoy popping by bridal studios to try on their beautiful gownssssss & snapping pictures secretly… heee!

The 6 studios I went are:-

-          Bridal Affairs

-          La Belle Couture

-          My Bridal Room

-          Digio Bridal

-          Rico Amona

-          Sophia Wedding

I might go into the individually packages that the studios offered in a separate entry; if time permits though >< Very packed with meeting Interior Designers for our upcoming house. Ohhhh, if there are any IDs that are recommended, pls indly share with me (You can drop me an email at sveltekiss@gmail.com). Thank you in advance :))

Meanwhile, bride/groom-to-be..enjoy the process in search of your perfect gowns/suits!! Do try the different cuttings, designs, colours etc …you never know that actually the one which you least preferred might turn out to suit you the BEST. Also if you favour a particular gown cutting (e.g. ball gown), do ensure that the bridal studio does carry a wide variety ball gown for you to choose from.

As for the packages, don’t be shy to ask for more throw ins (i.e. photos, pages, gowns/suits etc). BE THICK-SKIN!!!! :P

AD Photographer, Videographer & Instant Booth Vendor

Well, I admit that I literally MASS EMAIL the entire photographer/videographer/instant booth companies which I came across in FB ><  Anyway it’s FREE; Email them to ask for quotations only. HAHAHAHA.

Our PG & VG are from different companies; PG does have a company but only provide photography whereas VG is doing freelance shooting. However, both of them have been working with each other for quite some time. Hence, I decided to engage both of them. Firstly, it will be slightly cheaper and secondly, they will have a better rapport when doing the photo/video-shooting.

Some hoo-has did happened prior to our confirmation on our AD PG & VG. Just crossing fingers that all 3 of them won’t disappoint Sam & I on our BIG day. I am also hoping that I have time to keep utilizing the instant booth.

Wedding Bears

My cute little set of wedding bears gifted by BFF & BDF <3 <3 Extremely ecstatic that the set they got me is what I have been finding. THANK YOUUUU X123456789

 

I am still deciding if I should set the theme of my wedding to be in-line with my wedding bear.

 

Do stay tuned to Wedding Journey Part II yay  :D

Woes of Wedding Preparation

I tell myself I must diarise down my wedding preparation progress, so that I can look back in future, reading how much “hardship” I’ve gone through, which is how I’m feeling right now!! :((
 
Is wedding preparation really that fun??? I totally can’t relate at this point of time.
 
*Shrugggggs*
 
Now I totally understand why wedding doesn't only involve a couple; but two families O:
 
Wedding Band
Sam & I have settled our wedding band 3 months ago. Currently pending collection of the band in April. Hopefully our fingers don't shrink or fatten up (cos if I remember correctly, we are unable to resize our wedding band due to the design & cutting of it). Fingers crossed XXX
 
Wedding Date
This one is one major H.E.A.D.A.C.H.E!!!!!! Especially when you come from a very traditional family.
 
Sam & I are expecting our BTO house to be ready by end’2014 or early 2015 (at the rate it is progressing now –painting). Thus, we are required to submit our ROM cert within 3 months (or at least provide some form of evidence that we are preparing to get married) after the key collection.
 
As our new bed for 安床 will be in our new house, we are planning to renovate our house concurrently with our wedding planning.
 
Yes, in case you are wondering. Our wedding date will be given by a fengshui master (we got no choice as my family is rather “bang tan”. Sam is a Christian; while I’m a Buddhist/Taoist, whatever it is). And in order to make everyone (basically my family members) pleased, we just have to go with this choice.
 
There was too much unhappiness involved just by selecting an auspicious date myself, so much so that I surrender in choosing our own dates from online 通书. Whichever dates the Master pick, they will believe and feel is super auspicious!
 
But the 通书 for 2015 is not out yet!! :(( It should only be available in May/June 2015.
 
*Double Sighhhhzzz*
 
Hence, it is only when we have our wedding date, we can then proceed in the venue booking.
 
Fingers/Toes Double, Triple Crossed tightly again that:-

• There will be available dates for us cos based on the online 通书 I’ve checked, there are not many dates available for Sam & I due to too many constraints (i.e. zodiac of Sam, I & our parents, grandparents anniversary, hungry ghost festival & some lunar dates thingy…the list just goes on….)

• Weekend dates before June 2015 will be given. I really don’t want to see my bridesmaids, Sam’s brothers or anybody to take leave for our wedding. Also, as we are planning for wedding lunch, I don’t think a weekday will be suitable.
• Desired venues will still be available then

Praying very very hard!!!! *Huffff*

Bridal Studio
Will be on a hunt of bridal studios starting next week. Honestly, I’ve no idea what to ask for (i.e. how much is the average package? How many photos given are considered sufficient? Which type of gown I suit/looking for? And the list goes on & on & never ending……….).

But I know one thing I’m thankful of is that I’ve got Jessica to accompany me throughout the bridal studio & gown selection. Love love you very muchhhhie <3 <3

“Is wedding preparation really a joy?? Maybe?? But sadly I’ve yet to feel it :( ”

Ohhh, brides-to-be or ex-brides-to-be….I would really appreciate if you girls can recommend me any recommended wedding services that you have experience; be it bridal studios, MUA, indoor/outdoor photographer, videographer, hotel venues (banquet), outdoor venues (solemnisation cum wedding lunch) , wedding heel (3” max) shops, etc etc……I really need some help man :SSSSS

Sophia's Wedding

This was the day when I felt my worst (when it was also my friend's happiest day becos it was her wedding day). Fortunately, things turn out alright on 11.07.13. I wouldn't say it is a good outcome but at least it is not the worst I can imagine.