Introduction & Disclaimer
Dear Brides-to-be & Grooms-to-be,
I am very pleased to present my wedding preparation kit for all couples who are going to get married soon or in the mid of preparation.
A small introduction of me, I first started to prepare my wedding on August 2007 as my big day was on March 2009. As and when I had gone through my preparation, I started to compile and share my experience to guide all couples.
This blog will assist you on the information on how you can start your wedding and some resources. So-called a useful blog that compile from my research and experience to provide all informations for all brides-to-be or grooms-to-be.
As I say, all informations compile from my research and experience, you will expect some copyrights from other articles & websites.
For advertising, you are always welcome to share with everyone. Give me your email and I will contact you directly. Advertising in this blog is FREE.
Hope this kit will be useful to you! Have fun!
Copyright 2008-2009 © wedding-prep-kit.blogspot.com & Other Websites
Past Updates
◕ October 2008
◕ November 2008
◕ December 2008
◕ January 2009
◕ February 2009
◕ March 2009
◕ April 2009
◕ May 2009
◕ June 2009
◕ July 2009
◕ August 2009
Labels
◕ Checklist
◕ Copyright
◕ Emergency Kit
◕ Guide
◕ Preparation
◕ Tradition
◕ Wedding Mistakes
◕ Wedding Website
Bridal Studio
◕ Bridal Package
◕ Bridal Studio
◕ Wedding Gown
For Brides
◕ Brides
◕ Bridal Bouquets
◕ Bridal Shoes
Hotels
◕ Hotel
◕ Wedding Venue
Solemnisation
◕ Outdoor Wedding
◕ Ring Pillow
◕ ROM
◕ Solemnisation
◕ Wedding Vow
Photography & Videography
◕ Photography
◕ Pre-Wedding Photoshoot
◕ Videography
Venues
◕ Restaurant
◕ Wedding Banquet
Locations
◕ Beach Road
◕ Bugis
◕ Changi
◕ CityHall
◕ Clarke Quay
◕ East Coast Road
◕ Havelock Area
◕ Newton
◕ Orchard
◕ Raffles Place
◕ Sentosa
◕ Tanjong Pagar
Transportation
◕ Transport
Stationery
◕ Invitation
◕ Wrist Corsages
Songs
◕ Chinese Song
◕ English Song
Updates
◕ Advertising
◕ Promotion
◕ Wedding Show
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Sunday, November 16, 2008
Bridal Studio Package Checklist
What are the things you have to ask or look out for in your bridal package? This was compiled by one of the brides-to-be in Multiply account and I amended some of her lists based on my knowledge and experience. Hope it will clear your doubts.
CLOTHES
* Tea-dress / Kua
* ROM gown
* Wedding gown - Can be the choice of Off-The-Rack (OTR) or Made-To-Measure (MTM)
* Evening gown - Either OTR or MTM
* Men's suit - Either OTR or MTM, how many?
* Men's pants - Must be MTM, how many? Can it be kept?
* Sister's gown
* Fathers' coats for 2
* Usage of bridal accessories (free or rental). How many sets?
* Restrictions in choosing the gowns or choose any gown in the shop
* Actual day gown to be different from Photo-shoot gown?
* Can keep the gowns?
* Need to top up extra for more embroidery or lace?
* Try the gown before signing the package?
MAKE-UP
* Trial make-up - is it before photo-shoot or before actual wedding day?
* Make-up for Photo-shoot on bride, how about groom?
* Two make-up for the actual wedding day (Both morning and night)
* Additional cost besides ampoule & false eyelashes
* Transport cost for make-up artist
* Additional cost if need to reach at 4am or 6am? Evening, any time?
* Is it same make-up artist for Photo-shoot & Actual day?
* Any additional cost for ROM make-up?
HAIR STYLE
* Any charges for hair setting?
* Any real flowers on hair?
* Does make-up artist do hair styles?
FLOWERS
* Hand bouquet for both indoor and outdoor photo-shoot (preferably real flowers)
* Hand bouquet for the actual wedding day
* 6 corsages (4 for both parents and 2 for groom)
* Wrist corsages for sisters
BRIDAL CAR
* Chauffeur provided?
* Petrol provided?
* Brand/model?
* If downgrade to lower brand/model, can reduce cost?
* If opt out the car, can reduce cost or exchange for more photos?
* Bridal car decoration
* Sets of ribbons for accompanying cars
* If not using bridal car from bridal studio (BS), will BS advise or help us on the car decoration?
PHOTOGRAPHY
* Any chances to meet up with photographer to understand each other's styles before photo-shoot?
* Any flexibility to use own preferred photographer?
* How many outfits for pre-wedding photo-shoot?
* Studio Photography: How many changes in hair style and make-up?
* Studio Photography: Polaroid before every change in style?
* Outdoor photography - usually 2 locations
* Outdoor photography: transport provided?
* Outdoor photography: numbers of followers?
* Outdoor photography: if rain? Additional cost? Any flexibility to change to another day?
* If spread over 2 days for indoor and outdoor, any additional cost?
* Able to get back selected and unselected RAW photos? When?
ALBUM
* Numbers of photos or poses? - Most package give at least 24 pieces and upon bargain, top up to 30
* Cost of photo for top up ($65-$95)
* Customise package for top-up photos
* Any free 2R or 4R photos for give aways? How many?
* Photo album size (12” x 15’ or 15’ x 20”)
* If separate to 1 indoor album and 1 outdoor album, any additional cost?
* Mini album with all photos included
* Digital effect or normal
* Touch up of photos
* One portrait size photo (inclusive of framing) or 3 photos in one frame
* One table top photo - if possible, bargain for more
ACTUAL DAY PHOTOGRAPHER
* Is it provided?
* Who’s the photographer? Same as my photo-shoot photographer?
* Number of free rolls
* Able to give me unlimited shots in CD Rom?
* Any additional costs for photographer, eg transport costs & additional costs if needs to be there at 4am or 6am?
ADDITIONAL STUFFS
* Guest book
* Any free anniversary shots & for how long? If there is, how many free pieces are you entitled? And how much per top up piece?
PAYMENT
* Deposit
* Gown confirmation
* Studio Day
* Album Collection
* Top-up photos - full payment upon confirmation of photos selection?
What to look out for when choosing a bridal package?
* Consider the package price, design, workmanship, service and photography style.
Do not choose a package solely on price factor
* Choose your package carefully. If not, you may end up paying more when you are not satisfied with the one you chose and had to switch to another bridal shop.
* Some bridal shop can offer cheaper packages because cheaper materials are used in making the wedding gown and suit.
* Some limit their in-house photographer on the number of film used when taking photos.
* Remember to ask for the price of extra photos before you make your decision. Some bridal shop charge higher than others on the extra photos for the album.
Design, Workmanship and Quality
* Look at the designs of the gowns, feel the material and check the workmanship on the gowns.
* Looking at the laces on the gowns, some shops don't tidy up the laces resulting in poor finishing.
Photography style
* 2 main photography style: the classical or the contemporary style
* The classical style is otherwise known as the "Taiwanese" style. The two styles can have very different results on a couple.
* Request to look at customers' photos instead of model shoot. Some shops employ outside photographers to shoot their sample portfolio and these photographers most likely do not take your wedding photos.
* Some shops have more than one in-house photographer. If you have identified a photographer that you like, request for that photographer to shoot your studio and outdoor photos.
I hope the above lists will be able to help you to take note or bargain for good deal in bridal package. Most importantly, you must win the trust and build up the relationship with the coordinator or else it will be difficult to bargain for more stuffs till your wedding day. Last but not least, both of you must feel comfortable with the person you are going to work with till your wedding.
So have fun!Labels: bridal package, checklist
|
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Bridal Packages Essentials
With so many bridal studios to choose from, one does get overwhelmed with the bridal package that bridal studios offer. Before signing up for the package, it is recommended that both the bride and groom shall visit various studios to look at the wedding gowns and their final products. The final product is often the wedding album.
Important Questions:
Clothes
* Do I need coats for the fathers?
* Can I rent coats for own brothers?
* Do I need a ROM or tea dress?
* Do I want my bridesmaids to wear the same clothes?
* How many sets of wedding gowns do I want?
* Gowns and Suits (for Photography and Actual Day)
* 1 Wedding gown
* 1 Evening gown
* 1 Tea Dress/Kua
* Groom’s suit
* Check if gowns are Off-The-Rack(OTR) or Made-To-Measure(MTM)
* Ask for rental cost of additional gowns or coats
Make-up & Hair Styling
* 1 Trial make up
* 1 Make-up for Photoshoot
* 1 Actual Day make-up (Morning)
* 1 Actual Day make-up (Evening)
* Check if trial makeup can be used for ROM
* How many hair styles for photoshoot?
* Ask if there is any additional costs for ampoules and hair setting
Flowers
* Bouquet for Photoshoot
* Bouquet for Actual Day
* Corsages (For Groom and both parents)
* Check if bouquets are fake flowers or fresh flowers
Bridal Car
* Rental of Bridal car with chauffeur and petrol provided
* Decoration for Bridal Car
* Check if extra sets of ribbons for accompanying cars are included
Bridal Accessories
* At least two sets (Tiara, Necklace, Earrings)
Photography
* Studio Photography - Check if rental of studio is included
* Do I want special effects on the photos?
* Do I want a lot of outdoor shoots?
* Do I want a lot of photos?
* Outdoor Photography (usually 2 locations) - any extra charges for additional location
* Ask if I need to provide transport for photographer(s)
* An album should have at least 24 pieces of photos
* Check if bargain on more photos whenever possible
* The type and size of album
* Whether digital enhancement is included
* Ask about cost per additional page or photo
* Cost for digital enhancement
* Whether cost is for one page or one photo (in case of multiple photos on a page)
* Whether can keep all the sample photos/negatives/soft copies
* CD-Rom of all the photos selected for the album
* Portrait size photo with frame
* Table top photo
* Any 2R or 4R giveaways photos
Other things to check or ask
* Design, Workmanship and Quality of gowns
* Validity period for package
* Choosing of makeup artist
* Choosing of photographer
* Photography style
* Additional deposit
* Period to return gown/coat
* Fixed bridal coordinatorLabels: bridal package, checklist
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Sunday, November 9, 2008
Bargaining for the best bridal package
 Are you over the moon and still reminiscing the sweet moments when your boyfriend proposed to you? Yes, this is not a dream! Wake up and get into actions now!
Let’s start by finding a bridal shop that will make you the envy of all women on your wedding day. Before you start, let’s familiarized with these bridal terms so that you won’t look blur when people talk to you.
* BS – Bridal shop
* WG – Wedding gown
* EG – Evening gown
* MTM – Made-to-measure
* OTR – Off -the-rack
* AD – Actual day
* PS – Photoshoot
* PG – Photographer
* VG Videographer
* MUA – Make-up artist
Shortlist
There are hundreds of bridal shops in Singapore - Tanjong Pagar Road alone has already a line-up of more than 20 bridal shops. Before you even attempt to step into one, do your homework first! Ask your friends who are married about their experience with their bridal shop. Read wedding forums and learn from the experience of other brides. The more popular wedding websites are Singapore Brides and Style Weddings, they have very active forum which you can refer.
If you want to have an idea of the wedding gowns designs and style of the bridal shop, buy wedding magazines and note the gowns that you like without first looking at the name of the bridal shop. Bridal magazines like Her World Brides, Style Weddings, Female Brides and Bliss has a lot of information on wedding stuff. If you do not want to spend money in buying the magazines, you can borrow them from the library. You then shortlist the bridal shops based on the gown designs that you like. A list of 5 – 10 shops is enough to keep you busy for the whole week.
Go at the right time
First of all, visit the bridal shop personally. Also, don’t be caught by them on their roadshows or wedding shows, unless you have already decide to sign up with them. You may be able to get a good deal but will not be able to see much unless you visit their shop. There are peak and off-peak seasons in this line too. If you are not superstitious, go in the beginning of Lunar 7th month or right at the beginning of the Chinese New Year. They will go all out to clinch a deal even if it meant earning much less as they believe a good start means good business for them for the rest of the year.
Check them out
Many brides-to-be made the mistake of bringing their boyfriend with them on the first visit. Some bridal shops use hard-selling techniques to get your business, especially when they see the “Finance Minister” with you. Don’t give in to them when you are not sure if that is the bridal shop you want. Don’t believe if they say “this special deal is only valid for today”, “you can’t find this special deal anywhere”. These are out-dated sales tactics.
The smart thing to do is to bring along a good female friend, preferably someone who has experience in dealing with bridal shops or who has good fashion sense. They are the ones who can give you good advice and stop you from doing anything foolish (ie. signing on the dotted line on the first visit). Act cool and don’t get too excited. Take your time to go through their photo albums and see if you like their photography style. Request to see their gowns collection and even try on some of them. Most bridal shops allow you to try their gowns without any commitment. Allow them to explain the bridal package to you. At this point of time, don’t attempt to bargain too much since you are not going to sign up anyway. They will usually “automatically” add on many freebies to the package. You can then guage if this is your choice based on their wedding gowns designs and variety, photography style, package price and items they have included, how comfortable you are with the co-ordinator and the overall feeling of the shop.
Decide on the bridal shop
After your first visit, you should have an idea of your choice of bridal shop. If you are still undecided, bring your boyfriend to the pre-selected shops. Ask him for opinions and go with the one he feels is the best. Respect his decision. Afterall, he is the one paying.
Bargain, bargain, bargain
No bridal package should be signed without bargaining. The coordinator will usually tell you the price and the items that are included. The standard items are:
* AD wedding gown (MTM or OTR)
* AD evening gown (MTM or OTR)
* AD groom’s suit
* AD groom’s pants (1 pair MTM to keep)
* Trial make-up or ROM make-up
* AD make-up and hairdo
* Hand bouquet – AD and PS
* Free use of accessories - AD and PS
* Actual day bridal car decorations (may or may not include usage of car on actual day)
* Outfits for PS (studio and outdoor)
* 15 to 20 copies in wedding album (size varies)
* Framed Portrait (size varies)
* 8R table top
* 4R give-away photos
* Mini album (repeated poses as big album)
* Photo CD
Wait! Don’t think this is good enough? For the same price, ask for more!
* Wedding and evening gown – ask for MTM instead of OTR if your package does not include MTM
* AD tea dress/kua
* Extra suit and pant for Groom
* ROM package (if you have not ROM yet) - include ROM dress, make-up, hair-do, hand bouquet, free use of accessories
* AD father and father-in-law’s suits
* Usage of car on AD (if not included in standard package) - including driver and petrol
* More outfits for PS
* Ribbons for accompanying cars
* Corsages
* Dress for bridesmaid and jackets for bestman
* Ask for free PG or VG service during your PS or ROM. But be careful, they may assign inexperience freelancers. So, go through their portfolio before you decide to take them.
* More copies in wedding album – the coordinator will increase a few, but you need to bargain for more. 20 copies is not enough to make into a proper album and you do not want to end up spending more on additional photos
* Reduce cost per photo for additional photos
* More give-away photos
* Extra mini album
* Split your PS into 2 days if you want to, at no additional charge for MUA and PG
* Guestbook (not all bridal shops will have)
* And any other items you can think of.
Things to take note:
After going through the package and finally happy with your bargaining results, check the following
* Are they quoting you nett price?
* How much is the extra charge if MUA were to arrive before 7am on AD?
* How much does it cost for the use of ampoule and eyelashes?
* Can you choose the WG or EG with full lace, beads or embroidery?
* If the PG you opt for resigned before your PS and you do not like the photography style of the new PG, can you ask for refund for the PS portion and look for your own PG? If yes, how much is the refund?
* Does your BS provide a PG assistant for your PS?
* Is there any pages limitation on the wedding album? If yes, how much do they charge for each additional page?
* Can the extra cost for additional photo be lowered if exceed certain quantity?
* Can you get the negatives back?
* What are the payment procedures?
Only when you are fully satisfied, then you can sign on the dotted line. Don’t be surprised if they do not have a proper “contract”. Most of the invoices are hand-written, some with scribbles all over the place.
Happy Preparation!
Article taken from a blogger in Multiply website!Labels: bridal package
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Sunday, November 16, 2008
Bridal Studio Package Checklist
What are the things you have to ask or look out for in your bridal package? This was compiled by one of the brides-to-be in Multiply account and I amended some of her lists based on my knowledge and experience. Hope it will clear your doubts.
CLOTHES
* Tea-dress / Kua
* ROM gown
* Wedding gown - Can be the choice of Off-The-Rack (OTR) or Made-To-Measure (MTM)
* Evening gown - Either OTR or MTM
* Men's suit - Either OTR or MTM, how many?
* Men's pants - Must be MTM, how many? Can it be kept?
* Sister's gown
* Fathers' coats for 2
* Usage of bridal accessories (free or rental). How many sets?
* Restrictions in choosing the gowns or choose any gown in the shop
* Actual day gown to be different from Photo-shoot gown?
* Can keep the gowns?
* Need to top up extra for more embroidery or lace?
* Try the gown before signing the package?
MAKE-UP
* Trial make-up - is it before photo-shoot or before actual wedding day?
* Make-up for Photo-shoot on bride, how about groom?
* Two make-up for the actual wedding day (Both morning and night)
* Additional cost besides ampoule & false eyelashes
* Transport cost for make-up artist
* Additional cost if need to reach at 4am or 6am? Evening, any time?
* Is it same make-up artist for Photo-shoot & Actual day?
* Any additional cost for ROM make-up?
HAIR STYLE
* Any charges for hair setting?
* Any real flowers on hair?
* Does make-up artist do hair styles?
FLOWERS
* Hand bouquet for both indoor and outdoor photo-shoot (preferably real flowers)
* Hand bouquet for the actual wedding day
* 6 corsages (4 for both parents and 2 for groom)
* Wrist corsages for sisters
BRIDAL CAR
* Chauffeur provided?
* Petrol provided?
* Brand/model?
* If downgrade to lower brand/model, can reduce cost?
* If opt out the car, can reduce cost or exchange for more photos?
* Bridal car decoration
* Sets of ribbons for accompanying cars
* If not using bridal car from bridal studio (BS), will BS advise or help us on the car decoration?
PHOTOGRAPHY
* Any chances to meet up with photographer to understand each other's styles before photo-shoot?
* Any flexibility to use own preferred photographer?
* How many outfits for pre-wedding photo-shoot?
* Studio Photography: How many changes in hair style and make-up?
* Studio Photography: Polaroid before every change in style?
* Outdoor photography - usually 2 locations
* Outdoor photography: transport provided?
* Outdoor photography: numbers of followers?
* Outdoor photography: if rain? Additional cost? Any flexibility to change to another day?
* If spread over 2 days for indoor and outdoor, any additional cost?
* Able to get back selected and unselected RAW photos? When?
ALBUM
* Numbers of photos or poses? - Most package give at least 24 pieces and upon bargain, top up to 30
* Cost of photo for top up ($65-$95)
* Customise package for top-up photos
* Any free 2R or 4R photos for give aways? How many?
* Photo album size (12” x 15’ or 15’ x 20”)
* If separate to 1 indoor album and 1 outdoor album, any additional cost?
* Mini album with all photos included
* Digital effect or normal
* Touch up of photos
* One portrait size photo (inclusive of framing) or 3 photos in one frame
* One table top photo - if possible, bargain for more
ACTUAL DAY PHOTOGRAPHER
* Is it provided?
* Who’s the photographer? Same as my photo-shoot photographer?
* Number of free rolls
* Able to give me unlimited shots in CD Rom?
* Any additional costs for photographer, eg transport costs & additional costs if needs to be there at 4am or 6am?
ADDITIONAL STUFFS
* Guest book
* Any free anniversary shots & for how long? If there is, how many free pieces are you entitled? And how much per top up piece?
PAYMENT
* Deposit
* Gown confirmation
* Studio Day
* Album Collection
* Top-up photos - full payment upon confirmation of photos selection?
What to look out for when choosing a bridal package?
* Consider the package price, design, workmanship, service and photography style.
Do not choose a package solely on price factor
* Choose your package carefully. If not, you may end up paying more when you are not satisfied with the one you chose and had to switch to another bridal shop.
* Some bridal shop can offer cheaper packages because cheaper materials are used in making the wedding gown and suit.
* Some limit their in-house photographer on the number of film used when taking photos.
* Remember to ask for the price of extra photos before you make your decision. Some bridal shop charge higher than others on the extra photos for the album.
Design, Workmanship and Quality
* Look at the designs of the gowns, feel the material and check the workmanship on the gowns.
* Looking at the laces on the gowns, some shops don't tidy up the laces resulting in poor finishing.
Photography style
* 2 main photography style: the classical or the contemporary style
* The classical style is otherwise known as the "Taiwanese" style. The two styles can have very different results on a couple.
* Request to look at customers' photos instead of model shoot. Some shops employ outside photographers to shoot their sample portfolio and these photographers most likely do not take your wedding photos.
* Some shops have more than one in-house photographer. If you have identified a photographer that you like, request for that photographer to shoot your studio and outdoor photos.
I hope the above lists will be able to help you to take note or bargain for good deal in bridal package. Most importantly, you must win the trust and build up the relationship with the coordinator or else it will be difficult to bargain for more stuffs till your wedding day. Last but not least, both of you must feel comfortable with the person you are going to work with till your wedding.
So have fun!Labels: bridal package, checklist
|
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Bridal Packages Essentials
With so many bridal studios to choose from, one does get overwhelmed with the bridal package that bridal studios offer. Before signing up for the package, it is recommended that both the bride and groom shall visit various studios to look at the wedding gowns and their final products. The final product is often the wedding album.
Important Questions:
Clothes
* Do I need coats for the fathers?
* Can I rent coats for own brothers?
* Do I need a ROM or tea dress?
* Do I want my bridesmaids to wear the same clothes?
* How many sets of wedding gowns do I want?
* Gowns and Suits (for Photography and Actual Day)
* 1 Wedding gown
* 1 Evening gown
* 1 Tea Dress/Kua
* Groom’s suit
* Check if gowns are Off-The-Rack(OTR) or Made-To-Measure(MTM)
* Ask for rental cost of additional gowns or coats
Make-up & Hair Styling
* 1 Trial make up
* 1 Make-up for Photoshoot
* 1 Actual Day make-up (Morning)
* 1 Actual Day make-up (Evening)
* Check if trial makeup can be used for ROM
* How many hair styles for photoshoot?
* Ask if there is any additional costs for ampoules and hair setting
Flowers
* Bouquet for Photoshoot
* Bouquet for Actual Day
* Corsages (For Groom and both parents)
* Check if bouquets are fake flowers or fresh flowers
Bridal Car
* Rental of Bridal car with chauffeur and petrol provided
* Decoration for Bridal Car
* Check if extra sets of ribbons for accompanying cars are included
Bridal Accessories
* At least two sets (Tiara, Necklace, Earrings)
Photography
* Studio Photography - Check if rental of studio is included
* Do I want special effects on the photos?
* Do I want a lot of outdoor shoots?
* Do I want a lot of photos?
* Outdoor Photography (usually 2 locations) - any extra charges for additional location
* Ask if I need to provide transport for photographer(s)
* An album should have at least 24 pieces of photos
* Check if bargain on more photos whenever possible
* The type and size of album
* Whether digital enhancement is included
* Ask about cost per additional page or photo
* Cost for digital enhancement
* Whether cost is for one page or one photo (in case of multiple photos on a page)
* Whether can keep all the sample photos/negatives/soft copies
* CD-Rom of all the photos selected for the album
* Portrait size photo with frame
* Table top photo
* Any 2R or 4R giveaways photos
Other things to check or ask
* Design, Workmanship and Quality of gowns
* Validity period for package
* Choosing of makeup artist
* Choosing of photographer
* Photography style
* Additional deposit
* Period to return gown/coat
* Fixed bridal coordinatorLabels: bridal package, checklist
|
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Bargaining for the best bridal package
Are you over the moon and still reminiscing the sweet moments when your boyfriend proposed to you? Yes, this is not a dream! Wake up and get into actions now!
Let’s start by finding a bridal shop that will make you the envy of all women on your wedding day. Before you start, let’s familiarized with these bridal terms so that you won’t look blur when people talk to you.
* BS – Bridal shop
* WG – Wedding gown
* EG – Evening gown
* MTM – Made-to-measure
* OTR – Off -the-rack
* AD – Actual day
* PS – Photoshoot
* PG – Photographer
* VG Videographer
* MUA – Make-up artist
Shortlist
There are hundreds of bridal shops in Singapore - Tanjong Pagar Road alone has already a line-up of more than 20 bridal shops. Before you even attempt to step into one, do your homework first! Ask your friends who are married about their experience with their bridal shop. Read wedding forums and learn from the experience of other brides. The more popular wedding websites are Singapore Brides and Style Weddings, they have very active forum which you can refer.
If you want to have an idea of the wedding gowns designs and style of the bridal shop, buy wedding magazines and note the gowns that you like without first looking at the name of the bridal shop. Bridal magazines like Her World Brides, Style Weddings, Female Brides and Bliss has a lot of information on wedding stuff. If you do not want to spend money in buying the magazines, you can borrow them from the library. You then shortlist the bridal shops based on the gown designs that you like. A list of 5 – 10 shops is enough to keep you busy for the whole week.
Go at the right time
First of all, visit the bridal shop personally. Also, don’t be caught by them on their roadshows or wedding shows, unless you have already decide to sign up with them. You may be able to get a good deal but will not be able to see much unless you visit their shop. There are peak and off-peak seasons in this line too. If you are not superstitious, go in the beginning of Lunar 7th month or right at the beginning of the Chinese New Year. They will go all out to clinch a deal even if it meant earning much less as they believe a good start means good business for them for the rest of the year.
Check them out
Many brides-to-be made the mistake of bringing their boyfriend with them on the first visit. Some bridal shops use hard-selling techniques to get your business, especially when they see the “Finance Minister” with you. Don’t give in to them when you are not sure if that is the bridal shop you want. Don’t believe if they say “this special deal is only valid for today”, “you can’t find this special deal anywhere”. These are out-dated sales tactics.
The smart thing to do is to bring along a good female friend, preferably someone who has experience in dealing with bridal shops or who has good fashion sense. They are the ones who can give you good advice and stop you from doing anything foolish (ie. signing on the dotted line on the first visit). Act cool and don’t get too excited. Take your time to go through their photo albums and see if you like their photography style. Request to see their gowns collection and even try on some of them. Most bridal shops allow you to try their gowns without any commitment. Allow them to explain the bridal package to you. At this point of time, don’t attempt to bargain too much since you are not going to sign up anyway. They will usually “automatically” add on many freebies to the package. You can then guage if this is your choice based on their wedding gowns designs and variety, photography style, package price and items they have included, how comfortable you are with the co-ordinator and the overall feeling of the shop.
Decide on the bridal shop
After your first visit, you should have an idea of your choice of bridal shop. If you are still undecided, bring your boyfriend to the pre-selected shops. Ask him for opinions and go with the one he feels is the best. Respect his decision. Afterall, he is the one paying.
Bargain, bargain, bargain
No bridal package should be signed without bargaining. The coordinator will usually tell you the price and the items that are included. The standard items are:
* AD wedding gown (MTM or OTR)
* AD evening gown (MTM or OTR)
* AD groom’s suit
* AD groom’s pants (1 pair MTM to keep)
* Trial make-up or ROM make-up
* AD make-up and hairdo
* Hand bouquet – AD and PS
* Free use of accessories - AD and PS
* Actual day bridal car decorations (may or may not include usage of car on actual day)
* Outfits for PS (studio and outdoor)
* 15 to 20 copies in wedding album (size varies)
* Framed Portrait (size varies)
* 8R table top
* 4R give-away photos
* Mini album (repeated poses as big album)
* Photo CD
Wait! Don’t think this is good enough? For the same price, ask for more!
* Wedding and evening gown – ask for MTM instead of OTR if your package does not include MTM
* AD tea dress/kua
* Extra suit and pant for Groom
* ROM package (if you have not ROM yet) - include ROM dress, make-up, hair-do, hand bouquet, free use of accessories
* AD father and father-in-law’s suits
* Usage of car on AD (if not included in standard package) - including driver and petrol
* More outfits for PS
* Ribbons for accompanying cars
* Corsages
* Dress for bridesmaid and jackets for bestman
* Ask for free PG or VG service during your PS or ROM. But be careful, they may assign inexperience freelancers. So, go through their portfolio before you decide to take them.
* More copies in wedding album – the coordinator will increase a few, but you need to bargain for more. 20 copies is not enough to make into a proper album and you do not want to end up spending more on additional photos
* Reduce cost per photo for additional photos
* More give-away photos
* Extra mini album
* Split your PS into 2 days if you want to, at no additional charge for MUA and PG
* Guestbook (not all bridal shops will have)
* And any other items you can think of.
Things to take note:
After going through the package and finally happy with your bargaining results, check the following
* Are they quoting you nett price?
* How much is the extra charge if MUA were to arrive before 7am on AD?
* How much does it cost for the use of ampoule and eyelashes?
* Can you choose the WG or EG with full lace, beads or embroidery?
* If the PG you opt for resigned before your PS and you do not like the photography style of the new PG, can you ask for refund for the PS portion and look for your own PG? If yes, how much is the refund?
* Does your BS provide a PG assistant for your PS?
* Is there any pages limitation on the wedding album? If yes, how much do they charge for each additional page?
* Can the extra cost for additional photo be lowered if exceed certain quantity?
* Can you get the negatives back?
* What are the payment procedures?
Only when you are fully satisfied, then you can sign on the dotted line. Don’t be surprised if they do not have a proper “contract”. Most of the invoices are hand-written, some with scribbles all over the place.
Happy Preparation!
Article taken from a blogger in Multiply website!Labels: bridal package
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