Hi Chris..welcome to the oct club...
well if you ask for BS advise..the gers here sure can help cos most of us had already settled with BS / PG...
Here is what I posted earlier on BS for the brides which I think can help you a little bit :
Remember what looks good may not look good on you, so it would be best to try on the gowns.
Most BS would allow you to try them on.At least you know how the GOWNS floW on you...the feeling of looking yourslef on the gown is totally different when you just browse on them.
Maybe you can narrow it to :
1. Eurporean designs or CS like
(You may chose to design something you think may be suitable for YOUR height of ? 1.65m?)
2. Material type, would prefer duchess satin or organza instead the normal satin OR "Taffeta" OR tulle material..prefer a small or medium train behind the gown? Detachable train? With sequins, embrodery?
3. Silhouette : A-line or empire or princess cut, mermaid cut?
4. Sleeve length : Spaghetti or sleeveless tube or off shoulder?
The next thing would be is car required? If yes maybe you look at BS that has car in the package which is a 1-stop BS..it comes with gowns,MUA, photographs for indoor/outdoor shoots and basic package.These BS you usually can bargain for more pictures and additional stuff.
If $ is not the concern you may look at the higher end shops...which does not include car, only photographer outdoor/indoor shoots,MUA and gowns and the rest a basic package will have.
This means the photograpahers would be the reknowned ones like Chris Ling, Montage, Utopia, The edge,
Beetles@work etc. These BS you can't bargain for more pictures, you have to speak to the photogrpahers personally..and normally their dun give.
Remember some BS do charge on extra crystals, sequins or even more expensive material. Remember to check for any other hidden cost.
You may have to see their works to decide the photogrpahy part. If it's the quantity you are looking at..these photogrpahers are charging at high price for additional pictures. If it's the quality only and you are not having additional pictures can safely take them. It all depends on how much you willing to spend.
When you have make up you mind than you can narrow down a few bridal shops to visit.Also do go thru the Bridal Magazines, it may help you on what sort of designs you may want to try at BS to see if it's suitable for you.
It's not a must that you have to sign on the enquired BS.
Depending on your $ we at the OCT Thread can help narrow down the BS for you. Ultimately, you make the decision.