Wow Chomecc u velly good to explain to new comers man!
Tks Summer, yeah - reality strikes sooner than I thought!!
Hi Frais Bleu, I'm having foto shoot on actual day & then post wedding. It's FH's Eurasian custom, so I can't jinx it with pre-shoot. If you're not particular, most brides will have pre-wedding foto shoot & showcase the album during the luncheon or dinner.
I agree with Summer - check out the magazine. Here's what I did, which you may find helpful :
1) Go through magazines to find out what you like or don't like & also approx budget range
2) Go through the bridal websites to check out their gowns & actual package prices.
3) Then visit the shortlisted the bridal salons you like
4) Go visit 2nd time with trusted gal fren or FH
5) Manage post purchase anxiety
Thanks to Chomecc's excellent intro, I now realize the BS I checked out fall into her "designer salon" range, although I think that only FrancisC, Kai, Tan Yoong & Frederick Lee are the true veteran designers
Anyhow, here's my personal evaluation :
1) Floaty romantic - Kai (High - absolutely luv him & his gowns, so i'm still "sum-si-si" coz of budget), Amanda Lee (High - she has built-in corset that's very slimming, good service too),
2) Embroidery - Ted Wu (High - he now has catalog system for you to choose his gowns - I don't like that as he does not work directly with brides), most BS have embroidery just less famous
3) Low Back/ Lace - Divine(Mid - specialize in low-back but hard to get appts), Dang (Mid - specialize in lace but I think the helper is unfriendly)
4) Simple structured - Blush2 (High - incorporates embroidery too but lack choice of MUA & photographers), Bridal Veil (Mid - uses Swarovski crystals only, good if u like your gowns plain)
5) Dramatic - Tan Yoong (High - lots of feathers & wispy shreds), Frederick Lee (High - has a different style for each season - check his website for different looks), Style Mart (Mid - heavy Indian emboridery & beaded materials)
6) Trendy - Wedding Present (Mid - they work with you on your wants), Emmanuel B (Mid - good designer who tries to avoid the common bustiers & gives good advice), Ritz Couture (Mid-Lo - adds interesting details like flaps of organza, pleats etc, friendly designer), Camellia (Mid-Lo - does similar designs as Vera Wang), Sattine (Lo - they try to be different & has pretty good fotos)
7) Off the rack - Allure Charix (Mid - They've got gowns in various styles that are value for money but it adds up if you do ala carte), Weddingfashion.com (Lo - cheap & good type, if you're not fussy abt materials/ details)
My estimate of High >$4k, Mid $3k, Lo $2k for gown/suit without photography. If you add photography of $2k, High >$6k, Mid $5k, Lo $4k
PG = photography, VG = videography, AD = actual day
Hope this helps? Now I shld go sleep...