Hi Anastasiazen,
I've made a post previously, as shown:
I'd strongly advise all BTBs to try their gowns before deciding engaging them... Reason being is how comfortable you're with them as you'll be stuck with them for the next 9-12 months for your outfit... Before I decided to enagage Euzart Wong from Jawn Happy Ever After, I made at least 2 appointments at Bridal Studio to discuss what I'm looking at and request to try their gowns... If they refuse, I'll just walk out...
In my opinion, these are the following factors I consider when choosing the right studio:
1)Approach of the biz - some studio can promise everything you from the sky to the sea, but when comes to actual cost of material (esp. on a full lace gown), a lot of brides feel cheated... My understanding is that with a package of $3k plus, it's not possible to have a full french lace gown unless with a top up of ~$800/m and above... So look for someone who don't over promise...
2)Style - every studio has very different styles and variation of today's gowns can be so wide that we've given too many choices to choose... Prior to getting the right one, I'd suggest BTBs to buy bridal magazine and pick the style you like most... Once you've gotten the look you want, head down to the studio for further discussion... Not all studios can accept very personalised requests just like mine... So it's impt to get the right studio to do the style you like... Do take note on those studio who just take in whatever you want... Unless you're a fashion geek, in general most brides won't know how good they'll look like in the style they like... This will ended up you wearing wrong kind of gown and usually it'll emphasize the body part which you hate to reveal... A good studio will advise accordingly to your body structure...
3)Workmanship of the gown, esp the bodice - a well-made gown should hold the body upright and you should feel light in wearing the gown...When wearing heels, even your train is super long, you should be able to walk comfortably w/o giving you the feel of tripping over... Choose a studio that make gowns with build in corset with boning which will give a structure to the gown as well as a strong support on your body w/o you spending extra to get a good supporting lingerie (which can be very expensive)...
4)Make-up artists & florists - these 2 are mostly tied-in together with your package.. Always ask and request to know who is your make-up artists and florists, and whether do you have a choice in choosing your make-up artists... If possible, request to view the portfolio... It's impt for you to know who is your make-up artist as he/she is the one who is drawing on your face on your big day which you can't repeat the event... You wouldn't want to appear like a doll and get a shock out of your life on your actual day... Rightfully speaking, a good studio will offer a trial session... Check whether can you keep the flowers of your car decor.. Some even offer fake flowers and require to return despite the fact you've paid part of it in your package... This doesn't make any sense... Also, a good florist should know how to get the right flowers to compliment your gown and outfit...
5)Photography - most mass-market bridal studio usually throw in this as part of the package, and in most situation, brides will cry over at how blown up they look in the pictures... The sad thing is that these studios will never tell you who is your photographer... These photographers usually don't conceptualise and if you take a closert look along tanjong pagar area, you'd realise the styles & poses are basically the same throughout... Look for a studio that will give you choices of photographer.. Most good studios will have their photographers' portfolio for your viewing...
6)Lastly, your HTB's suit - this is often the most neglected area 'cos most brides only concern on their gowns more than how their other half look... You man should look "blend in" with you in your big day, not another guest of yours... I've seen groom's suits so badly matched and made that it's either he's the talking point of the event or he's simply transparent in the eyes of the guests as all focus will be on the bride... In order to compliment you, it's crucial to get your other half's outfit to match yours... As Asian guys are usually smaller in frame and their shoulder width usually varies, no single suit will fit all... Therefore, it has to be tailor-made... Never choose one over the rack 'cos your other half will look as though the suit is wearing him rather than he wearing the suit... Get a studio who has a good tailor for your HTB's suit...
Most importantly, you've to be comfortable with the bridal studio you choose... And I strongly encourage BTBs to try their gowns before deciding to engage them 'cos it's important that you feel comfortable in the gowns they made... A bride should feel at her most comfort in the outfit she's wearing...
Hope these helps...
Enjoy!!!
