Advice on photo shoot to Taiwan

[snoopies]

Hi

Hope someone can advise me on this.

My HTB and I and recently purchase a wedding photo shoot to Taiwan from a Taiwan bridal shop at a roadshow.

The package was S$ 2880.00 but we were given at a special rate of S$ 2600.00.

The package includes:
-indoor and outdoor shoot
-05 suits of wedding gown
-02 suits for groom
-make up n styling
-all accessories to go with
-30 photos with print out + digital imaging
-all photos in CD
-24” x 18” photo and frame for wall
-table top photo and frame
-1 mini photo album with 30 photos
(May have missed out some items as the contract not with me now)

On top of the above, we are entitled to freebies which is worth about S$1k+.
-1 free rental of wedding gown on wedding day ($300.00) (Freight not included)
-06 additional photo and print (S$ 54.00 each)
-Free upgrade to director photographer ($280.00)
-Free 1 day re-shoot if photos not up to expectation
-02 additional wedding gown for photo shoot
-S$ 280.00 off the package price.

Additional cost for actual day wedding (provided by bridal shop)
-rental of evening gown & kua (S$ 300.00 each)
-rental of 01 groom suit black / white (S$200.00 each)
-freight charges (should be about $200 - $300 for to and fro)

My queries:

1.Should I get my wedding gown from Taiwan or local? This is price vs design issue. I’m not too sure how much will the price difference be, but I believe Taiwan’s gown should be much nicer.

2.Wonder how much saving is enough for this Taiwan trip. S$8k? Anyone can share their experience here?

3.Any idea how much local package cost for wedding day without studio photoshoot and gown rental? Not too sure what is necessary for that day, but basic should be make-up and styling artist, bridal car deco, hand bouquet and corsage. Will ala-carte be cheaper if out-source for individual parties?

 

[autbottle]

what is the name of ur bridal shop. i just signed one with li she

 

[snoopies]

Hi, I've signed up with Fashion Brides (Taiwan, Taipei). How much you paid for yours?

 

[hellbabe]

Bishan J8 having Bridal fair from Taiwan.
You need to pay for the airticket to go there same time can holiday too.
Actually if for PS is ok to take from there cos is something special but think of the gown for the AD dat need to get from local BS dan is additional cost le.

 

[emoon]

hi babe

Is Romantic Life / Blue Bay station a booth at Bishan? Do you aware when the bridal fair end at bishan?

Thank you.

 

[snoopies]

Is Romantic Life ~ ˜Q–Ÿˆê¶H
I heard that their photographers are all freelance - The albums you saw on their road shows may not be taken by the actual photographer for you. I've compared their photo from road shows and their website, totally different feel and techniques.

Anyway, no one can guarantee which photographer you will be assigned to unless you work there or have a friend working there. It all depends on the integrity from the BS end of the day...

 

[snoopies]

Hi Babe!

Me & my HTB have decided to rent our gown from Taiwan as we believed their gowns are nicer and have more variety. My BS claims they have more than 1000pcs to choose from... *Keeping our finger crossed =X

 

[lacan]

Hi Snoopies,

8k should be enough for 1 week stay @taiwan. But it's really dependent on a "luxury" or "normal" trip.

A return air ticket to Taipei on Jetstar is only ard $440 including tax now. Of coz SQ is slightly more exp.. not much from what i heard.

A stay @ 3-star hotel at taipei is less than 100sgd per night.

My stay @Taiwan for 8days amount to only 2k excluding air tickets and the cost for the PS.

From ur post, u have 36 photos in your album. To me it's not really enough unless you want 1 photo per page.. at least be prepared for 45-50 photos if you want a multiple-photo-per-page layout. And it's $54 per photo.. 10 photos is $500 already.

Abt ur package.. you have all photos in CD!! WOW. good deal.

Some notes here you might want to confirm with the BS first.
:Are Ampoules FOC? My wife and i hav to pay for 6 ourselves.

:I assume you would choose at least 2 outdoor shoots. There could be additional transportation costs, Places of interest's entrance fees. For me all our shoots are outdoors.

:MUA. For us make up n styling(once) is free, but for MUA to follow us for outdoor shoots there's a charge. (makes sense to change hairstyle for the bride at different venues)

There's all i can think of plus the additional photos cost. And on actual day, my wife's also going to get her gowns from our BS @Taiwan too.

 

[tzetzetze]

Hi Snoopies,

Can I check with you, from where you heard that Romantic Life photographers are all freelance?

Thanks

 

[snoopies]

Hi lacan

Thanks for your advice.
To me, 36photos are definity not enough. I'm looking at probably 60 pics in total as I hope to have 2 albums. I'm okay if its just one photo per page. Oh, when i mentioned all photos in CD, it meant only for the paid photos. Sorry if I've misled anyone.

For the additional cost like MUA, ampoules & transportation... we are aware of it as their costs are stated in our contract. For outdoor location wise, we are not limited to how many venues, as long its within a day. But the good thing is, we are guaranteed with free whole day re-shoot if their photography is not to our expectation. Think not many BS will guarantee that.

Now trying to save as much as possible, and we will be happy with a stay at normal hotel.

Tze How

I've overheard this during the roadshow somehow which may not be true. Anyway not sure if its Romantic Life as I can only remember their Chinese name. To me, even if they are using freelance photographers, its alrite as long they provide quality shots.

We consumers, engage professionals' services to fulfil / ease our job, not to give ourselves more stress and problems.

 

[tzetzetze]

Hi Snoopies, the chinese name is 'lang man yi shen'

Is it the one you heard? I am suspecting the phototgraphers that they gave me is a freelance

but I have no proof

Oh, and the quality is bad

 

[snoopies]

Hi Tze How

Yes, the chinese name is 'lang mang yi shen'. i almost sign up with them that day but lucky decided to go for another option.

Those photos shown at their roadshow were really attractive. Me and my HTB did hold back as we always tot Romantic life was a better option even after signing up with our current BS. Until we went back to check their website.. my gosh, Romantic life's photos look so different and really CMI.

Did you make a complain to them? When you said quality is bad, is it becoz of their photo shoot angle or the color / digital image. If its color and digital image, you can get local designer / photographer to re-touch up for you.

This is for life-time memory, i think those BS should have more business integrity.

 

[lingling19]

Hi Snoopies, I have signed up with Fashion Bride as well during Jan this year. I like their pics and recently their website has been updated and a lot of nice wedding portfolios in it. So when u plan to go Taiwan and take the wedding photo?

 

[snoopies]

Hi Meiling

Great to received another compliments for Fashion Bride. We are planning to go Taiwan next year end April or early May before their hot weather flies in.

Which hotel did you stayed in? I'm currently shortlisting some good budget hotel. But when I look at the map of Taiwan, can't really locate where exactly Fashion Bride is located... which MRT station are they near to?

 

[lingling19]

Hi Snoopies,

Oh I have yet to take my wedding pictures in Taiwan, planning either next Mar or Yr 2011's Mar. Fashion Bride is located at Aiguo east road. Hence, the nearest MRT station is Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (C.K.S Memorial Hall). If not wrong, it is a transfer station.

I am also looking at some budget hotels, any recommendations?

 

[snoopies]

Hi Ling Ling


Ops.. I've mistaken.. tsk

I've no idea which hotel yet. Looking through their directories for some 3 stars hotel which are quite nice and affordable... but worry if they are located at some busy streets like our Geylang... haha

 

[evelove87]

Hi all,

I've just signed up with Vivi Bride at Raffles City Wedding Show. Will likely be going there to take photos next yr sept/nov.

 

[crazybebe]

Hi snoppies,

I also sign up with fashion brides yesterday.. they was in a raod show yterday @ illuma bugis...

ur package look good compare to ours lei... seem like ur bargaining skill is much better then my FH... HAHA

We planing to go there nxt yr late MAY 2010... hopefully jetstar can have sm promotion on taiwan airfare... need to save cost sial... kekekeke

Anything u liek to chat in private do email me @ [email protected]

 

[cynhan]

Hi

Can advise me the Fashion Brides Contact or any webpage?

 

[snoopies]

Hi Cynthia

Here you go!
Fashion Bride website:
www.new-wedding.com (Taiwan Main) or www.fashionbridesingapore.com(Local branch office).

 

[cynhan]

Hi Snoopies

Thanks for your advice ^_^

 

[withualways]

Hi brides, i went to Taiwan for my wedding photoshoot this May, I'm having my ROM in 2days time, and i just only rcv my album TODAY, can u imagin, after so many emails n rushing. I was so nervous. Advice, please state ur wedding date to them one month before you Actual Wedding, you don't want ur album to arrive last min or late. All the best to all of you.

 

[jsquare]

Hi MemorableChocolate, what was the weather like when you go for your photoshoot in May? Got flowers? =)

 

[hapigal]

Hi all,
i juz sign up one package with Fashion bride (www.new-wedding.com) at their roadshow in bugis.
I was offered the following @ $2880 nett for the PS in Taiwan .

1.6 bridal outfits off the shelve (incl accessoires,head ornaments,fake eye lashes)
2.2 sets of suits for groom (incl of accessories)
3.Makeup and hairstyling ( 5 styles)
4.Provision of props for indoor shoots (request must be made in advance)
5.One 24" album w/50 photos
6.One CD rom with all 50 photo selected (digitally-enhanced)
7.One 24" x 30" canvas portrait in large photo frame
8.400 pcs of thank you card (credit card size) ( select 4 designs out of the 50 pcs of selected photo)
9.1 A6 (notebook size)album w/20 pcs of photoselected frm the 50 pcs of photos choosen
10. Free pick up service from HOTEL to bridal shop (1 way)
11.Unlimited Hours usage of photographer for 1 whole day.
12.Scroll for Guest Signature
13.Real fireworks props included (outdoor)

Price dun incl the following:
1.Transportation fee for outdoor shoot (add'l NT$4000,to be paid in cash on actual day of shoot)
2.Fees for accompanying MUA during outdoor shoot (add'l NT5000).If ur makeup is done in studio pior to outdoor shoot,den no add'l cost.
3.Pre makeup cream (ampoules)( add'l NT$500).I was told that Taiwan,all bridal shop dun incl this in their package,wonder if this is true.
4.Freight charges for the photos to be courier from TPE to SIN.(Cost : ~S$250 to S$400) if there is cheap airticket to taiwan, you might wan to buy the ticket there and hand carry it back.At the same time,get a 2nd honey moon.
5.Airticket & Hotel.
6.Transport from airport to hotel and vice versa

I was given the choice to choose from partial indoor and outdoor or full outdoor shots.
Good deal? Any comments?

 

[joannepang]

Hi all Fashion bride BTB

Sorry to frightened you all, I had previously signed up with fashion bride too, and somewhere in the forum, there's a bride who just came back from taiwan and her BS is fashion bride. She shared her bad experiences over there with me and also there is another couple who is with them also commented that their photos are not nice.

Therefore, I suggest you all look through the forum and get more reviews from bride whom already went and come back see what they say is safer.

 

[shirley_jeffrey]

HiHi,
I have 5* $100 Jetstar Vouchers for Sales.
Travel Must be made by 3/ Mar/2010

I am willing to give a discount for the voucher.
Can buy from 1 up to 5 pieces.
Interested brides, please contact me
[email protected]

 

[autumn918]

Hi there,

I highly recommend Cannes Wedding. But they are located at Keelung, which is 30mins away by express bus from taipei.

Email me at [email protected] for more info.

 

[weifung89]

Hi there,

I recommend Judy Weddings at Taipei. It is located at ZhongShanPeiLu in Taipei.

Email me at [email protected] for more info. I just came back from my PS and the photos are in my FB. May add me at FB to view if you guys wan

 

[happy_mushroom]

Any body know about Asia Pacific Exquisite, 亞太麗緻婚紗???

Can share your experience?

Thanks!

 

[lovingroger]

hi happy mushroom,

i oso signed up a package with 亞太麗緻婚紗 last year. will be going for ps tis may

 

[happy_mushroom]

Hi Qin,

So happy to see someone else who signed up with 亞太麗緻婚紗. It doesn't seem like a high profile BS over here in this forum, was kinda worried that we may have been too impulsive to sign up with them. Just curious...what made you sign up with them?

So far, after you signed up with them, did you contact them on anything? I went to their website, but the gown collection seems not up to date...can you share your experience with them so far (if you have any interactions with them after signing up)?

As you can see, i'm like getting a lil paranoid here...wondering if I should have signed up with another studio instead...hmmm...

Apprec your sharing...

TIA!!

 

[shanshan0407]

Hi anyone sign up for AD package from Julia wedding new?? I am also getting alittle paranoid.. coz not much review abt their actual day package..

Dont know if their makeup and hairstyling skill is good anot.. Dont know which mua to choose too.. haiz..

 

[freek]

I also signed up with 亞太麗緻婚紗 over the wkend and will be going down for our photoshooting during this jun/july as we have already booked our tickets for taipei trip initially.

The service is good and the staff handle us is friendly, even make appt with us and bring us out for a day when we reach there.

Think the problem is the delivery part, i.e has to either go there and collect our gowns(3 sets for bride and 2 sets for bridegroom) for the customary wedding. However, my gf and i just take it as a holiday, i.e go there shop, relax and at same time collect the stuff.

 

[friedbread]

i will recommend bluebay for taiwan bridal shooting.. take a look n pics they produce over all taiwan bs.. all taiwan bs can take nice scenery but bluebay captures the angle corectly and nicely..can email mi for more info.. [email protected]

 

[peifang86]

can anyone who had photography with romanticlife send me their photos at [email protected]?

 

[peifang86]

After what I have read about Romantic Life here,I am really paranoid,paid full sum of $3288 at the roadshow in Feb2010 at Suntec Convention Hall.Feel like an idiot now.

Are they really that bad or lack of integrity?

All I ask for is that the photos turn out well.As for what I have read about the freelance photographers part, I am entitled to choose any photographers I like except for the chief photographer, Apple.

According to my consultant whom I liaise with over the email on many occassions, she gave me a list of names and who did which album works(as seen on the website). I like this guy call Ah Kuan(阿宽）。

I havent confirm when to go and who to choose to shoot the photos yet. I am hoping to go March2011 as I am planning my AD to be in May/June2011.

If is really that bad, unlike what I have seen on their website, I will sell this package away.Will Cangai be better? I hope to get this rectified as then I can make other plans for my pre wedding shoots.

How about the printout quality? they mention is on cardboard paginal layout. is it bad?

Pls help and advise

 

[snoopies]

Pei Fang

Are you able to find a thread on all about Romantic Life here? Probably there's a lot of BTB in there who have taken their photoshoot with them and able to share their experience with you.

I've sign up with Fashion Bride and will be heading for my photoshoot in another 2 weeks. If you like to change your BS, can consider Fashion Bride. There used to be a thread with all BTB from there and alot of good comments. Too bad the thread now gone for no reason and we just started another new one lately but alot of great information are gone now. You may join us at http://www.singaporebrides.com/forumboard/messages/1/1400559.html?1272247128.

If you can't find a thread base on ur BS, why not consider creating one and hopefully you will see pple posting their comments and you will know your ans soon.

Cheers!

 

[pinkyloves9]

hello Happy Mushroom (happy_mushroom) & thomas (freek)

i have also signed up with 亞太麗緻婚紗 over the weekends.

wanna make friends together & discuss more about 亞太麗緻婚紗?

add me in msn @ [email protected] or let's chat via email. my email is [email protected]

looking forward to meeting you all!

 

[lovingroger]

hi Happy Mushroom,

i've called them to arrange date for gown selection and PS. also communicated thru email abt the locations we wanna go for PS.

 

[pinkyloves9]

hi Qin

dropped you a private msg.
wanna make friends together & chat more?
i'm also with 亞太麗緻婚紗

 

[honeybeepassion]

I just bought a package from fashion bride yesterday.

It's the first time we actually sat down and we bought immediately. We didn't do any research.

I'm not sure if we have a good deal. For a standard $2880 package, what can I expect?

Also for those who have taken your photoshoot with fashion bride, how was the experience? Thanks!

 

[snoopies]

Hi Jeraldine

Happy to see that you sign up with Fashion Bride. I will be gg for my PS next weekend. $2880 is their current package price. You can join us at http://www.singaporebrides.com/forumboard/messages/1/1400559.html?1272247128. But then hor, the original thread had went missing, so you can't really find much info in this current thread.

There's few active fashion bride BTB there, sure they can share their experience with you.

 

[cherryforest]

Hi i'm also with 亞太麗緻婚紗. Does anyone know if these bridal studios that provide photo shoots in taiwan provide an additonal offical listing of the things that they promised? They scribble in chinese all over the item checklist and I'm worried they might not fulfill their promises when i go over.

 

[lovingroger]

cherry, why dun u try emailing them?

 

[freek]

I did called them and asked them to make hotel arrangement for me.
They sound very sincere and friendly.
And the lady who serve u when we signed the package even make an appt with us to bring us out for a day during our visit in Taiwan.
We are going over during end Jun.
By the way Qin and Cherry, who did you talk to when you sign up?

 

[freek]

hi ffenn, just added you in msn.

 

[freek]

Hi Qin, where are the locations you have chosen the PS?

 

[g2hong]

Hi snoppies,

saw tat u will be taking up ur wedding gowns for ur actual day frm Taiwan, will u then take up another actual day pkg in s'pore or do an ala carte?
my BS frm Taiwan also providing e wedding gown and evening gown for actual day, so tinking if i shld do ala carte for my actual day photograpy, makeup/hair etc...

 

[snoopies]

Hi Gladys

We just got back from Taiwan from our shoot last friday. Unfortunately, no doubt their gowns are really nice but we had turned down their offer on the wedding gown rental coz we actually have signed up with another local BS for another round of pre-wedding photography n actual day package.

We did not want to get from Taiwan, worried that in the case if they sent us the wrong gowns, or what if the gowns are torn or if we need to alter... kinda troublesome also. But will depends on you. I will suggest you to go ala-carte for AD as it may be cheaper. Our local BS cost us another close to $4k. Without pre-wedding shoot also bout $3k+.. with photoshoot bout $3.8k. kinda bo hua if not to take up.

 

[w3ngal]

local AD package without photoshoot also so expensive ah? faint diao.