Are Bridal Packages really necessary?
- Thread starter jgkc18
- Start date
steffdarling
Member
If you are fussy (like me), and have enough budget to spare, I say go for a la carte.
I think that it will give you more control over the vendors, which eventually will make you a happier bride.
Thanks! But I thought doing it ala carte is cheaper although more hassle? Cause u can source for cheaper alternatives than those included in the package....
Thank you!
Thank you so much!You are welcome
steffdarling
Member
Yes, it is cheaper only if you go for the cheapest dresses (taobao perhaps), photog (maybe you could source for budding photographers in the clubsnap forum?), do away with a videographer, and do your hair and makeup yourself.
Otherwise, bridal packages are usually a better deal - as it typically includes all the above for a flat fee. If you can insist on your stand, and not top up money for all the extras, then it's a better way if you wanna save time looking for vendors separately.
Ashley Tan
New Member
For me I don't personally feel that Bridal packages are necessary. Just because all my friend are booking and having bridal package that doesn't mean. I need to follow the crowds. As for me a bridal packages of $6000+++ are sooooooo expensive. I would rather save our money on honey mood and renovated the house. Alot of my friends will like to say "It a once in a life time thing". But to be frank, I do have some friend after the wedding they are in debts. I would plan for ala-carte. It may be troublesome. But we work our plan according to our budget. I have my gown tailor made. Booking my own photographer, videographer, and make up artist. My bridal car is loan from our cousin. Just get the florist to decorate it for us. My mum told me it is all about how to maintain the marriage and make it last forever. You can have the most grand and romantic wedding, and spend lot of money but that doesn't garranty a long lasting marriage.
Sebastian emailed me too but I've already engaged my ROM PG and VG. May consider him for AD. How's his service?
hello_leaf
New Member
Agree with Ashley.
I attended a few bridal roadshows too but in the end I decided not to sign any wedding package.
Now that I am planning everything by myself, but at least I have a choice who I want as my photographer, make up artists etc. Can look thru their portfolio b4 engaging their service. Overall may not be cheaper than package but at least you know where your money is going to.
If you sign bridal package then u can't really choose who is your photographer etc, the bridal shop can just get any one for you..
Also I a, quite turned off by many of the bridal packages salespeople.. Their service change 180 deg once they think you are not a potential paying customer. Feels like they just want to close the deal and get your money ASAP.. Had some experience with bad service and I think I don't want to make myself unhappy by going thru these ..
nudieposh
Member
i was comparing btw a bridal package and going ala carte too, before i finally confirm on going with a bridal package in JB.
to me, it was all about the time and coordination. and to my hib, the coordination will really takes up a lot of time. and while debating btw these 2, we found a good BS in JB. thus this made our decision.
to me, it was all about the time and coordination. and to my hib, the coordination will really takes up a lot of time. and while debating btw these 2, we found a good BS in JB. thus this made our decision.
happymummyo7
Member
Hi all, for those considering bridal package, i would like to recommand my bridal boutique Graceful Image.
Me and my fiance have decided to not do the pre-wedding shoot due to timing issues. So I was considering between getting the gowns and stuffs and all ala carte or taking a package without the photography. We got a recommandation and visited Graceful Image and we were very impressed with the service that we signed on the package on that very day.
The Actual Day package we took includes the actual day gown and evening gown, actual day makeup, the necessities like bouquet and car decoration. For men it's 2 sets of suit with pants. All off the rack. But we were assured that the package price we took will be flat-rate and there's no hidden cost for misc stuffs like alteration, topping up to select certain range kind of things. The only surcharges were explained in detailed to us openly, like ampoules and lashes, or the if we require the makeup artist to come earlier than the stated timing.
Apart from the actual day package, we also signed up the actual day photographer package. No videographer for us since we are not doing gatecrash. So we do not need the montage etc..
Just had my gown selection and fitting last week. As promised, no hidden costs so far. I'm impressed by the variety of gowns and also the designer's advises on the different kind of cuts and fits they have. The only problem i had was i loved almost every piece i tried and couldn't decide which to choose. It was a hassle-free and comfortable experience for us til date. The designer Judy has been in the industry for many years and she gives really useful advises to almost every doubts i had, from the gowns selection to actual day procedures to even housing (we were looking at resale flat purchase).
Before we visited her shop, i came through this forum and had read many stories on bad experience with getting bridal packages. We are glad that we didn't have to go through any of those. Each time we go down for our appointment we feel so welcomed. It really helps in making this whole wedding preparation thing less stressful.
Me and my fiance have decided to not do the pre-wedding shoot due to timing issues. So I was considering between getting the gowns and stuffs and all ala carte or taking a package without the photography. We got a recommandation and visited Graceful Image and we were very impressed with the service that we signed on the package on that very day.
The Actual Day package we took includes the actual day gown and evening gown, actual day makeup, the necessities like bouquet and car decoration. For men it's 2 sets of suit with pants. All off the rack. But we were assured that the package price we took will be flat-rate and there's no hidden cost for misc stuffs like alteration, topping up to select certain range kind of things. The only surcharges were explained in detailed to us openly, like ampoules and lashes, or the if we require the makeup artist to come earlier than the stated timing.
Apart from the actual day package, we also signed up the actual day photographer package. No videographer for us since we are not doing gatecrash. So we do not need the montage etc..
Just had my gown selection and fitting last week. As promised, no hidden costs so far. I'm impressed by the variety of gowns and also the designer's advises on the different kind of cuts and fits they have. The only problem i had was i loved almost every piece i tried and couldn't decide which to choose. It was a hassle-free and comfortable experience for us til date. The designer Judy has been in the industry for many years and she gives really useful advises to almost every doubts i had, from the gowns selection to actual day procedures to even housing (we were looking at resale flat purchase).
Before we visited her shop, i came through this forum and had read many stories on bad experience with getting bridal packages. We are glad that we didn't have to go through any of those. Each time we go down for our appointment we feel so welcomed. It really helps in making this whole wedding preparation thing less stressful.
Michelligence
Member
Hi all, for those considering bridal package, i would like to recommand my bridal boutique Graceful Image.
Me and my fiance have decided to not do the pre-wedding shoot due to timing issues. So I was considering between getting the gowns and stuffs and all ala carte or taking a package without the photography. We got a recommandation and visited Graceful Image and we were very impressed with the service that we signed on the package on that very day.
The Actual Day package we took includes the actual day gown and evening gown, actual day makeup, the necessities like bouquet and car decoration. For men it's 2 sets of suit with pants. All off the rack. But we were assured that the package price we took will be flat-rate and there's no hidden cost for misc stuffs like alteration, topping up to select certain range kind of things. The only surcharges were explained in detailed to us openly, like ampoules and lashes, or the if we require the makeup artist to come earlier than the stated timing.
Apart from the actual day package, we also signed up the actual day photographer package. No videographer for us since we are not doing gatecrash. So we do not need the montage etc..
Just had my gown selection and fitting last week. As promised, no hidden costs so far. I'm impressed by the variety of gowns and also the designer's advises on the different kind of cuts and fits they have. The only problem i had was i loved almost every piece i tried and couldn't decide which to choose. It was a hassle-free and comfortable experience for us til date. The designer Judy has been in the industry for many years and she gives really useful advises to almost every doubts i had, from the gowns selection to actual day procedures to even housing (we were looking at resale flat purchase).
Before we visited her shop, i came through this forum and had read many stories on bad experience with getting bridal packages. We are glad that we didn't have to go through any of those. Each time we go down for our appointment we feel so welcomed. It really helps in making this whole wedding preparation thing less stressful.
hello! do you mind sharing with me the details of your bridal package and photography package and both of their costs so I can have a rough reference?
thanks in advance!happymummyo7
Member
hello! do you mind sharing with me the details of your bridal package and photography package and both of their costs so I can have a rough reference?
Hi! My package is base on the things i need without pre-wedding shoot. Includes the basic things for actual day - 1 wedding gown, 1 evening gown, teadress, makeup in the morning and makeup before the banquet, 2 men coat with pants, car decoration and hand bouquet. We also took a seperate actual day photography package that comes with 10 hours service, all softcopy unedited returned, and a magazine book or something (didn't need this but it's in the package and nothing for us to change off). I can't quite remember the exact price but it's around 3k plus or 4k i think.
We went to the shop and look through their package list. Judy spoke to us to find out what we need exactly and suggested some necessary items which we didn't think off and recommanded the package that caters to our needs. As the pricing was within our budget and hubby is the one who made the payment I can't quite remember the exact figure. Sorry.
If you are keen, i would suggest you make a trip down and speak to them cause different people have different requirements. To me the most important thing is the gown so i only asked alot about the gown. Cause i've heard stories that some other boutiques actually have hidden cost for selection of gowns, like the package price is super low but the selection is restricted and this was not informed upfront. And things like alterations were also charged. Was quite worried on such so i bomba the staffs with endless silly questions.. Luckily they were really nice and patient with me.
Personally I don't have much time to source different stuffs myself and coordinate.. so I rather sign bridal package saves a lot of hassle. And I'm very happy with my bridal boutique Cang Ai! They service is really good and not pushy at all. Always rmb to nego for more photos/gowns etc!
Michelligence
Member
Hi! My package is base on the things i need without pre-wedding shoot. Includes the basic things for actual day - 1 wedding gown, 1 evening gown, teadress, makeup in the morning and makeup before the banquet, 2 men coat with pants, car decoration and hand bouquet. We also took a seperate actual day photography package that comes with 10 hours service, all softcopy unedited returned, and a magazine book or something (didn't need this but it's in the package and nothing for us to change off). I can't quite remember the exact price but it's around 3k plus or 4k i think.
We went to the shop and look through their package list. Judy spoke to us to find out what we need exactly and suggested some necessary items which we didn't think off and recommanded the package that caters to our needs. As the pricing was within our budget and hubby is the one who made the payment I can't quite remember the exact figure. Sorry.
If you are keen, i would suggest you make a trip down and speak to them cause different people have different requirements. To me the most important thing is the gown so i only asked alot about the gown. Cause i've heard stories that some other boutiques actually have hidden cost for selection of gowns, like the package price is super low but the selection is restricted and this was not informed upfront. And things like alterations were also charged. Was quite worried on such so i bomba the staffs with endless silly questions.. Luckily they were really nice and patient with me.
Haha alright! Thank you so much for the info
kissfaintkill
Member
Hi ladies.. Any recommendations on affordable bridal houses that will have package excluding photography? As I've booked an independent external photog. I'm intending to source everything else myself but just want to keep my options open. Any recommendations will be really appreciated XD
mandylim89
New Member
Hey, u can try checking Graceful Image out. Hub n i went to a few shortlisted bridal shop over the weekends n we ended up signing wif them cos of the service and recommandation from some BTB in this forum. we took a package wif photoshoot but i think they haf those wout photography ones too
i think it depends on what you deem as 'necessary'? if you like huge albums with glam photos (wearing many different gowns) to show then perhaps a package works for u? i'm a jun BTB and going ala carte. went to a few bridal shops and they all looked the same to me. i also don't like how most of them limited the number of photos i could select and have to top up if i want more. i prefer more personal/lifestyle photos with more casual setting so i went for a studio with personalised set up. sourced my MUA for wedding day and got my dresses online. totalled up to be quite cheap! can pm me if wanna find out more.
Evelyn_Vince
New Member
Hey ladies, just my thought I don't think bridal packages are necessary although a lot more convenient. Like renting of gowns, tux, pre-wedding photoshoot, corsages etc.
If you go ala carte, you can have a whole range of options too. Depending on your budget, u spend on what u deem necessary. Like having only a couple of gowns for photoshoot and actual wedding. I know JessicaCindy and Jos+Rachel do nice gowns. Can go their fb pages to take a look.
As for videographers, there are some affordable options out there. Or if some btb prefer it simple, just do away with it. Like one of my cousins did.
Affordable and quality photographers are quite plentiful, my cousin used IvanSeah photography for her AD ([email protected]). Really nice photos, thinking of engaging him for my AD too but my planned date is not confirmed yet.
And I'm sure there are good MUAs out there too, probably many BTBs have recommendations
Anw it's really up to u, less hassle or having more options.
P.s. I've heard some horror stories of bridal boutiques but also a couple of good ones. Maybe if u are planning to get a bridal packages, don't just talk to them and sign up packages, take a look at their past reviews too.
I don't think bridal packages are necessary although a lot more convenient. Like renting of gowns, tux, pre-wedding photoshoot, corsages etc. If you go ala carte, you can have a whole range of options too. Depending on your budget, u spend on what u deem necessary. Like having only a couple of gowns for photoshoot and actual wedding. I know JessicaCindy and Jos+Rachel do nice gowns. Can go their fb pages to take a look.
As for videographers, there are some affordable options out there. Or if some btb prefer it simple, just do away with it. Like one of my cousins did.
Affordable and quality photographers are quite plentiful, my cousin used IvanSeah photography for her AD ([email protected]). Really nice photos, thinking of engaging him for my AD too but my planned date is not confirmed yet.
And I'm sure there are good MUAs out there too, probably many BTBs have recommendations
Anw it's really up to u, less hassle or having more options.
P.s. I've heard some horror stories of bridal boutiques but also a couple of good ones. Maybe if u are planning to get a bridal packages, don't just talk to them and sign up packages, take a look at their past reviews too.
jolene428
Member
If really want to have bridal packages think must be clear of ur budget and not v suave easily by their selling techniques. Best to choose one ur friends have used before. I chose white link coz a friend bought hers from there too And I brought my friend along to negotiate a very good package ^^
No it's not necessary. I did not take up any packages. Because I have heard lotsa scary stories from my friends, there are good ones of course but I rather stay away from it.
I choose everything individually from the dress n suit to the flowers to the banquet. Everything is planned by myself n nth come from the wedding package.
Even my overseas photoshoot is by a London photographer and I did not sign up with anyone in sg to go over to London.
But then again it's all up to u.
I choose everything individually from the dress n suit to the flowers to the banquet. Everything is planned by myself n nth come from the wedding package.
Even my overseas photoshoot is by a London photographer and I did not sign up with anyone in sg to go over to London.
But then again it's all up to u.
cheesecakefan123
Member
same for me. i have heard of many bad reviews about bridal studios. the problem about bridal studios is that there are currently a mixture of good and bad ones in the market, and CASE is unable to interfere with the business' way of functioning. probably they might have received some complaints but nothing can be done, because in the free market economy, there is not much regulations to control those "spoiler" bridal studios who are out there to earn your money.
their best tagline is : marriage is once in a lifetime, so you deserve the best services for this (meaning that you also have to spend more)
then, they will go by asking you to topup for ridiculous services or topup for additional photos.
To me, i feel that this is not an ethical way of managing a business. this is no different as Sim Lim Square IT conmen companies who separate the spare parts of the camera then ask you to topup to purchase. in the first place, it should have been included in the package.
So what we can do now is to boycott the unethical bridal studios. Honestly, people are just out there to earn your "wedding money". But yet, it is very time consuming to search for vendors and compare services. as if the wedding planning process is not stressful enough... Probably, i will not go for a bridal studio myself too.
their best tagline is : marriage is once in a lifetime, so you deserve the best services for this (meaning that you also have to spend more)
then, they will go by asking you to topup for ridiculous services or topup for additional photos.
To me, i feel that this is not an ethical way of managing a business. this is no different as Sim Lim Square IT conmen companies who separate the spare parts of the camera then ask you to topup to purchase. in the first place, it should have been included in the package.
So what we can do now is to boycott the unethical bridal studios. Honestly, people are just out there to earn your "wedding money". But yet, it is very time consuming to search for vendors and compare services. as if the wedding planning process is not stressful enough... Probably, i will not go for a bridal studio myself too.
Usually the pg will have their own contacts or printers they regularly send photos to print at, so can ask them about it. Whether it's included or extra charge will have to depend on the pg.
Prisssss
New Member
I recently finished pre-wedding photography with Venus Bridal in Malaysia JB and I only have good things to say about them!!! Their bridal package does not include actual day photographer and videographer and makeup artist (they can provide it but at quite high charge).
Highly recommended! You can read my review herehttp://www.priscillalee.sg/2015/04/preview-of-my-wedding-photography-venus-bridal
Highly recommended! You can read my review here
http://www.priscillalee.sg/2015/04/preview-of-my-wedding-photography-venus-bridalcan you share with me what the name of your coordinator at cangai? Would like to visit them.