hello ultimatemocha,
i am sorry to hear that your visit to Sil isn't what you expected.
but would like to share my experience with others who might read this thread:
I signed up with Silhouette and am still a very satisfied customer. Sil was the first shop i visited and i was very pleased with their service. I was clueless as to what might suit me and the guy (think there's only 1 guy there?) who helped me took out 4 very different silhouettes (mermaid, A-line, ball gown and ultra-big tulle ballgown) for me to try. After that narrowing down to the kind of cut i look good in, then he took out more gowns of similar cuts out for me to try on. He is actually a very nice and helpful guy.
I'm not sure what kind of advice you were looking for but i thought i was quite satisfied with their advice. The designer i signed up with (kenji, the guy,) didn't go on and on about what will look good, but just gently ask a few questions, like what i feel comfortable in, where's my venue etc. Not sure if that's why you feel they are not as forthcoming with their advice? But i like their style as i don't feel like someone is forcing their opinions on me.
I visited 3 other studios after visiting Silhouette - D'sire, Julia Wedding and Divine. Personally, i didn't feel that there was any difference in the advice given. Most of them pretty much give the same kind of comments. (of course, their tastes differ and they recommended different kinds of gowns to me.)
I admit Sil's prices are on the steep side, but i think the materials and embroidery justify the cost. A friend who just had her wedding came with me on my final selection of my gown design. At first she also thought i was crazy to pay so much for a package without photography, but after looking at the gown, she said that it was reasonable. not cheap, but reasonable.
Another friend visited some other bridal studios who are more expensive but their material that may not necessarily be better than silhouette's.
I personally think that Sil's isn't the most expensive (and i'm not comparing with places like Tan Yoong or Frederick Lee.) Not cheap, but not unreasonably expensive.
I guess it all boils down to individual tastes and preferences and what you need for your wedding. Some might just love the gown and material that Sil is using and think it's worth the money, while for others, other perks like free rental of tea dress and kua etc are more important.
Anyway, ultimatemocha, hope you will be happy with wherever you signed up with ultimately!
Choosing gowns is a funny business! The same shop just does not hold the same appeal to different people!
all the best to your wedding planning!
