There are lots of bridal studios and hotels out there. But which one is best suited for your pocket so as not to overspend before your honeymoon?
There are some pointers to look out for when you get the packages.
Bridal Package
1) Ask for the dress to be use both during your photoshoot and your actual day.
Most studios based overseas eg taiwan does not include your actual day dresses. You will have to separately source for your actual day gowns and it means extra cost to you.
2) Ask for Make-up artist for BOTH the photo shoot and the actual day (day and night)
This can be easily arranged if the studio is based in Singapore. However, same as point 1, if the studios are based overseas, you would have to source for the make-up artist on the actual day.
3) Ask for a make-up artist or an assistant to help you
During the photo shoot, it would be best if they have someone like a make-up artist or her assistant who can follow you through the process. She will be needed especially for touch-up and changing of gowns as the groom will not be able to help especially when you change at the public toilets. I've seen brides change by themselves in a public toilet near the beach and they almost cry.=~(
4) Mini albums
The photo package might include some small albums . If you think that they are not neccessary, ask if you can exchange it for get extra photos instead
5) Portraits
Portraits might be included in the package as well- those that you are supposed to put in your master bedroom above your headboard. But in my opinion, in this day in age, no one actually need those anymore. If you think that it is not necessary, ask for extra photos instead.
6) EXTRA photos
The main thing about the photoshoot are the photos. Usually , you will be given about 30-35 photos. if you don't want certain items like point 4 and 5, ALWAYS ask for extra photos. Why? If you are getting your 36th photo onwards, you have to pay for it! 1 extra photo can cost up to $80-120 !!! Anything that you do not fancy in the package, ask for extra photos!! 30-35 is never enough when you have lotsa scenary shots.
7) Charge for scenes per page on albums
I'm not sure if it will apply to the studio that you will be getting but just keep this in mind and check when you buy the package. example if you take 10 scenes from different places, 1 scene usually takes up 2 pages (up and right page, 1 landscape) . Ask up front if you are getting the 30-35 photos but has like 12 scenes, will you be charged for the extra pages that they have to add for the scenes to be in the book. ps. I had to pay for this =(
8) Digital copies
Get the softcopy for every photo that you have chosen they will be giving tgt w the package. You can always use this softcopy and make a (cheaper) portrait outside the studio.
9) Indoor / Outdoor package
If your budget is within the range of an indoor photoshoot, ask if you could remove point 4 and 5 and ask for outdoor shots (that's if you love the outdoors)
10) Jie Mei Dresses and Xiong Di tux
Bargain for your jie meis dress and bros tux as well. Have the number jiemeis and bros in mind before you get the package. If you can't decide yet, get as many as you can bargain for first. More better than less ya? ...if not you would have to pay more to rent them later on.
11) Photographer n Videographer
Ask if you could also get Photographers and Videographers on the actual day. It can actually set you back by 3k if you are getting them separately.
Most important note:
When you get your photos, make sure you keep within the 30-35 photos that they gave (or the amount you have bargain for) TRY NOT TO EXCEED YOU AGREED NUMBER.
I have friends spend an extra 3k-7k for the extra photos. That's on top of the bridal package cost of about 3k.
That's 6k -10k spent! $$$
Hotel Package
1) Work within your budget
I'm sure you saw this list before on Singaporebrides.com .
But make sure you work within your budget. Don't overspend. I'm sure you have heard of a lot of stories about couples going into debt because it is a once in a life time occasion. Be rational and analyse your audience and crowd, if you think that they are unable to cover your cost, don't get a hotel that is too expensive. (but then again, don't also expect them to cover the cost for you. They came on goodwill to give you their blessings)
2) Special Diets
Do you have friends that are require a special diet ie. halal or vegetarians? Some hotels actually serve individual portions but some would need you to have a table of 10 Special diet (eg 10 halal meals) to serve.
Cost wise, 10 people with Special diet sitting together is always cheaper than a 1 ala carte special diet. Why?
10 Special diet ppl =$1000 for example if 1 pax is 100,
but 9 normal guest + 1 special diet guest can cost u $1100 (for the 9 normal) and +100 (for that 1 special guest)
So see if you get it at a fair to throw in for free- though its rare.
The other way to be cost effective is to group your special diet guests together.
3) Location
Make it convenient. If you are holding it offshore/ ulu location, your guest will likely be late and so will your banquet. Remember that transport might be difficult after wee hours at certain locations, so try to end your banquet earlier, if possible.
4) Weekday or Weekend
Weekdays, guests will be late as they will usually come after work.
Weekend sundays, guest might turn up early and leave early as well. Some would probably be leaving just after the phototaking (dish 8 or so) as they have to work the next day. Try to start your banquet on time to prevent an empty ballroom at the end of the wedding.
Weekend sundays, guest might turn up early and leave early as well. Some would probably be leaving just after the phototaking (dish 8 or so) as they have to work the next day. Try to start your banquet on time to prevent an empty ballroom at the end of the wedding.
5) Late charge
Ask the hotel if they will be charging you if the dinner runs late. They might have to pay for their manpower to cater for your delay.
Ask the hotel if they will be charging you if the dinner runs late. They might have to pay for their manpower to cater for your delay.
6) Alcoholic beverages
Ask for free flow beer and free bottles of wine with the package. It defers from hotel to hotel. Some might even allow you to bring your own duty paid liquor. But to be safe check with the hotel.
Ask for free flow beer and free bottles of wine with the package. It defers from hotel to hotel. Some might even allow you to bring your own duty paid liquor. But to be safe check with the hotel.
6) Pillars
Not sure if this will be important to you. But ask if there are pillars within the ballroom. Why? Pillars block the view of your precious guest when u are on stage and if they can't see it, will leave guest uninterested and might leave early =( Ask for the floor plan of the ballroom if this matters.
Not sure if this will be important to you. But ask if there are pillars within the ballroom. Why? Pillars block the view of your precious guest when u are on stage and if they can't see it, will leave guest uninterested and might leave early =( Ask for the floor plan of the ballroom if this matters.
7) Size of Ballroom
Size of ballroom usually depends on the maximum number of guests that you want to invite. Usually the ballroom size is about 27 tables and up. There are hotels that only cater for 50+ tables up. So make sure you don't over commit to too many tables and not be able to meet the mininum number of guest. Also make sure that the ballroom size is not too tight for your guest as it can be very uncomfortable for guest going to the toilet or waiter/waitresses when they serve. Imagine their butt in your face? =O
Size of ballroom usually depends on the maximum number of guests that you want to invite. Usually the ballroom size is about 27 tables and up. There are hotels that only cater for 50+ tables up. So make sure you don't over commit to too many tables and not be able to meet the mininum number of guest. Also make sure that the ballroom size is not too tight for your guest as it can be very uncomfortable for guest going to the toilet or waiter/waitresses when they serve. Imagine their butt in your face? =O
8) Deco
Ask for the deco upfront (they might show you with an iPad) or if you have something in mind let them know. They might be able to cater. But if u don't like the pre-fixed deco , best if you don't go with the hotel as changing their deco can cost a bomb. esp flowers
Ask for the deco upfront (they might show you with an iPad) or if you have something in mind let them know. They might be able to cater. But if u don't like the pre-fixed deco , best if you don't go with the hotel as changing their deco can cost a bomb. esp flowers
9) Flowers/ Flower Petals
Some hotels I know actually provide extra flowers/ flower petals to be "thrown at you" for the special effects. If no, see if they can provide this for you for free or minimal charge
Some hotels I know actually provide extra flowers/ flower petals to be "thrown at you" for the special effects. If no, see if they can provide this for you for free or minimal charge
10) Menu
Example: no sharks fin, Is there other alternative? Do you like their choice of menu? If you are particular about the portioning, you might also want to consider whether guest will be served individually or on 1 big plate (depends on your preference)
Example: no sharks fin, Is there other alternative? Do you like their choice of menu? If you are particular about the portioning, you might also want to consider whether guest will be served individually or on 1 big plate (depends on your preference)
