Actual Day Wedding Gown Selection

Pat says

Just about 3 months ish before our actual wedding day and we were scheduled to chose the actual day wedding gowns on 25 May 2013!! I'm a fan of pinterest, so thru my causal browsing in the wedding section I have pinned a couple of gowns for reference already. =)

I did not have much expectation when I arrived at the bridal studio, mainly because my mind is still blank from my overseas trip to Bangkok and I just arrived in Singapore the day before. *Luckily, I slimmed down instead of putting on weight!*

Our consultant seems to have an idea of what we wanted after some causal talking. *idea was something different from the usual usual* and she asks us to go thru TONS of photos so that if we saw something we liked, she can let me try it too! She was super awesome, letting me try ALOT of gowns (even though some was not within our package price amount, but just try try first). She was very excited about the whole thing and kept saying I must wear something that showed my figure. hahahaha.

So in the end I tried mermaid, A line, asymmetric gowns and gowns in different colours! *Tip: it will be good to be as open as possible, something when you see it might not be nice but you will know only when you try it! and try as many different designs as possible so you know which one you like or suits you* Personally, I was not a fan of mermaid dresses, especially white mermaid dresses. I think I looked quite old in it. >.< because our consultant let us try all the different, interesting design first, when we tried the usual usual ones, it doesn't seem special anymore and our consultant also knew it. After a while, she commented that we don't have to try other stuff anymore because we tried all the "weird weird" ones already and would not like those normal de.. hahahaha.. she is cute isn't she~

I was abit disappointed with the fact that they did not have one gown that I saw in pinterest. But no matter, I still managed to pick two gowns for the night. *I did not pick any evening gowns though, main reasons was they seem normal (if I could buy it, I'll buy it to attend weddings instead) or they make me look old. hahahaha* Our consultant seems very satisfied with our choices too. She said I look best on those. hehe. *we had to top up abit for one of the design, cause it was considered as the premium version, but I guess it's worth it! (you will be able to see from the pictures after our wedding!)*

For the kua, they basically just had two designs, the dragon or phoenix. I tried a toga kua first which was awesome! hahaha.. looks super nice and different. I also tried a cheongsum kind of "kua", but as the toga kua was too nice already so this pales in comparison. As for the normal kua, it looks decent. hehe.. after having some discussion with my sister, we decided on the normal kua. *she claims that the toga kua make me look like a ge tai singer and old~ and the normal kua makes me look very young and super nicesh* haha.. but anyway, it is a once in a life time thing to wear a normal kua. so I was fine with it. *don't need to top up additional $$ too, hehe*

So we decided on the day for final fitting and collection of gowns etc.. *so many things to be concerned about just before the wedding, how to concentrate on work.. (sighs)*

Overall experience: I had a great time trying the gowns at My Dream Wedding, many thanks to our consultant! =)

Key says

Another 6 hours spent in the bridal studio! When choosing gowns and suits, the main focus is on the bride as what the groom wears is to compliment the bride's gown. As such, my selection is done only after Pat's. As what Pat mentioned, we started with the more exquisite gowns followed by the traditional gowns. There were other considerations besides the design, such as ease of walking or if it look nice on photo and eventually Pat made her choice.

One important thing to note for those engaging the service of My Dream Wedding is that once the choices for the actual day gown has been made, you will actually acknowledge on paper and there will be no changes. Well you can but a fee must be made so for those who have not choose their actual day gown with My Dream Wedding, please take note!

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Wedding Photos Selection

Key says

Though I understand that it's quite a norm that the bridal studio will try to sell the photos, it is actually quite difficult not to make additional purchase. That is because 30 photos (included in the package) is simply too little... We took a total of about 300 photos and after 2 to 3 rounds of elimination, we were left with 62. It's been very difficult to eliminate further as the photo really looks good and is able to tell a story (well we sort of plan it to be so during our photo-shoot but since we cannot have a say on the layout, I'm not too sure if the album will turn out to be as story-telling as I want it to be).

Nonetheless we decided to keep all 62 photos, i.e. we will be making additional payments to buy these photos. There wasn't any hard-selling by the bridal studio, it's simply just too difficult to reduce the numbers further. After the selection of these 62 photos, we need to choose like another 43 photos from it to be used for various things, such as mini albums, photo frame, cover photo etc. All in all, we spent close to 3.5 hours in the bridal studio!! At the end of the day, we are exhausted simply by looking at photos over and over again.

If anyone is reading this, perhaps it's good to consider bargaining to increase the number of photos when purchasing a bridal package so that perhaps there's no need for further top-up. Not too sure is this possible but oh well, never ask never knew but in our case, the 30 photos from the package is definitely not sufficient. Nonetheless, we are satisfied with how the photos turnout and the service/help rendered during out photo selection. +1 more brownie point for My Dream Wedding.

Pat says

One word: *Tiring*
We had our appointment to chose the photos after our work, which was a serious mistake. Imagine looking at your computer for close to 8 hrs or more already and now had to see TONS of photos to pick those you want for your wedding. *it's seriously strenuous to the eyes*

I remember we were very worried on our photoshoot day as we worry that there was not enough nice photos for us to pick. hahaha!! In the end there were about 300 photos to view from and we had several rounds of eliminations too. *Tip: if you want to save money, you had to be strict with the choosing of photos, if not it will take FOREVER to chose from a big pool of photos just a few that you are willing to spend on*

Once we had a rough gauge of which photos we were interested in (obviously more than the 30 photos that were included in our package) we need to eliminate more as we did not want to spend too much on it. It was very difficult at the final stage of elimination because the album will be in layout form (aka afew pictures in two pages), therefore there were some photos that had similar themes that had to be together then nice. but lets say if we like one/two photos from the similar themes then we can't really pick it either as it would not go well in the photo album. (I hope you get what I mean, >.<)

In the end~~ 62 pictures was it and we of course had to pay extras. I like our new consultant for the photos choosing (at first, I thought it will be the same consultant throughout the whole experience) as she was genuine in helping us pick nice photos and not just hard-selling photos. *super likes*

Out of the 62 pictures, we had to chose pictures for mini albums, bed side photo frame, cover photo for big album, bed top photo frame. *argh* I was seriously tired after it.

Usually for the bed top photo, it will just be one super enlarged photo but for My Dream Wedding, we saw one that consist of 10 pictures and you can move the pictures around like jig saw puzzle. *super likes* haha.. so.. we upgrade to that instead.. =x

Overall experience: I'm just glad it is over.. hahahaha! but I can't wait for the finish product! =)

Photoshoot

Key says

Weather has been kind to us. It was raining heavily a day ago and there was some slight drizzle early in the morning. However by the time we reached the wedding studio, the rain has stopped. After confirming the gowns and suits are ok one last time (the day before there was a fitting and it was amended for today), we waited for our make-up artist to arrive.

Frankly speaking, I was actually a bit disappointed when the make-up artist arrived late as it sort of throw our schedule off because we are late for the first location shoot. However, in the end we managed to complete the shoot at the first location on time and subsequently the other shoots is on schedule. Also the make-up artist followed us throughout and help us do our make-up, wipe away (my) perspiration, carry our bags and even help to create the bubbles effect. The helpfulness and friendliness have completely undo the bad image of her late arrival.

After this wedding shoot, I think I will highly recommend My Dream Wedding to my friends if they are looking for a bridal studio. Prior to the shoot, I have already blogged about how satisfied I am with their services. Today, they have far exceeded my expectations. First and foremost, it's a crew of 3 following you for the photoshoot (2 photographers and 1 make-up artist), unlike the typical wedding shoots we saw along the way where there is only a photographer and the couples. Next, they have a mini bus which fetches you around your location and they helped to prepare (i) cold cut fruits, (ii) mineral water and (iii) breads for you during the shoot so that we will not be hungry - talk about being considerate!. Throughout the shoot, we do not need to worry about anything at all and just concentrate on the shoot.

Well the day has gone by pretty quickly and smoothly. Since there will not be a second photoshoot, I just hope the photos turn out well and the way we want it to be. If so, My Dream Wedding would have won another (3rd) brownie point from me and the last critical event will be the actual day!

Pat says

I didn't knew I was that excited till the fact that the night before I woke up at 2am (thinking it was 6am), then 3am, 4am, 5am etc.. (u kinda get the idea) BUT! the funniest thingy was I nv felt tat excited to wake up almost every single hr thinking its my waking up time. >.<

Well, I wanted to eat Mac Breakkie for breakfast, so we suggested to meet super early to eat our breakfast and take our own sweet time to go My Dream Wedding (MDW). It didnt rain at first, but after we ordered our breakfast and started eating, it slowly drizzled abit then poured =(. My heart almost dropped when I saw this situation. But I kept reminding myself that it'll be okay. We can still do raining shots! (interesting and unique~) I guess that was the only thing that brighten my spirits. Well, as what Key said the weather was good to us. (super nicesh indeed!!)

I was actually kinda worried about whether we need to think beforehand poses to do or stuff to bring etc. But apparently on the day itself, they kinda planned it all alr. They were super experienced with the places that we are gg and the cameramen alr knew what kind of poses he wanted, so he just instructed us on how to poses and all. We just had to follow accordingly. hehehe.. Which is definitely a relief on my part. =)

But I felt impromptu poses by us helped too.. We wanted this drinking shot that he didnt planned to shoot, then it somehow became part of our MV too! hahaha.. and they prepared like items for the shoot/MV too! but we brought some stuffs that we tot would be useful~ (shall not elaborate too much~ *secret* till the MV and photos are out) muhahahaha..

Thinking back, I think it was an enjoyable experienced! We felt very taken care of, except my mosquito es bites part. The mosquitoes ONLY BITE ME! sighs.... got 7 presents from the mosquitoes..

Reviews of photos are available within a week time (so fast right~), we were very shocked too. But as chinese new yr was up next, we settled an appointment on 21 feb 2013 instead.

Cant wait for the photos to be out! hopefully my face looks slim~ (*pray hard*)

Countdown to Wedding! (250 days)

Pat says

It's 31 Dec 2012! and 250 days (about 8 months) to our big day.

To date, we have secured the following:

1) Solemnisation place - The White Rabbit
2) Banquet dinner - Four Seasons Hotel
3) Pre-wedding photography - My Dream Wedding
4) Actual day photography - One Eye Click
5) Actual day videography - Cream Pictures
6) Actual day car rental for bride & groom - My Wedding Car

Tips: it might seems like its super early to book such stuff, however we already have our fair share of disappointment when the ones we want have alr been booked! so to avoid disappointments, its always gd to book early! =)

1st Session with Bridal Studio

Key says

Today is our first session with our bridal studio and in this session, we are suppose to choose (i) the gowns and suits for the photoshoot, (ii) select the location of the photoshoot, (iii) confirmation of the package bought and (iv) pay the balance of the package bought.

Frankly speaking, I was quite looking forward to it a few days earlier and wasn't quite sure what is expected of us on today. However, I would have to say the experience with the bridal studio has been very pleasant. As much as we were told that typically this session will take about 3 hours, we spent close to 4.5 hours in the studio - going through sample photos to choose our location, negotiating some changes to the package, choosing of gown and suits and trying out the gowns and suits. Despite the multiple requests and questions from us, the staffs have been very friendly and helpful throughout. So far I am quite pleased with the service standard that they showed - from the time we purchase the package and this first consultation session - and hopefully we can expect the same or better standards of service for the photoshoots, choosing of photographs and actual day.

Pat says

Our first consultation session with My Dream Wedding! We bought their package from them earlier this year and they have been consistently calling us to book a first appt! >.< abit irritating, but without the constant calls, we wouldn't really remember to reserve early anyway i guess. hehe.. thanks to their hardwork!

First time at a bridal studio, abit scared and worried. Cause I didnt have prior experience before so I really dunno what to expect! >.<

1) A guy, Alex came to entertain us first, we went through our initial package to make sure that nothing was wrong and he mentioned they will type it nicely for us again.

2)  Finally our consultant, Xiao Ai came! Luv her warm and pretty smile. We had to chose gowns and three photoshoot places. Because we didnt really talked about it, it was really tough to come up with three places suddenly. Nevertheless, they had alot photoshoot books for us to browse through. Which was very helpful indeed! In the end, we picked three places which I think are very good choices! (more to be revealed after the photoshoot! )

3) Time to chose the guys attire for the photoshoot day. She came out with abt 10 diff kinds of tuxedo/blazer, ranging with black, cream and grey colour. We asked if they had other colors like blue etc, but apparently their color collection was quite limited. That was a boo to us. Nevertheless, we managed to pick a black and cream attire after much much discussion! No penguin design for key~ looks weird on him! or thats what i feel. hahaha

4) Next for the gowns. Earlier on, i walked though the whole shop and was quite disappointed with the range that I saw, seems little. But Xiao Ai mentioned that they had a store room with plenty of other choices, but I had to tell her what I kinda want so she can get some designs for me. Thanks to her help, I tried like 10-20 over gowns? with different lengths and color. super tiring!! but I finally managed to find two white ones for the photoshoot. (all thanks to the phootshoot books for reference!)

Tips on consultation session for photoshoot:

a) Good to research on the places you plan to take photos in. Afterwhich it will be easier to chose the attires for the photoshoots as it has to kinda match the places for the photoshoot.

b) Good to research on the type of gowns you wanna wear for the photoshoot. But it is still fun to try diff kinds of gowns and colors! Especially if you didnt had any idea like me! hehe..

c) Prepare for alot of time! Our consultation session was a very impt one! once we chose the gowns and the places we had to stick to it. Changing of gowns would cost $$$. So try not to plan anything after the session, and dont be paiseh if cannot find a gown u want. The more you talk to your consultant abt the type of dresses you like, the better her choice of gowns for you will be. (since she understands you more~)

Shoutout to all ladies~ I always didnt thought much about gowns, and thought I would prefer simple ones. But after trying so many gowns, it kinda feel nice to be a princess ones~ hehehe.. =)

Breakeven? Guess not.

Key says

Now that I am preparing for our own wedding, I realized how much time, effort and money is needed for this joyous occasion. In case anyone is thinking that I am going to whine and complain over here, that is not the case.

It's just that now that I am actually preparing for my wedding, I realized that in the past, even though I tried to ensure my angbao (red packet) for the banquet meets the breakeven price of the table (inclusive of GST and service charges) for the wedding dinners that I had attended, the couple does not actually breakeven for the whole event, considering a wedding is not just a banquet but consisting of other matters as well, e.g. bridal photo, car rental, actual day photo and video, decorations, and many other things that the couple might pay to make this special day special. All these are costs that are invisible to the guests (or people like me who has not been through a wedding) that are invited for the dinner.

Now once again, I am not complaining. This is because I believe a lot of couples, like ourselves does not mind spending some money to make this day special, since it is supposed to be an once-in-a-life-time thing and money can never measure up to the true value and joy of celebrating the fruits of a couple's love, their commitment to each other and the blessing of others. However this does not change the fact that holding a (typical) wedding in Singapore is not cheap (something I always know), not too mention for couples who takes the effort to customize their wedding to make it different and special.

That's why it suddenly occurred to me whether should I give a bit more than the breakeven price of the banquet, so that it can help to relieve a bit of the financial burden of the newly weds? Also I think I will be even more disgusted by stories of how people who pay for one person but bring the whole family down (sometimes even extended family) or where they put newspaper in the red packet (true story that happened to my friend).

Just some random thoughts of a guy preparing for his special day.