Bridal Studio Part I

Earlier this year, OWLoon and I visited a Wedding Fair in Mid Valley. But since it was our 1st experience, we didn't jot down any notes... thinking that we'd just bring back the brochures for further comparisons. But to our surprise, we weren't allowed to keep any of the brochures and papers used in explaining the packages! Why? Cos' they don't want us walking around with their packages' details negotiating with other Bridal Studios (BS)... Talk about being "kiasu"...

We visited 3 different BS that day and decided to check out a variety of different studios for a gauge on the packages available...

M.y D.r.e.a.m W.e.d.d.i.n.g

This BS specializes in sending couples to Hong Kong for their pre-wedding photography. While the package was OK i.e. slightly cheaper than local BS, the additional expenses were higher i.e. flights to Hong Kong, accommodations in Hong Kong... plus, gowns you see in their featured albums may not be available at their local branch here... Also, if anything were to happen, it definitely won't be as simple as driving out to their branch... cos the albums are apparently done up in Hong Kong itself...

B.r.i.d.a.l A.r.t
Instead of Hong Kong, this BS sends couples to Taiwan instead. Packages are similar to M.y D.r.e.a.m W.e.d.d.i.n.g too but so as the concerns we had with the earlier BS. Plus, since it's overseas, they require us start our pre-wedding shoot soonest possible... which of course is not possible in my case given my braces...

D.e C.a.s.a.m.i.a
Since we have checked out 2 overseas pre-wedding photography package... we decided to check out a local one... so happened, the first one we saw was D.e C.a.s.a.m.i.a. Here, since it is our 3rd BS, we realized that all their packages are pretty similar. But somehow, their photos though taken locally, looked nice...

In the end, we didn't sign up for any... but learnt a few important lessons along the way...

Thou shall have patience

If this is the first time you're visiting a BS, then let me tell you that the Sales Assistants (SAs) are usually super hard sell, super pushy, super commercialized but worst of all super long-winded. While it is good to have more info... after awhile your ears will bleed cos' they will boast about how good they are and blah blah blah...

Thou shall not be impulsive

This is particularly true at Wedding Fairs. The SAs will throw in loads of freebies and discounts to tempt you hoping that you'll sign up on the spot. But believe me, unless you've visited their outlets before... never ever be impulsive cos' you don't want to end up being disappointed with their gowns selections later on...

Thou shall have thick face

When they see a prospect, these SAs will be extremely friendly and helpful... all questions will be answered and they will do their best to convince you into buying their packages. But the minute you say, you need more time to decide... Their expressions will change immediately... Can't really blame them cos' each session takes between 45 minutes to 90 minutes! They will even throw in further reductions on the spot... making you feel "stupid" for walking away from a fantastic deal...

So anyway... the above sums up our first encounter with BS at Wedding Fairs...