Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Recap of Our Wedding Special: Bridal Affairs & Partners

In all honesty, we only visited three bridal shops by recommendation before chancing upon the fourth, Bridal Affairs, which we decided will be the one, two years back.

Bridal Affairs is a cozy shop housed in a HDB, located in Tampines. Christine, who was our coordinator, is a cheerful and welcoming lady. She sat us down in a room and gave us a detailed consultation of the packages they offer. She was helpful and patient. She showed us some work by their partnering photographers (only Avenue 8 and Photomoments back then) and allowed me to try some gowns.

We were impressed by the personalised service. Then, Christine do not have any helpers and she did ALL things by herself, with a good attitude.

Many will feel that Bridal Affairs charges do not come cheap. Yes, it may be on par with the well established shops after top-ups, however, it really boils down to what you are looking for. For us, we were looking for personalised /no hard sell service. This is something we failed to find in any of the three shops we visited before Bridal's Affairs.

Every visit to Bridal Affairs was a good one. We got the whole room to ourselves for a good four hours for gowns trying. No one else will be poking their nose in to see what you had on except for your mister, Christine, her helper and yourself! Here are a few gowns that that was tried for our pre-wedding shoot about one and a half year ago:
 
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Shortlisted gowns/suits in our PW photographs (by Avenue 8):
 
We did not have as smooth a coordination with Avenue 8 as compared to Christine herself. However, the end product of our PW album was of satisfaction. That is all that matters, isn't it? :)

Gowns tried for our Actual Day (AD) about half a year ago:
Christine was very nice to inform us about the additional "Elite" category which was not in our contract. She brought one of the two Elite gowns out for me to try. The gown turned out to be really georgeous in real life. Mr Kwek did not hesitate to said "yes" on my behalf. :)

The chosen gowns in AD photographs (official by Luke & non-officials):
Luke from Indulgz Photomoments was the photographer for our AD. We added on his service for a mere $688 (I heard the add on had increased in price!) and we had the best photographs taken by him to preserve memories of the best moments during our AD. Of course, $688 includes only an album of 300 photographs. For the additionals, you will have to top up for per photograph. Please do not skimp on this cost as the photographs are well worth your every penny. You may view some samples of his photographs from our wedding day in here and here.

As for make-up, we had May for both PW and AD. May is very good and fast with make-ups and hairdos. There is no free trial session. You may pay to do one however, I do not think it is necessary. Here is some pictures of the hairdo May did for me:
For those who are concern with the Man's suits, here are two full suits that Mr Kwek chosen for both PW and AD (Choice of suits need not be the same for PW and AD.):
 
Oh, not forgetting, our bride-maids' dresses are also from Bridal's Affairs too!
Finally, for the cost, it really depends on your budget. If you are into simplistic gowns, you will be able to find gowns in the basic and classic category. However if you are like me, loving all things bling and ruffles, most probably you will find gowns to your liking in the premium and above category.
Other than the gowns and the PW that has most variation in price depending on each couple's need, other top-ups that are worthy to take note:

Men Suits:
Includes only black jacket, bow ties/ties and pants.
Vest is an additional $30 per piece
Other colors an additional $30 per piece

Make-up: 
Eyelashes@ $20 per pair
Applying of own ampoule@ $10 per application
ampoules by MUA@ $30 per application
Additional hour for make-up@ $80 per hour

AD photography by Indulgz Photomoments:
Additional photographs@ $1.50 per additional photos after the 300th. Only softcopies for additional.
Additional hours@ $80 per hour

Others:
Bride-maids' dress@ $40 per dress, only 6 pieces available for rental per design.

I hope this helps to give you some insights into Bridal Affairs. Bridal Affairs renews their collections quite frequently. Hence, my post may be slightly outdated. The once premiums may be downgraded to classics and classics to basics. Moreover, they have much more partnerships now, you will be spoilt for choice for your PW shoot. Give this little cozy shop a chance by heading down to see for yourself. You may be surprise at what can be found at Bridal Affairs! :) </>
Bridal Affairs
Reviewed by Jesselyn on Jan 28 2014
Rating: 4/5

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