Bridal photography and packages for wedding
dinners: I used to think that when things come in a package, it’s
automatically value-for-money. In fact, the more things inside, the
better. But that’s not always so, as I’ve realised. This is
especially so for wedding packages. There’re just some things you
can make do without. Here’s what you don’t really need and why:
Most bridal studio packages may range anywhere
between $3k to the $7k range depending on your choice of dress,
photography destination etc. And given credit, these packages are
really value for money…but that’s only ‘cause you’re not given the
best quality. Remember those weird bridal photos that went
viral?
Bridal studio packages do not allow couples to
choose their photographer. So it’s like a game of luck who you get
and how your photos turn out. So if Pinterest/Instagram worthy
photos are what you’re looking for, and you don’t mind getting a
“gown only” package, try doing away with the studio appointed
photographers and choosing a separate one whose portfolio you like.
They might be a little pricier, but remember your photos will stay
with you the rest of your life.
Even if you’re looking to shoot your photos
overseas, engaging a local photographer there might give you better
mileage for your dollar since some photographers are cheaper.
Platforms like OneThreeOneFour allow
easy finding of photographers based on your destination and you can
even find one in France for as low as $900. That’s pretty
reasonable if you consider Singaporean bridal shoot prices.
Otherwise, if you’d chose to go a full
photography package, the bridal studio would often give you a free
“upgrade” of photo albums (no, I’m not talking about an upgrade in
quantity of photos). Citing the difference in quality between the
original album given and what not.
But what are the chances of you ever taking
out that bulky thing-a-ma-bob when everything these days are going
digital? All my friends who’ve had weddings before usually end up
chucking their big-ass photo albums/carousels/displays/
whatever-you-call-it in some neglected corner at their homes,
collecting dust.
With apartment spaces getting smaller, you’ll
be better off opting for higher quantities of digital (edited)
copies instead.
I don’t know if it’s just me who finds them
dated. But even if they’re not, flowers can be easily sourced from
your local wet market florist, bears from the toy store or even
your home, and DIY-ed by your wedding party.
Banquet package prices might be final and
difficult to bargain down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t swap
things out to make your package run a longer mile. Components like
corkage fees, carpark passes, the 30% leftover ratio for wedding
invitations, etc. make for better things to have in your
package.
For example, outsourcing wines would be much
cheaper if corkage charges were waived.
Although bouquet and venue decorations are
usually cheaper when you get them in the package, they’re usually
made up of fake/real flowers that may not necessarily go with your
dinner theme. It’s fine if you’re not anal on details like
these, but if you are, cut this portion from the package and get
them done by a professional decorator instead. This brings me to my
next point…
Nobody ever keeps random memorabilia with
labels like “momo & jojo’s wedding” imprinted on it, so why
waste money right?
Instead, why not let your guests take their
pick of fresh flowers (if you’ve used any) from your venue
decorations?
That way you make better use of the fresh
flowers as opposed to throwing them away after your banquet ends.
And you don’t even need to spend additional money.
Otherwise, if fresh flowers aren’t your thing,
small DIY jam/honey jars are another classy yet practical way to
approach favors.
Many venues these days still offer a fake
wedding cake for couples to cut during banquets. I don’t know what
the symbolic meaning is to this but even if there is any, a fake
cake sort of makes any meaning to it moot. It’s just laughable
watching a couple slice through a cardboard cake and nobody gets to
eat anything real.
Complimentary guestbooks can sometimes be a little too
gaudy, and it doesn’t cost much to actually buy or make one on your
own.
If only 70% of your wedding invitations are
complimentary, you should either bargain for the other 30%, or get
your own altogether. With typography becoming such a popular hobby
these days, you can snag a youngster or your friend to do it for
you for cheap. Even if you can’t, make-your-own kits are so
accessible online, and Etsy has
invitation templates you can buy ready-made.
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and Packages: Why You Shouldn't Take Everything That's Offered to
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