Bridal Shop vs DIY Photography

Bridal Shop Package

The advantages of engaging a bridal shop are it takes care of the gowns for PS (Photoshoot) as well as AD (Actual Day) (Be familiarized with some handy abbreviations: Nuptial Initial), PS makeup, album, framed photos and many more. If you prefer hassle-free all in one packages, opt for the BS that gives you the best deal within your budget. I did some studies here: [List:] bridal shop, comparing the gowns, photography, service.

Albums: Big and small (Casing: briefcase usually leather)
Photos: Fixed number of poses (eg: 50 poses) are returned and edited. Extra charge for additional photos.
Framed photos: 1 big and 2 small
Photos for distribution aka Jimui photos (4R)
PhotoShoot Make-up and hair-do for the bride and simple styling for the groom
Photography (outdoor+indoor): wedding gowns, evening gowns + traditional wear + accessories for the bride, suits + traditional costume for groom
Actual Day: wedding gown + evening gown, accessories (bride), and suits (groom), bouquet, car decoration
Outdoor location: 1-2 locations (entrance fee not
included). The soon-to-weds usually drive the PG, MUA and (or VG) to the
site.
Photo Montage: 1 DVD slide show + background song of your choice

Other freebies:

Music Video DVD which consists of video clips taken during the photographing session. It depends whether the BS provides this service, Mini album (2R), Bunting (1 or 2 photo of your choice), Calendar, Guest book, Magazine that contains your pre-wedding pictures.

consist of gowns AD photoshoot car decor album

All-in-one package: PG, MUA, EG, WG, album, photos…

DIY Photography (Choose your own vendors)

If you hire a standalone PG, it is then necessary to go hunt for [List:] gowns and [List:] MUA yourself. Factoring in also the albums, printing, etc. the total cost could be greater but you’d end up with higher standard photo-journalistic memories… if the PG is of good caliber.

Bridal Makeup and Hair

Study the makeup and hair style you like before hand so that you know exactly what you want and can communicate with the MUA appropriately.

Natural airbrush makeup and hair. Simple is best. MUA: Raynis Chow

Be a diva on your wedding day. It is the time to shine. MUA: Doris SP

Photography

If you value photography artistry and quality a lot, hiring a professional wedding PG is the way to go. BS (Bridal Shop) PG usually makes you hold your expression in corny poses, most of the shots. This lacks spontaneity and creates stiffness in your face. Wedding photojournalism produces images which depict the situation in a narrative way. The situation is illustrated by, for instance a wedding ceremony, love story, a date, fun adventures, or simply a romantic experience. The level of creativity and quality in the result depends very much on individual photographer’s knowledge and experience.

Photo-journalistic and more simplistic/ natural album
All photo soft copies are returned
Have to hunt for gown, attire, MUA, actual day stuff separately

Refer to: [List:] Photographer. In choosing the right PG, you may consider his/ her work ethics, experience, reputation, awards received, certification, charges, whether or not you can work together and like his/ her work, ask some samples of the full collection not only the selected ones.