Johor Bahru Bridal Package Hunts - Diary of an Anxious Bride-To-Be

Danga City Mall – Easy Access with KTM train/railMap of Danga City Mall relative to Johor CIQ, City Square and Plaza Pelangi

Johor Bahru Bridal Package Hunts – Diary of an Anxious Bride-To-Be

January 6th, 2009 Pipi

Never in my sanest mind have I ever imagined that I would even think about taking up a wedding bridal package across the causeway in Johor Bahru (Johor Baru, Johore Bahru, Johor Baharu), Malaysia. Stories of words spelt wrongly imprinted in bridal albums, stories of couples risking their lives and wallets at the mercy of robbers and snatch thieves, all in a bid to save a few thousand, but ended up losing more. Stories after stories that do nothing except to reinforce my impression that it is a trip that is not worth even a thought in my mind.

I was (as you would have probably guessed) WRONG.

Firstly, I was proven wrong by the beautiful album layouts and designs that I saw with my OWN EYES. My own brother and my best pal, both had their wedding/bridal photo shoot taken with Johor Bahru Bridal studios and the album design was so awesome and captivating, that it gave me a little second thought of pursuing an album in Johor Bahru. And hence, this second thought catapulted me into my first investigative action of prying for insights and valuable information in the internet realm. I went into several online forums with still, a cynical mindset. It was a battle of words between satisfied couples and couples who felt that they were ‘conned’ into signing, given utterly bad service by the bridal studio after paying the initial deposit. I also learned what to negotiate for, which bridal shops to look out for, etc.

Equipped with weeks of ‘information download’ into my brain memory space from the internet, I embarked on my maiden journey across ‘THE BRIDGE’ totally prepared to tussle and wrestle with every breathe that I have, with any sales person from the bridal studio in a quest for my most “Value-For-Money” PLUS top quality album package. Kiasuism at work!!

I had already shortlisted 7 bridal studios, namely:

Superstar Wedding @ CitySquare
Printemps Wedding @ CitySquare
Dawn’s Wedding @ CitySquare
Mona Lisa Bridal Palace @ CitySquare
Fables Bridal Couture @ Taman Sri Tebrau (near Taman Sentosa)
Venus Bridal Selection @ Taman Sri Tebrau (near Taman Sentosa)
Inspiration @ Taman Sentosa

After visiting the 4 bridal studios in City Square, none really caught my attention. None of the salesperson I came into contact with gave me the assurance I need to take that leap of faith in signing on the dotted line. It seemed like everyone of them just wanted to clinch another deal and I could see $$$ in their eyeballs. For Superstar and Mona Lisa, the layout of the place is like any typical bridal studios, with little brains put into the design and layout of the store. It was simply boring and served little to ignite further interest to know more about their package.

Mona Lisa was the only bridal boutique that did not even allow us to take notes of their package details. Printemps and Dawn (actually are sister companies) are the more impressive of the lot. They had more upclass feel upon setting foot into their store, especially Dawn’s. They had a more urban and zen touch to their store layout, with gowns ‘parked’ in built-in cupboards which could easily be ‘pulled out’ from the wall.

It was at Taman Sentosa area that I was convinced why heaps of Singaporean couples braced themselves to travel to JB despite the massive traffic jams and the large amounts of time spent travelling across the causeway over several weekends, flocking willingly (and perhaps happily) to the Johor Bahru bridal studios. Venus and Fables Bridal Couture.. we were totally swept away by their photography studios, which convinced us straight on the spot that it had to be either one of them.

We finally found the reason why Johor Bahru bridal studios are worth the trouble. We had taken a photography album at French Bridal in Singapore before and were utterly disappointed with the results. It was lack of digital design (as we had to pay more to include digital pages) and were mainly pictures of us with white, orange, brown, red coloured paper background. We finally found ourselves on the opposite poles! As we toured bridal studios in Johor Bahru (Taman Sentosa area), I started imagining myself and my hubby posing with the various studio settings they had – Rose Garden, Winter Forest, Roman Colosseum, Sunflower Garden, Chinese Lanterns, Victorian Candlesticks, Florence settings, etc. Lovely!

My heart, for once, starts to beat a tad faster. We were sold by the enchanting and diverse backdrops we saw at these two bridal studios. Fables had 6 different backdrops, while Venus had 13. No more plain backgrounds anymore! Yippee!! Understand from both studios even that they actually update their backdrops every few months, to avoid couples all having the same album designs. Mmm.. for once, I smelled the aroma of ‘customer service’ seeping into the air at last. At Venus, one of the photographer said that to change a backdrop (they recently took away ‘Cinderella Castle’ backdrop) costs them at least RM 10,000!!! Gown selections and package wise, both were competitive enough.

We were more convinced by Venus, kudos to an experienced sales person, Ivy, who took the time to let us ‘tour’ the studio and to comb through every gown in all their racks. She gave me the liberty to try out any gowns I desire (think about more than 25 gowns), even though I hadn’t signed on the dotted line. Considering the fact that some studios at City Square didn’t even allow me to try any!!! So, my vote and $$$ goes to Venus, mainly because they had more background settings in their studio. This is their ultimate differentiating factor.

A word of caution for potential Inspiration patronisers. I have read much about the salesperson there and his crafty salesman tricks in Singapore Brides Forum. For more than an hour, Eric (the salesperson) spoke more about their service rather than to tell me what is in the package. He was full of words, giving analogies, quoting Chinese proverbs, etc, rather than telling me facts. I do not feel comfortable at all with him and hence, striked out Inspiration among my shortlisted studios.

And there you have it!! Step One. The shopping experience was an eye opener and a great learning experience. No doubt the hassle, I am confident that this will be a step forward towards the formation of a terrific bridal album, which no doubt, will collect dust over the years (as what many have told me and dissuaded me from spending so much time on this, when I could have easily taken the pictures in Singapore), but I am also very sure that one day, there will be a time, perhaps decades later, that I will chanced upon old albums like this, and look back at the precious memories embedded behind the pictures, coming alive and helping me to relive the happy moments of the past and putting that million dollar smile on my face, saying “It is worth it.”

And finally, a great thanks to the staff at limsimi.com (Lawrence.. Thanks!! and Florence.. many thanks to you too!!) for their kind recommendation and encouragement. Thanks for taking the time to reply to my incessant email queries!

-pipi

Editor’s Note: And thanks to you too, Pipi! Your candid feedback is certainly very informational (and I hope inspirational) to fellow brides-in-waiting. Enjoy the upcoming photoshoot!

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33 Comments Add your own

1. ling2 | January 7th, 2009 at 1:20 AM

Thanks for sharing. Think i will go in to jb and look at venus and fables for any bridal packages. Pipi, where will u be going for your bridal shot (BS)?
2. wendy | January 7th, 2009 at 11:24 AM

i was considering signing up for sohpia or milan in sg till i saw this post. will prob plan make a trip to jb with my friends this wkend and take a look at the bridal shops before signing any packages.
3. wenchin | January 7th, 2009 at 1:08 PM

Hi limsimi, can i assume you are recommending only Venus and Fables for jb?
4. admin | January 12th, 2009 at 1:29 PM

Hi Wen Chin, different people places different emphasis on selection of a bridal shop. Some look mainly at the gown, others at the photo effect. And then there is a need to balance this with pricing. We will be coming out with some reviews of our own as a guide. Stay tuned!
5. pipi | January 12th, 2009 at 11:27 PM

hey ling2, i have DECIDED to sign up with Venus!
6. wendy | January 13th, 2009 at 1:20 PM

I have decided to sign up with Fables. Glad I went in to take a look as the photographs are better and the price definitely cheaper than Singapore. Venus is not bad too but i prefer the gown at fables.
7. pipi | January 14th, 2009 at 10:06 PM

well actually my husband-to-be also prefers fables gown! But because venus could give us a more competitive package and they had more backdrops for indoor photoshoot, so, we decided on Venus. Congrats still on the completion of your bridal shop search process!
8. sipster | February 24th, 2009 at 6:06 PM

Hi, can anyone tell me how do you go to these 2 bridal shops from Singapore checkpoint?
I am not familiar with the JB streets.
Is it hectiv to travel there, considering couple of trips are required from package selection toward wedding dress pickup? My AD will be in Singapore. Thanks.

Fables Bridal Couture @ Taman Sri Tebrau (near Taman Sentosa)
Venus Bridal Selection @ Taman Sri Tebrau (near Taman Sentosa)

THanks.
9. admin | February 24th, 2009 at 6:48 PM

Hi, you need to make a number of trips if you intend to take the whole package:

1. Selection of Bridal House + Selection of photoshoot gowns
2. Photoshoot + Selection of Photos the next day (If you stay overnight in JB, else it will be an additional trip)
3. Viewing and collection of the photographs/ Selection of Bridal gown.
4. Collection of bridal gown + Make up of car (will need to drive the bridal car in)
5. Collection of bridal car

Overall, will save about SGD$1,500. In addition, the photo finishing is generally better (if you select Fables or Venus).

From SG checkpt:
1. Make your way to Johor CIQ via public transport (If you do not drive). Take bus 950,160,170 or CW1,CW2.
2. Take a cab at Johor CIQ to Taman Sri Tebrau (5 minutes, RM$8.00-9.00).

Finally, note that there is a bridal fair at City Square this coming weekend (see our post here:http://www.limsimi.com/services-johor-bahru/wedding-bridal-packages-johor-bahru/bridal-fair-at-city-square) . So might want to consider making a trip down.

Happy Planning!
10. Huizhu | February 24th, 2009 at 6:59 PM

i had my AD in sg too. Took up a bridal package with Venus for Rm3888. Made 6 trips down and we actually drove in. quite safe, esp they have a designated parking lot for customers just in front of their bridal house.
11. northpole | February 25th, 2009 at 1:08 PM

Hi gals,
May i know if your package includes videos & the actual day shooting?
12. Huizhu | February 25th, 2009 at 9:01 PM

My package does not include the AD shooting and video. think it does not cover these items unless you request for it.
13. sipster | February 28th, 2009 at 11:20 PM

To Admin, Thanks for the details infor. I guess I will visit either Venus or Fables to save time.

To Huizhu, can u please tell me what package have you signed up for RM3888? Did you top up extra to get to this price? Thanks in advance
14. Huizhu | March 1st, 2009 at 10:35 PM

Here’s what I got:

1. Album: 35 poses, 22 pages. My outdoor shoot is at Hutan Bandar. I like the finishing and design.
2. 2 table top photos
3. 40″ bedside photoframe
4. Poster (For use on AD). Shoulder height.
5. Rental of Actual day gown + 1 evening gown
6. Rental of Actual day suit for bridegroom and my dad
7. DVD slideshow
8. Guestbook
9. Car decor (need to buy the soft toys yourself)
15. jayne | March 3rd, 2009 at 2:19 PM

I enjoyed reading this article. any updates of what happens after the photo shoot?
16. sipster | March 5th, 2009 at 10:40 PM

HI Huizhu, thanks. The list is great reference for me. Am going there this vken. cheers!
17. C|tRuS | March 12th, 2009 at 1:52 PM

Hi Huizhu & pipi,

Does your pkg include Makeup Artist & Photographer? If my customary is held in SG, do we need to pay additional charge as they’re coming out from JB. Wedding car decor, to use own car? Or do they provide a SG car? Will be gg to Fables and Venus over the wkn to check out their rates.
18. huizhu | March 13th, 2009 at 10:30 AM

Hi C|trus,

my package does not include AD makeup. You will need to separately pay the makeup artist if you need their service on the AD. In addition, if your customary is held in SG, you will need to pay more for the makeup artist come over to SG.

Car Decor is included in my package. However, need to provide your own SG car. Ask your hubby to drive in. It is near to the JB custom.
19. Faithlovesbags | March 17th, 2009 at 2:05 PM

I am getting married on the 14/11/09 and I am thinking of getting a bridal package from either venus or fables, however I am on a budget, plus the fact that I am only having a church wedding, could you advise me on how much I should budget for as a bridal shot package? Thanks.
20. admin | March 17th, 2009 at 9:50 PM

Hi Faithlovebags,

if you only have church wedding, you can tell Venus or Fables that you will like to swap the rental of evening gowns for more photographs or for a lower price.
A budget of RM$3000 is workable but you need to negotiate a little with them.

Regards,
Lawrence
21. aqua | March 20th, 2009 at 5:38 PM

I am just browsing through the internet and found this link. FYI, i know that in JB, some bridal studio can offer more than what i’ve seen in this link.
RM3888 for more than 50 poses. You should bargain more of what you want with the bridal studio to get this kind of much reasonable package.
22. joei | March 22nd, 2009 at 5:44 PM

Hi Aqua, can u advice hw it is possible to get 50 poses? Which bridal house is it?

I just sign up with Venus last wk. Only 35poses for the main album.
23. aqua | March 31st, 2009 at 3:08 PM

It is possible if we know the market offer well, my sis got the package from a wedding studio located somewhere near Nusa Bestari.. i think the some of the shops there offer more reasonable prices due to that it is competitive for new market.
24. Mistyangel | April 28th, 2009 at 4:35 PM

Hi Huizhu,

Could share more about your bridal package ^^ I’m considering going JB too.
1. How many grown did u get for photoshot? Do they change the makeup and hairdo when ever u change your grown?

2. Does it provide free altering for FIL suit as well and do we need to pay extra dry cleaning?

3. Any mini-ablum?

4. Any free photos (4R/5R) for guest?

Thanks in advance for your info! =)
25. josephine | May 15th, 2009 at 1:35 PM

Hi,

I would to check if i juz getting the growns for the actual day, isit possible?

-also hairdo and makeup, are they unable to provide?

-hw much are they charging?

pls advise..thanks!

luv,
jo
26. admin | May 15th, 2009 at 10:19 PM

Sure, you can just get the gowns for the actual day, range around RM$1000. There is no obligation to take up their standard packages with Photographs, if you have already taken them at another BS.

Makeup and Hairdo are available if you select their in-house make up artist. That will typically cost you an additional RM$400 (morning and for wedding banquet).
27. june | June 23rd, 2009 at 9:42 AM

my bridal shop charge additional 10 pcs for rm500 for the album, is it reasonable?
28. admin | June 23rd, 2009 at 11:53 AM

Hi, any additions to the number of photos they are giving u? Makes more sense to negotiate as a package:

For example: 10 pcs + 30 more poses + 20 more pages = RM$xxx.
29. june | June 23rd, 2009 at 1:57 PM

initial packages only 20pages with 21 poses. after seeing the photo, they only told me add more poses will make the album nicer. so we added 10 poses with rm 500.
30. admin | June 23rd, 2009 at 3:02 PM

Hi, can I find out how much you paid for the package and with which bridal house? Most Bridal House offers pages:poses in the ratio of 2:3. So for example, 20 pages for 30 poses. This ensures your album does not look too bare, and you have more flexibility in the design. But then again, you might had gotten a value deal in the first place.

And to clarify, 500RM for 10 additional poses and NOT 10 pieces of different outfit? 500RM for 10 additional poses (without any addition to pages) seems a little on the high side. You might want to negotiate down a little (RM$350-RM$400).
31. june | June 23rd, 2009 at 5:54 PM

Oh I see.

Anyway the price (RM 500) was agreed when we viewed the photos. We were inexperienced and too ‘nice’ people.

Our initial packages details (RM 2288) are as below:

1.1 main album ( 20 pages and 21 poses), and 1 smaller album (exactly same as the main album)
2.5 outfits ( 3 wedding gowns + 2 evening gowns), we had exchanged 2 traditional outfits with 1 wedding gown as we found the japan/korean traditional outfits are not nice
3.2 table top photos(with 1 upgrade to crystal frame)
4.bedside photoframe(upgrade to the size of 6pcs of A4 papers, not sure the size in inches )
5.Rental of Actual day wedding gown + 1 evening gown, accessory
6.Rental of Actual day suit ( 3 suits)
7.Car decor + hand flowers
8.60 pcs of free photos
9.2 free gift
10.free DVD for selected photos

Do you think its good deal?
32. admin | June 23rd, 2009 at 6:09 PM

Hi June, no fret.

RM$2288 for all these is not a bad deal.
Enjoy the rest of the photo shoot process and look forward to the big day.

Cheers,
Lawrence
33. june | June 24th, 2009 at 1:12 PM

thanks