On 1 nov 2019,  I got hitched to my best friend! It was also our 7th dating anniversary - purposely chose it even tho it was a friday so we just have 1 date to rmb #lifehack

I know it's been 4 months but better late thn nvr. Gna be sharing our big day and reviewing my wedding vendors. Long post ahead!

First up, pre-wed shoot with Kent Yu photography in NZ (⭐️:3/5)

We didn't wna pay anyone to fly over so we engaged a local. Decided on shooting at Lake Tekapo and Mount cook so we took a "package" with Kent. It included makeup for me, transport between locations, the shoot & 100 hi-res photos in soft copy - all for about $2.2k sgd. Felt that this was reasonable after comparing with other vendors who quoted me at least $3k. We didn't opt for gowns/suit & brought our own, which saved us a lot of $$. Kent required 50% downpayment to lock our date and remaining 50% prior to the shoot, all done via paypal.

We were very satisfied with the photos and the experience during the shoot. He didn't make us feel awkward, taught us some poses and told us to just be natural. He also told us the shoot would end not based on timing but when he felt we got all the shots we needed. I remember falling asleep at the backseat thinking "finally we're heading back to rest" only to be woken up halfway cause he saw the sunset and a suitable location on the way back. Hahaha so we dragged our tired asses out for that last shot which turned out to be our favourite one!! 😍

Would have given Kent 4/5 ⭐️ if not for his bad communication prior to the shoot. We communicated via email then moved to whatsapp and he was quite rude in his replies. It was quite a turn off for us but we had already made full payment. We thought we were the only couple who felt this way but Kong found out his friend engaged Kent and had the same feedback. Don't get me wrong, he was nice in person, just not so nice via texts.

Overall, if you like his style and can tahan/overlook the communication part then go for it. If not, look elsewhere.

Next up, gown rental for NZ shoot: The Warehouse Bridal (⭐️:4/5)

TWB is a family owned small business so they're very casual and chill. Was so glad they shifted and now located very near Kong's place. Rates were from $300-$2500 and appointment needed. I was the first customer at their new place so not all gowns were there yet. Nevertheless, I found a piece I really liked. It's this blue gown, also seen in the NZ shots:

Melly was really nice to give me a discount after I told her the quote was out of my budget. I also liked how they don't charge by days but a one-time fee. Return was free and easy depending on the our travel schedule 👍🏻 They also do slight alterations for the gowns you rent to fit you better. Their evening gown selection was limited but had a lot of white gowns which looked very pretty.

Overall a good experience as they don't pressure you to decide on the spot! 👍🏻  Just one small thing I felt quite cheated...She told me their gowns were designed and made by themselves but my bff found the same exact blue gown I rented on Taobao for a fraction of the price I paid, sobs ☹️

As for my white gown: Taobao (⭐️:5/5)

Got it for only about $120 sgd! Kept showing off how cheap I got it for hahahaha! Everyone was very shocked when I told them 😂😂😂 Initially was very worried it won't fit me as I didn't custom the size. In the end my hips area were a bit too tight but overall fits hehe. What a steal right?? Somemore I wore it for my actual day again wahahaha best buy ever! #budgetbride

https://m.tb.cn/h.V2lwlAj?sm=c53959
(seems like the price has increased)

Moving on, wedding vehicle: Mishka the Kombi (⭐️:5/5)

I have always wanted a kombi for our wedding vehicle cause it's just so cute and vintage. Was looking around and found this company to be the cheapest @ $880/8 hours with driver included. Others I saw were all >$1k.  Payment wise was 50% deposit and 50% in cash on actual day. One thing to note: it's a malaysian vehicle. But not to worry, the driver was very punctual 👍🏻 Highly recommended!

https://www.instagram.com/mishkathekombi/?hl=en

For make up, I engaged 3teemakeup for my sisters & mum (⭐️:4/5)

Total including transport to RWS was $275 for 3 pax. My family was super late to the hotel (like an hour+ kinda late) but Alice reached on time and had to wait. She was very patient & I kept apologizing to her but she said it was alright. She also didnt charge me extra even tho the time was delayed 🙏🏼 Makeup wise they felt that she was okay, hair wise my sis didn't like her hairstyle but there was no time to change it.

Make up for myself: Tiffining Beauty (⭐️:4/5)

Paid a total of $650 for morning + evening look and 1 trial. The trial was really useful as it helped me decide what exactly I wanted. I told Tiffany to give me a natural look but it turned out too light in photos so she made it stronger. I'm also very particular with my brows and initially it was drawn quite badly but after numerous tries, she got it. She's quite patient cause she really erase and redraw a lot of times till im satisfied haha 😅 But skills wise, I wouldnt say it's the best. It's not like those one look and wow kind of quality but acceptable for this price point.

Bridal bouquet: Forpeoplewholoveflowers (⭐️:4/5)

This was a really last minute request 😅 I wanted to DIY it myself cause #budgetbride but didn't have enough time. Contacted them via whatsapp about 2 days prior? Super last minute I know! But thankfully they were able to meet my request. Told them roughly the type of bouquet I wanted and sent a ref shot. Paid $160 for it including some free boutonnieres & loose flowers + delivery to my place the next day. They were also very kind to sponsor me 6x bridesmaid mini bouquets yay! 🥰💐

https://www.instagram.com/forpeoplewholoveflowers/?hl=en

I liked how the final bouquet turned out, just that it was a little heavy haha. Also delivery was late but they sincerely apologized for it. Overall I'm satisfied with it. Also another funny thing, my bff found out that they are the same owners of my bridal rental company - TWB 😂😂😂 #smallworld

They don't advertise much so they are able to cope with the demands that come in via word of mouth.

Would recommend if you want fuss-free and quick service! 👍🏼

Photographer/videographer: Coolcat.artz (⭐️:10/5)

The rating is not a typo btw hahaha they really exceeded our expectations! 🥳

I first came across them in the budget bride FB group. Was reluctant to check them out cause the name sounded...uncool 😂 But in desperation, I just clicked on every vendor that was recommended by other brides. To my surprise, their past works really caught my attention cause they did drone shots too.

Enquired about the price and it was $2888 for a team of Photographer & videographer + same day highlights + free childhood montage (template kind). Got $50 off using an exclusive promo code so it became $2838 nett. 

Noticed they charge cheaper in Ringgit tho. Being a #budgetbride & #cheapo, I asked if they could charge me in RM hahahahahaha 😅 Answer was no but at least I tried haha!

Anws, David and his team are based in Malaysia. We met up with him in sg to discuss about what we wanted and he gave us some advices. Proceeded with the 50% deposit after he assured us that he himself would be shooting our wedding & what we saw on their Fb page was shot by him & not another videographer. Important thing to know cause you would want the style & quality to be consistent since some companies have different pg/vg with varying styles.

On the actual day, the team was late and I got very worried. He updated us that they were delayed at custom but luckily they reached before kong & the groomsmen. Was expecting 3 of them but it became 5 haha.

Our guests were very impressed with their efficiency cause they churned out the highlights very quickly. We absolutely loved it & also got many compliments on the video!
Here it is: https://www.instagram.com/tv/B4c--qPFK_W/?hl=en
Watch it in full screen.

Kong couldnt stop re-watching it even after the wedding hahahaha #halp

Venue: SEA Aquarium (⭐️:4/5)

Not a budget option but my dream venue so we picked it in a heartbeat. 

We booked this a year in advance as it's highly popular. They require a min. of 18 tables if im not wrong. Paid a deposit of about 15% to secure our date. 

I love how this venue is very dreamy and not your typical ballroom setting BUT:

- Recee has to take place on weekday evenings before 7pm and we were only allowed about 30mins inside each time. Hard to book a dates too, which made it very frustrating. 

- Have to find your own fairy lights vendor

- Have to bring your own speakers for any live band 

- Extra charge per pax to use ocean dome for solemnisation

- Very very short set up time as we have to wait till the aquarium closes at 7pm to start work

- Hence, start of the dinner is very late, like 830pm 

- No beer served at cocktail reception (option to start red wine serving tho)

- Very long walk for guests to the entrance (buggy provided for elderly and bride/groom via shortcut)

- Stage is very small and low compared to those in hotels (but we didnt mind)
- lighting is quite dim 

- Food is not the best despite paying higher prices than hotels  

Nevertheless, I would still have chosen this location as it's one of a kind ambience and experience for us and our guests. I must say the ocean suite was also a highlight - we loved it and couldnt bear to leave. They also gave us a complimentary function room in Hard Rock hotel for our solemnisation. So, if you have the $$$, I would say go for it!

JP: Mr Tam Chee Wah  (⭐️:5/5)

Heard good reviews about him so we choped him 9 months in advance. Very responsive via texts and we settled the admin stuff quickly. No prior meet ups so we only met him on the day itself. Was taken aback cause he looked younger then what we had imagined hahaha 😅  He was very calm and friendly while walking us through the process.

Gave us a scare at the start cause he told us our cert venue stated SEA aquarium but we were at Hard Rock hotel. I thought it was gna be void but he said it was alright as it's nearby. Also I was panicking as my mum didnt bring her IC along but he said it was not needed, phew.  

Would also like to recommend my tailor esp for brides: Mdm Wong (⭐️:5/5)

Introduced by my close friend, Mdm wong speaks mainly in chinese and is a home based tailor in Hougang. Very friendly auntie who is also skilled and experienced in altering wedding dresses. While others charged me $50 and above for altering my evening gown, she quoted me only $30! Super worth it considering my gown was only $100+. She did a good job altering my gown so 100% would recommend! Contact me if you would like her number. 

Invitation: withjoy (⭐️:5/5)

Didn't have any physical invite & used this to send our e-invite. It's free and they have a web & app version and quite user friendly. You can set a password too and only give invited guests access. You can also add FAQs, photos, bridal party info, schedule etc.
You may check out ours for reference: https://withjoy.com/kongrajolations

Canvas print: Taobao (⭐️:5/5)
Super cheap and good quality. Control yourself cause you might end up printing a lot hahaha!
Get it here

For any brides-to-be who are interested, heels: Prettyfit (⭐️:5/5)

While many brides have chosen Jimmy Choos or to custom make their heels, I find no point in spending that kind of $ for something that's hidden under the gown 90% of the time. Worse if it's not a heel you would wear on a regular basis. 

I found Prettyfit very comfortable and the price is quite affordable. Would recommend esp those who loves bling shoes. 

For any grooms-to-be who are interested, suit: Taobao (⭐️:5/5)

Got this 3 piece textured suit for Kong for about $80 only! Fit's nicely on him without any alterations. You can get it here