Some Wedding Advice from a friend

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

A friend FB-ed me giving me some advice sometime back. Moderated some of the views. ;p


Bridal Studios:

• White Link - possible headache - hidden costs, flowers not fresh, bad service, etc. (Do due diligence and google their reviews pls.) 
• If you are intending to MTM gowns, you can actually juz go for a studio that can design and make the style Addy likes. No need to go for the actual designer. May be cheaper that way. 
• Signoria Nuziale's fairytale theme is only like 1-2 page of the album. Not the whole album unless you are willing to pay that much. And your ideas muz be communicated properly. Else you will have photos that really dun like, no storyline, etc. This was 1 friend's experience. Though another friend whom I warned after realising he signed with them headed the advice and had a good experience. So key point is muz be careful in communicating.
• Remember to have everything in Black and White & do not make total upfront payment. At least split into 3-4 payments. Do not accept any "no need to write lah, we will give you".
• Style Weddings is another good magazine.
• Read the relevant thread on www.singaporebrides.com before signing with any studio if possible.
• When you see any contract, nego for the following freebies (a) kua / tea dress for tea ceremony, (b) brothers & father's jackets/suits, (c) flower girl & paige boy outfits, (d) more photos / full magazine style aka digital style layout, etc

HDB

1. Try not to get HDB flats with corridor windows. Less privacy and more problems like pple throwing things in (e.g. cigarette butts). (Booo... mine is already one with a corridor window. bo pian. Few with no corridor windows and corner units are hard to find and ex.)
2. Rem to consider reno costs in your budget. Can pay more for the flat if less reno needed. If you need ID recommendations, mine was Kean from Homeguide.
3. Also calculate if you get any "additional housing grant". Not sure what the new terms are.
4. If you do the flat hunting urself, you can also see if you can find an agent to do paperwork for you by paying abit for paperwork fee. But muz find those that accept this and not insist on the 1%. Paperwork fee can be just a few hundred. Not that little but may save you some headache.