Bridal studios provide an excellent one-stop centre of services for couples looking for a pre-wedding photography package and often researching for the best bridal studio is at the top of the wedding checklist. Unfortunately, bridal studios in Malaysia sometimes have a notorious reputation of having lots of hidden costs they conveniently “forget” to inform you of until it is time to pay for the whole package. Customers are usually lured in with very cheap packages only to realise that it will cost them extra for nicer gowns, additional photographs and more!
How can a couple avoid forking out extra costs for their pre-wedding photographs?
By opting not to sign up with a bridal studio package! 
DIY brides are rather common overseas as bridal studios are not as easily accessible. However, not opting for a bridal package has also started becoming more popular here in recent times. If you are contemplating the thought of planning your pre-wedding shoot without a bridal studio, here are some tips to get you started.
Research
Do lots of research and you would be surprised to find that there are lots of great alternatives to bridal studios available from wedding gown designers to fantastic freelance photographers. You can even opt to make your own wedding albums with easily available softwares and printing companies for much less.
Wedding Photographers
The secret of having beautiful pre-wedding shots is a good wedding photographer. Often, some of the best wedding photographers are freelance photographers who are not attached with a bridal studio. With these freelancers, you can be assured of natural and unique pre-wedding photographs as opposed to the posed shots you get in a bridal studio package.
Wedding Gown
Going ala-carte with your pre-wedding photographs means you will likely have to consider getting your own wedding gown. While it might seem like a huge investment, it isn’t really as you will be wearing it again for your actual wedding ceremony. The availability of affordable wedding gown designers and cheap wedding gowns will definitely help in your wedding gown search.
Wedding Albums
Do not worry about not having a wedding photo album when you opt out of a bridal studio. Freelancers often offer photo albums in their packages or add-ons for a reasonable price. Alternatively, you can design your own photo album if you are creative enough with easy to use software available from Photobook and Pixart. Do up your album and these companies will print the album and deliver it to you for a great price.
Make-Up Artist
Organising your own pre-wedding photoshoot means you will have to look for your own make-up artist. Do not fret as there are lots of good freelance make-up artists available to ensure you look beautiful in your photographs. Depending on their experience and popularity, their prices may range from RM250 to RM600 for a half day session of make-up and hairdo. Again, research and go for a trial with them to ensure you are happy with their make-up style.
Florist
It isn’t difficult to get a cheap bouquet of flowers for your pre-wedding shoot. Lots of florists can do you a pretty one for less than RM200. If you are concerned with the flowers wilting in the hot sun, why not get a bouquet of fake flowers? There are lots of artificial flowers around that look as good or better than real flowers and make a beautiful bouquet.
Organising your own pre-wedding photography session instead of signing up a bridal studio package requires more time and effort. Hence, it may not be suitable for brides who are short on time or who would rather not go through this inconvenience. However, for budget brides or creative brides, it can be a truly rewarding experience!
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When it comes to weddings the first and most important one is photographers because they make your big day more memorable. So be selective while hiring your photographers.
Hi, thanks for the tip. I am in total agreement on that!
I am totally agree on your comment! And I am one of the person who did not engage with bridal house for pre-wedding photo shooting but getting a freelance photographer who did that for me!
As you mention above, it may seems adding on the cost for your own wedding gown, photo album etc, but I really enjoy the involvement between me and boyfriend for preparation for the event!
Hi YC,
Thanks for dropping by!
Isn’t the experience and research so much more enjoyable? I really loved my experience with the freelance photographers too and would definitely recommend it to brides-to-be who aren’t pressed for time!