A WEEKEND PRE-WEDDING IN SAIGON: A GUIDE FOR SINGAPORE COUPLES
We've photographed more than twenty Singapore couples at Jardin de Rom, a garden estate just outside Saigon. Almost all of them told us the same two things afterwards: the garden felt like it was theirs for the morning, and the price made far more sense than shooting at home.
Here's how a pre-wedding weekend in Vietnam actually works, from booking to flying home.
Why Vietnam Instead of Korea, Japan or Bali
Ho Chi Minh City is about two hours from Singapore by plane, with only a one-hour time difference. You can fit the whole trip into a long weekend without using much leave.
Then there's the cost. Overseas pre-wedding packages to Korea or Japan sold in Singapore are often quoted at around S$2,500 to S$3,900, before flights. Our Jardin de Rom package is 41,000,000 VND, about S$2,000 at the time of writing, and it already includes your gown, a made-to-measure suit, makeup, transport and your photos.
Korea and Japan have their own look, and if that's the style you love, go for it. What Vietnam gives you is different: a quiet, private garden, a short trip, and a team that lives here and knows the place well.
Jardin de Rom, in Short
Jardin de Rom is a private garden estate a short drive outside Saigon: dense greenery, a calm lake and European classical architecture. The venue only allows three couples per session, so you're never waiting for a corner to clear or sharing your frame with strangers.
We've written a full guide to a Jardin de Rom prewedding, including what to wear and the best time of day to shoot. You can also see a real session in Duy and Huong's gallery.
Your Weekend, Day by Day
Three days is enough.
Day one: arrive and get fitted. You fly in, try on your gown and do the final fitting for your suit.
Day two: the shoot. An early start for makeup, then the session at Jardin de Rom while the light is still soft and the air is cool. It takes about half a day, so you have the afternoon free to rest or walk around Saigon.
Day three: fly home. Head to the airport, or stay a little longer if you want more of the city.
For where to stay, we suggest District 1. It's central, easy to get around, and close to most of what you'll want to see in your free time.
Your Gown and Suit
This is where we put in the most care. The suit is made to measure by Tiemen, and it's yours to keep. We start the tailoring online as soon as you pay your deposit and confirm your dates, so when you arrive in Saigon you only need a final fitting, and you can take it home the same day.
The gown is simpler. You book an appointment ahead, and on the day you collect it. Gowns come from well-known Vietnamese bridal labels such as Lecia Bridal.
You can wear up to two outfits during the session. Most couples add one casual look of their own. If you're not sure what to bring, here's how we think about prewedding outfits.
What's Included, and What Isn't
Included in the 41,000,000 VND package: a three-hour session led by a Sonder founder with one assistant, makeup throughout, a fresh bouquet, your gown, your made-to-measure suit, location rental, round-trip transport from Saigon, 40 edited photos, a 30x20cm 40-page album, one 60x90cm large print and a slideshow.
Not included: your flights and hotel. If you want more, you can add extra edited photos or a video, and a vintage car for a few frames is available as a separate rental.
What Singapore Couples Tell Us
After more than twenty sessions with couples from Singapore, the feedback is remarkably consistent. They loved how green the garden is and how European it feels. They loved that it was private, with only three couples allowed in a session. And they felt the price was fair for everything that came with it, especially compared with shooting in Singapore.
Booking from Singapore
You can reach us on WhatsApp (+84 979 924 897), Instagram or Facebook. Payment is in two parts: a 50% deposit to confirm your date, and the rest after the shoot, by bank transfer or in cash.
Most couples ask us the same two things before booking: how many days they need, and when the best time to shoot is. You don't have to work that out alone. Once you're in touch, we'll plan it with you step by step.
Questions Singapore Couples Ask Us
How much does it cost in Singapore dollars?
The package is 41,000,000 VND, which is about S$2,000 at the time of writing. The exact amount depends on the exchange rate when you pay.
How many days do we need in Vietnam?
Three days is enough: one for fittings, one for the shoot, and one to fly home.
When is the best time to shoot?
We shoot in the morning, when the light is softest and it's still cool. Saigon's rainy season runs from about May to November, with showers that usually come in the afternoon, so a morning session works well all year. We'll help you choose your dates.
How do we pay?
A 50% deposit to confirm your date, and the remaining 50% after the shoot. Bank transfer or cash are both fine.
Can we add more photos or a video?
Yes. You can add extra edited photos and a video on top of the package.
When do we get our photos?
About 10 days after the shoot, through an online gallery, so you don't need to stay in Vietnam to wait for them.
Planning your pre-wedding from Singapore?
Send us your dates. We'll help you plan the whole weekend, from fittings to the flight home.
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