Shin Bu Bridal

LOVE MY DRESS!
Don’t know how else to describe my dress other than to post pictures that Mr. Seo made for me. I loved how I was able to work with him in terms of making the dress that I wanted. I took a whole bunch of different styles that I liked-​and from each design he combined them for me all together.

Thank you Shinbu Bridal for creating my dream dress! I have visited this shop with my mom, who is not afraid to speak her mind. She took a look around the shop and told me discreetly, «you should get your dress here». As picky as she is, I trusted her instinct. I went to dress fittings every month which is great since I was planning on going on a diet as most brides would (although I didn’t lose that much). The veil and accessories were high quality and matched my dress perfectly. I had many compliments as the dress looked very couture~ I definitely recommend getting your wedding dress here! Photos will be updated soon!

Words can’t describe how amazing Mr. Seo and his team were. They saved the entire dress experience for me and created the most beautiful dress I have ever seen! They were warm, welcoming, reassuring when I was an anxious mess, and spectacularly professional, brilliant designers! Language presented ZERO challenge! I am also not petite and have quite the voluptuous body. It’s not easy! They made it seem easy though! Best decision I made during the whole wedding process was having my dress done by them! And for the amount of work they put into it the price is a steal!

Our team has worked with Shin Bu Bridal for many years. They are very nice and humble. They hand-​make their dresses, which turn out to be beautiful. They excel in their dress designs. All of the clients that I have sent to them turned out to be very satisfied. We enjoyed working with them.

Custom made wedding dresses here are very nice. Not a value minded shop at first glance but when you consider the time and effort on their part, quite a deal compared to other bridal shops who do minor fit modifications. Every part of the dress can be customized and feel free to ask for advice if you want/​need. The lady can seem a bit forward sometimes lol but she is so nice, and the husband is always all smiles. Dress was awesome, my wife was 100% happy with how it turned out, she was beautiful on the day of the wedding. We actually ended up here after another dress shop screwed us so we appreciate them working with us on such a short notice and a rushed schedule.

I absolutely recommend this place! Mr Seo and his wife were super attentive with every detail and made sure that both of my dresses were nothing less than perfect! Before I came to Shinbu I tried 4 other places and their dresses were beautiful but didn’t have that final touch that makes you go crazy about it. I found that at Shinbu, went absolutely nuts for 2 dresses (my original idea was to have only one dress but I couldn’t resist the reception dress!). They carry a beautiful selection of dresses and also offer custom made items. I couldn’t been happier with my choice!

This is a review for Mr. And Mrs. Seo. After great reviews and recommendations from fellow brides I went into Shinbu expecting something amazing.
Unfortunately I did NOT meet with the owners which i wanted to. I met the Saturday sales lady. And boy is she a strong personality. I was pressured into getting a dress by her and put a deposit down without really thinking about it. Shame on me. I went home and let it sit. And looked at the dress I chose over and over again and had a very sad moment. It was not the dress I wanted.
Had I have done a proper consulation with the owners they would have advised me against my choices that the sales rep forced me upon.
That said, I spoke to Mr. Seo directly and he was very honest about his methodology and it was very transparent that money was not their primary interest. They offered me a full return of my deposit as well without any hesitation. However since Im getting married in Korea we realized it would be best to source the dresses over there for logistic reasons. If I had a wedding in the states I definitely would go to Shinbu for my dress. They were really kind people. FYI just dont go on Saturdays if you really dont have an option make sure to consult with the owners and not the sales rep.

Out of the 9 fittings that I went to, this was the second worst appointment.
The lady that helped me greeted me at the door with a smile and was welcoming (AT FIRST). After the initial greeting, she became very blunt and rushed. She first asked me what I was looking for and what my budget is. Then she told me that the dress rentals start at $ 1500 and go up from there, if I did a customized rental then that starts at $ 2000. She emphasized that the dresses here are really good quality, made with «FRENCH LACE» so it’s more expensive. Which I was fine with. So she told me to look around and pick out some dresses to try.
«You only have 25 mins for your appointment today and you can only try on FIVE dresses»
um…ok…
«All the dresses are size 0 or 2, that’s all we have, so you won’t fit it, we’ll just hold it up to see the style on you»
um…ok…
So I started to look around and after a few mins, I found one dress and took it off the rack and was trying to decide if I wanted to try it on when the lady came over to me and took the dress from me and said:
«Ok, you have one dress, FOUR more dresses and you only have 20 mins now»
um…ok…
So I asked my brother and mom to help me since I’m apparently VERY pressed for time. Together we picked out 4 more dresses and she took me to the back room to change. She asked my mom to go in to help me, which I thought was weird because at all my other dress fittings, usually the ladies that worked there would help me. My mom didn’t come in, so she offered my brother and mom some water. (which is very nice, I’ll give her credit for that).
When she took me to the back, she said «take off everything, even your bra»
ummmmmm…ok…
She pulled the curtain close, which made me more comfortable to take everything off. So I’m standing there practically naked, with only my underwear on. Then she tells me to put on the dress myself. No assistance at all. She did NOT help me get into the dress! So I stumble into my first dress and try to hold it up since it’s 2 sizes too small.
«Don’t worry about the skirt, just look at the top, we can always change the skirt later, I don’t like this top on you, change into the next dress»
umm…ok…
At this point, two more people came into the boutique (one guy and a girl). They were seated into the main area, which still had a clear view of the changing area that I was in. So she asked me to strip down and get into the next dress, but she didn’t even pull the curtain back to cover the changing area. So now I’m naked in front of two strangers. Very uncomfortable and awkward.
So the rest of the fitting was very rushed and finally we settled on a «top» for the dress. She quoted me at $ 1400 saying:
«We are giving you a really good deal» and when I said I wanted to think about it, she said:
«That’s fine, the dress will probably not be here by the end of the day» and shooed me over towards the front door. I stopped and asked her if she needed my information or open a file for me and she said:
«We don’t do that here, good luck with your dress hunting, bye» and she opened the door and kicked us out.
The whole fitting lasted under 25 mins, which was exactly her goal to begin with, I guess.
I don’t know if she was just rushed for time, she’s just super blunt and I’m not used to it, or if she was just having an off day, or what the issue was, but that dress fitting was such a TERRIBLE experience! I don’t understand how I could have such a bad experience and everyone else on Unilocal had a 5 star experience. This type of customer service is just unacceptable!
Not only was I rushed, I had to strip in front of two strangers and then I got kicked out of the store as fast as she could get that wedding dress off of me. I normally really don’t like to give bad reviews but this was just too terrible not to rant about!

When I first ventured out to find a wedding dress, I went to about 8 appointments at 8 different locations in Orange County and LA only to leave disappointed with no dress ordered. I either would like a top of a dress, and dislike the bottom, or vice versa, and it would require lots of money and lots of alterations to try and get a dress close to something I’d like, but not what I really wanted. I was recommended by someone to try out Shin Bu Bridal, and made an appointment to just see what it was about. After meeting with Seo the first time, he reassured me that he would be able to custom make a gown that I envisioned. I made a second appointment and I had a picture of a dress I was so in love with! He started to sketch away, and I started to get very excited.
After signing a contract with Seo, we soon began to make appointments to start the process of my dream gown. So and his wife paid so much attention to detail, and made me feel so comfortable because it was so evident that they had a passion for what they do, and definitely had the talent. My dress literally started with a piece of fabric, and over time started to develop into what I envisioned, and even more.
The process took about 6 months (which is about the standard time it takes for a dress to be ordered, altered etc). I only wish Shin Bu Bridal was closer, because I would drive from OC to LA every few weeks for my fittings, but at the end it was all worth it. He would make suggestions on what would fit my body type, etc. I was also in the process of losing weight for the big day, and he would take in the dress each time to adjust it. They are so patient, and so friendly and made the entire process a very pleasant experience. Their shop is so intimate and vintage, and I felt very VIP when I was there. The pricing for my CUSTOM made gown from start to finish came out to the same amount I would have paid for a retail gown and alterations. I work as an event coordinator, and recommend all my brides to Seo and his wife.
Thank you so much, I received SO MANY compliments on my dress, and it was everything I wanted in a dress.

Wedding dress shopping?
I’m not sure when strapless wedding gowns became the designated choice for California brides, but the majority of dresses that you’ll find in bridal shops are strapless.
Bride-​to-​be, if you do not want a strapless dress and want a dress that matches to your style and fits to your body, then you’re going to have to search far and wide. Or even if you are in the market for a strapless dress but the bridal stores don’t have exactly what you’re looking for… then let me make at least ONE thing easier for you during this crazy time of wedding planing.
Get your dress at Shin Bu Bridal.
I will be honest with you. It’s not a steal“deal” — you’re not going to get a dress for $ 200. You will be dishing out a good amount of money. But the money you spend is well worth it. The quality of the dresses here are amazing and the Shin Bu staff know what they’re doing — so you don’t have to worry about your dress once it’s in their hands.
RENT:
— The cheapest of their options is that you can choose to rent one of the custom-​made dresses that they already have out on the floor. They will alter these dresses to fit your body and make modifications as desired (adding a sash, lace trim, etc) For this option starts at $ 1500.
CUSTOMIZE TO RENT:
— If you don’t like any of the dresses that they have out on the floor, you can rent one that is custom-​made for you. You read that right! It means that you get to design the dress of your dreams with the Shin Bu staff from the petticoat to the veil, and even the type of fabric. This is the option I chose for my dress. I had to go in for several fittings but I loved that I was a part of the process and got to see it come together from just pieces of fabric to my perfect wedding gown. I picked up my dress the Thursday before my Saturday wedding and returned it on Monday. Total cost? Around $ 2000 (maybe some more depending on the type of fabric you want, etc.)
CUSTOMIZE TO BUY:
— I had to return my customized dress, but for another $ 1000, it could have been mine forever. So for around $ 3000+, you can keep the dress of your dreams. If keeping your dress is important to you or if you have the means to keep it, why not?
Of course these are the prices when I went shopping for my dress, so they might quote you differently, but overall, their quality of service and professionalism is definitely above average. I received SO many compliments on my dress and I love how it turned out.
If it’s within your budget, I would definitely recommend this place to you or to any of my friends who are getting married.

I absolutely 100% recommend Shinbu for custom making your wedding dress. This was one of the last places I visited and it was fate that I did. I was more than completely satisfied with my dress and received endless compliments on it. I wasn’t too picky and let the designer make the decisions on the fit and it turned out great. I got married 3 months ago and I still reminisce about how beautiful it was. Please do not hesitate to check out this place. You will not be disappointed!

This is where you will find your wedding dress. Don’t waste your time trying to buy a bargain or rent your dress. Shin Bu does it all. They are Friendly and will give you the special attention you deserve. It’s custom made that you can return. I know it may sound silly to some but it’s practical. Do it!

They made me a gorgeous gown that got me a lot of compliments. :) see pictures I posted. They don’t charge that much either and they are beyond nice.

I was hoping to get my dress here or at least have a decent experience, but no such luck. I came here on the recommendation of two separate friends, but upon arriving, the owner asked what type of dress I was looking for — lace, strapless or keyhole back — and immediately told me they have nothing in my size.
I felt like I was some sort of giant in a lilliputian world, although I’m only 5’6 and wear a size 5. Apparently not small enough by Asian standards. Ugh, smh.
I forced myself into two dresses just so the appt wouldn’t be a complete waste, but it was pointless. Not going back.

My wedding was 09÷07÷13 and I can honestly say that every penny was well spent. Til this day I receive endless compliments on how beautiful my dress was. I was hesitant at the fact that I will be renting my dress but at the end of the day it made much more sense to rent a dress that I will be wearing only once.
From the moment I stepped into Shin Bu and the day I returned my dress every visit was a good one. They constantly keep in contact and they also try to make sure you have a fitting once a month so that they can make sure your dress is perfect for the wedding.
1,300 took care of all my fittings, the dress, any special add on’s to the dress (belt), veil, tiara, hair pins and even jewelry.
I HIGHLY recommend Shin Bu, they have beautiful dresses, great service and they’ll make you feel like this day is yours and yours alone.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MY PERFECT DRESS!
I absolutely love Mr. Seo and his wife! They catered to my every request!
I had brought them a photo of a dress I had previously tried on in a bridal store and they used it as inspiration for my dream dress.
Only the store-​bought dress was itchy polyester and a ton more money. plus fittings and accessories.
At shin bu i paid a flat $ 1800 for the whole package. the dress, the fit, the veil, the sash, and the real materials. which are worth it!
I have to admit, I’m not Korean and there was a slight language barrier. but I didn’t let that get in the way of having professionals construct my dream dress. I brought my Korean friend with me to help interpret. and that was a big help.
I had fun every time I went there and miss them now that the wedding is over. They are extremely nice genuine people who want the best for your wedding dress!
thank you!

Thank you Mr. Seo for making my BEAUTIFUL silk organza wedding gown. The gown and fabric pictured perfectly at my wedding and I got so many compliments.
Like many brides, I started the search for my wedding gown long before the wedding. Determined to find a ready-​to-​wear gown, I must have visited all the bridal boutiques listed in Modern Bride and on Unilocal in LA and Orange Counties. It was appointments after appointments and dresses and more dresses. After a while, after you’ve seen so many dresses, they all look the same, and sometimes even dull. Some styles looked fashionable at the moment looked dated after a couple of months. I wanted something that was simple, elegant, and timeless but even something as simple as that seemed so hard to find. I never thought I would get a custom wedding gown because I thought it would be too expensive, until I came to Shin Bu.
At Shin Bu, you can either rent a dress or have one custom made for you. After having seen what felt like a gazillion dresses, I knew exactly how my wedding gown was going to look like and it was going to be made out of silk organza. I told Mr. Seo my concept and he came up with the sketch. It was amazing because despite the fact I don’t speak Korean, Mr. Seo’s sketch was exactly what I had envisioned my dress to be. Couple of months later, when I saw my «work-​in-​progress» dress, I was beyond words. It was so beautiful and it was not even done yet. When the dress was finally done, it was just stunning. All the time spent driving in traffic to LA for countless fittings and the wait was well worth it.
One challenge I had during my monthly fittings (as Mrs. Seo can attest to) was I would get distracted by all the other gorgeous dresses they were making for their clients and I would want those dresses too. Mrs. Seo would tell me I should just focus on my dress (which I LOVE) and stop browsing! I couldn’t help it, their dresses, the fabric, the sewing, was just beautiful. Far better than any of the off-​the-​rack gowns I have seen even in some of the more expensive high end boutiques.

I was very satisfied with the service I received from Seo and his wife. They are very lovely people and are very helpful.
I came in with a photo of a dream dress. They worked with me and created something I really loved. I was also able to borrow a lovely hair pin that complimented my dress perfectly. I received so many compliments on my dress.
I highly recommend their service!

I loved my experience with Shin Bu Bridal. I ordered a custom gown from them. I went to their studio last summer for my July 2013 wedding. I looked forward to each fitting — see the progress of the dress then all of a sudden bam… last fitting and pick up :) I think the feeling I had is what every bride should feel.
— they are super helpful and they know what they are doing. I highly recommend them — you won’t be sorry :)!

Don’t get me wrong. They had gorgeous dresses to buy and to rent. And, the wife/​owner was an absolute doll. She was really great. So why just the three stars?
There were some minor cons…
First, why the heck are the samples a size 00? I know us Korean girls come small, but I wasn’t in bridal body weight mode yet and there was not a single dress in the entire store that zipped up. And for my friends that know me, I’m not fat. I’m a street size 2 or 4. But it’s hard to have the «ah ha moment» when the dress won’t go on! So, if your’e above a size 00, I have warned you.
Second, the person who greeted us was the husband/​owner. Super nice guy but the experience was a bit awkward due to impregnated pauses, which I really cannot explain. Overall, he was still very nice.
Ok, with all that aside, I have to tell you that of all of the bridal rentals I walked into, this store was definitely on the cutting edge of the more fashionable styles. They were not the cookie cutter dresses you would also find in Santee Alley or Broadway, if you know what I’m saying. Their stuff was really good… I mean really, really good couture-​like dresses. And, I can tell they knew what they were doing and they were really professionals/​experts at this. I can definitely see why so many Korean (SUPER SKINNY KOREAN GIRLS, THAT IS) would go here. All of this explains why their prices are much higher than the other customized rentals.
*Sigh* I guess I should start that diet now so I, too, can be a size 00. Ugh.