Total vs. Semi vs. Photo-Only: Which Korea Pre-Wedding Photography Package Should You Choose?

Total vs. Semi vs. Photo-Only: Which Korea Pre-Wedding Photography Package Should You Choose?

2026-10-02
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Total vs. Semi vs. Photo-Only: Which Korea Pre-Wedding Photography Package Should You Choose?


If you have been looking into Korean pre-wedding photography, you may have come across three main package categories: Total, Semi, and Photo Only. When you book a Korea pre wedding photography package, you are actually booking what Koreans call 스드메 (sudume)
.

While these are the three main categories, studios may also offer different sub-packages depending on what they include and how they structure their services. Let us break down each package type and help you figure out which one might be the right fit for your Korean pre-wedding photoshoot.


(Image: PIUM Studio)​


​What is included in a Total Korean pre-wedding package?
​A Total Package with K-Wedding is designed to bring most of your pre-wedding preparations together in one convenient, all-in-one experience. Total packages generally include professional hair and makeup, wedding dresses, tuxedo styling, the photoshoot itself, edited photos, a framed photo, and a photo album.

The exact number of edited photos and photos included in the album depends on the studio and package. This is the type of package many international couples choose when they want to experience the classic Korean pre-wedding photoshoot without having to arrange everything separately.

You arrive at the studio, have your hair and makeup done, choose your dresses and outfits, and then move on to the photoshoot. Because more services are included, Total packages generally require more time than Semi packages. The exact schedule, number of outfit changes, and shooting time will vary from studio to studio. Some popular Total packages at K-Wedding include Roren House, PIUM Studio, The CHUNGDAM Studio, Studio SAAII, and Genius Studio.

The biggest advantage of a Total package is convenience. You do not have to worry about coordinating multiple vendors for your hair, makeup, dresses, and photography. Everything is arranged as part of one experience.

A Total package can be a great choice if you ​want the full Korean pre-wedding experience,​ prefer to have most services arranged for you, want professional hair and makeup, want to wear Korean wedding dresses during your shoot, do not want to coordinate several different vendors. 



(Image: The CHUNGDAM Studio)


What does a Semi pre-wedding package include?
A K-Wedding Semi Package includes many of the elements of a Korean pre-wedding shoot, but with a more limited selection of services or a shorter shooting schedule compared with a Total package.
Depending on the studio, Semi packages usually include studio photography, hair and makeup, one or more dresses, and edited photos. The number of edited photos is usually lower than what is included in a Total package.

Another common difference is that albums and framed photos are generally not included in Semi packages. However, this is not a universal rule. The exact number of dresses, outfit changes, edited photographs, shooting hours, and additional inclusions can vary significantly between studios.
This is why it is important to look at the actual package inclusions rather than assuming that every Semi package is the same. Some popular Semi packages at K-Wedding include the Studio SAAII Semi Package and the PIUM Studio Semi Package. 

Semi can be a great option if you want professional hair and makeup, the Korean studio experience, fewer looks or a shorter schedule, a lighter package without some of the additional album and frame inclusions,​ a balance between an all-inclusive Total package and a photography-focused package. 
For couples who do not need every element of a Total package, Semi can be a simpler way to experience a Korean studio photoshoot.


(Image: Roren House)


How does the Photo Only package work?
As the name suggests, the Photo Only package with K-Wedding focuses primarily on the photography itself and offers the most freedom and flexibility. Photo Only packages generally do not include services such as hair and makeup, wedding dresses, albums, or framed photos, and may include a smaller number of edited photos depending on the studio.​​

This means you will usually need to arrange your styling separately. For example, you could book your own hair and makeup artist, and other beauty services. The biggest advantage is flexibility. Instead of using the studio's styling services, you can build your photoshoot around your own vendors, outfits, and preferred concept. 

Photo Only can be especially interesting for couples who, already have a hair and makeup artist in mind, have a specific styling concept in mind, ​prefer to customize their Korean pre-wedding experience​. Some popular Photo Only options at K-Wedding include the Ferre Studio, GUE:ON Studio Photo Only Package, and the PIUM Photo Only Package.




(Image: GUE:ON Studio)​



Which Korean pre-wedding package is the best choice?
​Every Korean pre-wedding studio structures its packages a little differently, so two packages with the same name can still be quite different. Before booking your K-Wedding package, make sure to check exactly what is included regarding hair and makeup, the number of wedding dresses, number of outfits, shooting hours, edited photos, retouching, album inclusion, frame inclusion, and additional fees.

​In the simplest terms:

  • ​Total: Convenient and all-in-one
  • ​Semi: A shorter, lighter package with the main pre-wedding services
  • ​​​Photo Only: More freedom to customize your experience

But remember, these are general categories, not fixed rules. There is not one package that works for every couple. Instead, start by asking yourself what kind of experience you want.

Do I want everything arranged for me? If the answer is yes, a Total package may be the most convenient choice.
Do I want the Korean pre-wedding experience, but do not need everything included? A Semi package may give you the balance you are looking for.
Do I already know how I want to style ourselves? Then Photo Only gives you more freedom to build the photoshoot around your own vendors, outfits, and concept.
​

At the end of the day, the package name is only the starting point. What matters most is understanding exactly what is included in the package you are booking. Whether you want the convenience of an all-in-one experience, a lighter package, or the freedom to customize every detail, there is a Korean pre-wedding package that can work with your plans with K-Wedding.​


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