A wedding consultant is a professional whose training, expertise,
and contacts will help make your wedding as close to perfect
as it possibly can be - and let you relax and enjoy your wedding.
You can count on a professional consultant to help you in
many roles.
2. Should I organize my wedding myself?
As an expert, the consultant knows weddings, from the socially
correct invitation formats through the proper planning and
organization of the reception.
3. What is the role of a wedding
consultant as a coordinator?
Through extensive contacts in the wedding business, the consultant
can match you with the right professionals, from photographer
to caterer, to turn your wedding dreams into reality.
4. Does my wedding need a supervisor?
Why should you worry about the details of planning your wedding?
Your consultant will work with the other professionals you
have chosen to make sure everything happens just as you want
it.
5. How can a wedding consultant function
as a financial planner?
If you're working with a budget, your consultant can help
you organize your dream wedding within your budget, by suggesting
ways to make your dollar go the farthest.
6. Why would I need a mediator?
Caught between "ex"-families and "step"-families?
A wedding professional, as an independent third party, often
can smooth ruffled feathers and mediate disagreements.
7. What will a wedding consultant
do for me?
In addition to helping make your wedding dreams come true
within your budget - and perhaps saving you from costly mistakes
-a consultant will save you time. With today's hectic lifestyle,
many bridal couples and their families do not have the time
for the detailed planning and work a beautiful wedding requires.
A professional consultant, working with you, can handle the
details, allowing you the freedom to do what you want to do.
8. How can I tell if a consultant
is reputable?
All Association of Bridal Consultant's members agrees to
uphold a Code of Ethics and Standards of Membership. Look
for the Association's logo and ask to see a current membership
certificate; contact the Association to verify a wedding consultant's
status. Be sure to ask the consultant during the interview
what kind of education and experience they have. Some members
also participate in Association-sponsored seminars and workshops;
certificates indicating that they have completed this training
also may be displayed.
9. Do wedding consultants get "kickbacks"
from suppliers?
Some vendors do offer commissions to consultants, much as
airlines pay commissions to travel agents. Many consultants
pass these commissions to you in the form of discounts. The
Association strongly recommends against commissions. But,
in all cases, you should know how the consultant is being
paid--and by whom.
10. Won't a consultant want to
run the whole show?
A professional wedding consultant will work with you, handling
as much or as little of your wedding as you want. After all,
it is your wedding. The consultant is there to help you and
your family - and make the day perfect.
11. What will a wedding consultant
charge?
A consultant can charge a percent of the cost of the wedding.
Some consultants charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee, or
some combination of these. All these methods are acceptable,
but you should determine in writing how and when your consultant
will be paid.
12. Can I afford a wedding consultant?
A wedding consultant is part of your budget, not an extra
expense. In fact, you often save money because a consultant
suggests less expensive alternatives that still enhance your
wedding. Consultants often can obtain discounts from suppliers.
Above all, the professional wedding consultant will work with
you to produce your dream wedding, including the consultant's
fee, all within your budget.
13. Why can't I do the planning
myself?
You certainly can do the planning yourself, and that sometimes
is part of the fun of your wedding. But, it also can be a
hassle, checking out many sources for each vendor, making
sure all the details are in place and worrying about whether
you're getting the best deal - and whether everything will
turn out all right. A bridal professional has the training
and experience to make it all work, while you relax.
14. How can I tell if a wedding
consultant is providing a quality vendor?
The consultant's reputation -and future business - depend
on the quality of the services, including vendors, you receive.
A bridal professional is committed to providing the best possible
wedding for the lowest possible cost. A satisfied bride is
the consultant's best advertisement. So, it is to their benefit
to recommend the best vendor for your budget.
15. Do I need a wedding consultant?
A consultant will be a distinct asset as you plan your wedding.
Wouldn't it be nice to spend time with your fiancé
and your families, rather than worrying about all the details
of your special day? A consultant will take care of the details,
leaving you to have the fun. And, on the wedding day, you
can shine as the star, while your consultant works behind
the scene to make it all happen!
16. What qualities should I look
for in a consultant?
You should be comfortable with the person. You will be spending
a lot of time together planning one of the major rites of
passage in your life.
(Source: Association of Bridal Consultants, bridalassn.com)
