Why hire a wedding consultant?

You've seen it done on television and you wonder if it's something worthwhile that you can afford? The choice to hire a wedding consultant is one that should be a part of your planning process from day one. In this article, I'll explain the benefits and things you should consider when choosing to hire someone to help you on your dream day.

There are so many out there, how do you choose the right one? Wedding consultants are special people with a love for the romance and intimacy of the celebration of one of the biggest days in someones life. They sometimes hold special certifications and memberships through organizations such as the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), that require a certain level of proficiency. Most will offer complimentary consultations to learn more about you and to tell you about their company and their services. You should meet with a few consultants and pick the one you felt the greatest bond with.

Wedding Consultants spend a great deal of time networking and establishing strong relationships with quality vendors in your area. By doing this, they can attest to the finished products and ensure you not only great work but at a great price. Some consultants have special pricing worked out with vendors and pass the savings onto you.

Consultants help you in meeting with vendors, establishing a budget, creating timelines and schedules, payment of vendors, choosing a location, handling out of town guests, reviewing contracts, and most importantly they are there with you on your special day.

Some girls can handle most of the details themselves but are looking for someone to take control on the day of their wedding. This is often called day-of management. Most consultants will offer this service and may include it in a package. This is cost effective for the bride who needs minimal help. For brides needing help throughout the entire process, full coordination services is the best way to go. Full coordinating can cost you anywhere between 10%-15% of your total budget.

In short, it's best to leave the planning up to the professionals. What happens if your photographer quits the day before the wedding? Trust me, I've seen it happen. What if your cake gets demolished during delivery? All these things a consultant will know how to handle without causing you extra stress and worry on your big day.

Check the web for local bridal professional organizations that will refer you to qualified consultants. It helps to also stop into a bridal shop, cake baker, photographer, etc. to find out if they have reccommendations as well. Often times these vendors have worked with these consultants and can tell you first-hand just how they are.

Good luck and happy planning!
-WedChick-