We get many emails from brides who are looking for the perfect
reception site; one that overlooks water, or an historic mansion
with an outdoor ceremony site, or they have "champagne taste on
a beer budget". Your best bet is to hire a wedding
consultant! A consultant doesn't have to plan the entire
wedding - they can assist with one or more of the details, such
as finding the reception site. It's a common misconception
that you will pay more by hiring a consultant - a
wedding/bridal consultant can potentially save you time AND
money. Read on to learn about the different types of
consultants...
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a Consultant |
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A
consultant can make your planning easier. They
can plan all aspects of your wedding or just some of the little
details. Here is a list of several kinds of wedding
consultants: |
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Independent Bridal Consultant: this person will work
directly with the bride and groom in helping plan any or
all aspects of their wedding. They do not work for a specific
vendor. |
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Bridal Consultant: they work for a specific vendor and help
the bride and groom with their wedding arrangements (such as a
consultant at a flower shop or a photography
studio). |
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Wedding Coordinator: this person is an on-site consultant
who coordinates the wedding activities (rehearsals and ceremony
procedures). |
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Church Wedding Coordinator: this person will work with the
church to make sure that the church rules and regulations are
being followed. |
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Wedding Day Coordinator: this person conducts rehearsals and
wedding-day activities. However, they do not coordinate the
initial planning. |
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Selecting a Wedding Consultant / Planner |
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A
wedding/bridal consultant or event planner plays many roles. They can
design your wedding theme, choose vendors, book the reception
site, negotiate contracts, schedule appointments, find the
perfect centerpieces and the list goes on and on. Consultants
help you come up with ideas to make your wedding day an
unforgettable event. They can either plan every detail or just
minor details for your wedding. |
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A
consultant’s fee can range from 10 - 20 percent of the total
wedding costs or they may charge a flat fee. It’s important to
interview wedding consultants to make sure they can work within
your budget and also to make sure you are comfortable with the
way they work. Ask for referrals from friends and relatives. |
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Before
signing a contract with a consultant, make sure all fees,
specific services and any deadlines to be met are listed. |
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Questions to ask the Wedding Consultant |
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How long have you been in business?
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What kind of training or certification do you have?
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How do you charge? Flat fee or percentage?
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What will you wear on the wedding day?
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What is your specialty?
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How many weddings have you worked on?
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Do you have a list of client referrals that I can contact?
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What do you include in the contract?
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Find a list of local bridal consultants.
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My mother was remarried when I was very young. I consider
my stepfather to be my real "Dad". However, my father and I
have become very close in the past few years. Should both
my stepfather and my biological father stand in the
receiving line? |
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Since your stepfather was the father who raised you and was
there for you both emotionally and financially, he deserves
to have the place of honor in the receiving line. However,
if the relationship between everyone is accepted and you
would like both of your fathers to stand in the receiving
line, then that would be acceptable. |
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Learn more about the receiving line.
Where does the wedding party stand at the church? |
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Featured "To Dos" |
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