How to Find a Wedding Consultant
The best way to find a wedding consultant is through referrals from family and friends. You'll feel secure using a service provider suggested by someone you love and trust. When you're ready to began your search, simply spread the word that you're looking for a consultant. If anyone can help then they surely will. But in case no one can provide a recommendation, you'll have to rely on the yellow pages.
You have to be careful when looking for a wedding consultant in the phone book. Not all service providers under the wedding consultant heading actually provide that service. There are consultants who specialize in general event planning. They might handle corporate events, birthdays, graduations, and any other type of party you can think of. What you want is a consultant who specializes in weddings.
When you contact a consultant, ask about their experience and credentials. Do they say they belong to the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants? If so, call the association and verify the information. They may also belong to some other association, such as the Association of Bridal Consultants. In either case, it's important to verify what they say.
Some questions to ask the consultant include:
- How long have you been a professional consultant?
- Do you specialize in certain types of weddings?
- What services are included in your fee?
- Do you charge per hour, per day, or per project?
- What's your price range?
Consultant fees depend on your location and the size of your wedding. Generally, small weddings cost more than large weddings. But a small wedding in New York would cost more than a large wedding in Kentucky.
Also remember to get the names and contact information of past clients. Don't be afraid to call them and ask about their experience working with the consultant.
What Do You Get for Your Money?
It's important to understand exactly what the wedding consultant will do. Some consultants can be hired to plan the wedding from beginning to honeymoon. In this case, you'll have a series of sessions with the consultant to plan every aspect your wedding. But not all consultants work this way.
There are wedding consultants who only work on the day of the wedding. It's their job to get everyone in place on time, this includes the wedding party and service providers. They are also responsible for handling any wedding day mishaps, like if the catering vans get stuck in traffic.
Some couples use two wedding consultants. The first one spends one or two planning sessions helping them set a budget, decide what to do, and how to do it. The couple then puts the plan into action without the help of a consultant. The second consultant comes in on the wedding day to make sure everything goes smoothly. Of course, this can also be handled by one consultant when possible.