When it comes to planning your dream wedding, saving time and extra money is important. That is why many engaged couples choose to enlist the help of a wedding consultant. Not only can a professional wedding planner help you come up with the minor details, like decorating, and help you devise a wedding within your budget, she also can help you find reliable vendors and even save you extra money by alerting you to deals you might have not been otherwise aware of. Read below for tips that will help you select the right wedding consultant.
You can start searching for consultants by looking in the phonebook, or better yet, you can ask your recently married friends and family member for references. Another place to look is the Association of Bridal Consultants, as they are considered one of the most professional associations for wedding planners. Make sure you get a list of wedding planners and arrange for a meeting (with your fiance preferably)- this way you can meet the wedding consultant and interview him. Be sure to devise a list ahead of time of questions that you want to ask. Don’t forget to let him ask you questions so he can get to know you better, what your wants and need are, and most of all, to find out if your ideas are in sync.
Don’t be afraid to ask for recent references and to sign a contract-any consultant who doesn’t do either of the above is not professional, and not worth your time. Try to research 2 or 3 wedding consultants if you can. You also want to look for a wedding planner who is open to ideas, works on a realistic schedule, knows vendors, and is willing to help out with the finest details. Remember to find out how much the consultant charges, usually 15% of the wedding’s total cost.
In the end, the right wedding planner will save you money.
