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Why a consultant?
Planning
a wedding is quite a challenge, especially for today's couples.
With budgetary matters, time constraints, and etiquette issues,
many couples have decided to hire a wedding consultant. Wedding
consultants assume a number of roles. A consultant can actually
help save your money. They do this by helping couples plan,
budget, and organize their wedding. They also offer advice,
negotiate with vendors, and oversee the planning process.
They can also prove to be invaluable when it comes to mediating
issues between family members. All of this helps to ensure
that the bride will have the wedding of her dreams.
What is a consultant?
There
are many types of consultants, and each performs different
functions. Many churches and event centers employ their own
coordinators. These people usually help organize the ceremony
during the rehearsal before the wedding and sometimes stick
around and help the bride if an emergency comes up. They are
relatively inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. A number
of department stores, bridal shops, florists etc. have employees
who will give free advice, but it is usually centered around
the products that they are selling. Traditional wedding consultants
generally work for profit. Consultants are not required to
have any form of licenser, but reputable consultants usually
belong to organizations like the Association of Bridal Consultants.
These people have fulfilled some licensing requirements and
try to live up to a "higher standard" than those
not licensed.
Save me money
The drawback to using a traditional consultant, is that they can be expensive.
However, a good consultant should actually save you money. Some even guarantee it. You may be charged an hourly fee, or be expected to pay a percentage of the total cost of the wedding and reception.
Consultant Responsibilities
A wedding consultant has many responsibilities, and should dutifully assume her roles. Most brides and grooms are planning their first
wedding, and they simply do not have any experience. Wedding consultants have the experience necessary to plan your wedding. Your consultant should be able to provide a list of reputable vendors in your
area. Her recommendations should be tailored to your budget, and once your vendors are booked, your consultant should handle the specific details. She in essence becomes the liaison between you and your
vendors.
A good consultant should be able to advise you on all the etiquette issues associated with a wedding. She should also be able to direct all of the vendors on your wedding day, and handle the
little details to ensure that everything goes as planned, allowing the bride and groom to enjoy their day.
Consider a consultant. It may well prove to be the best investment you make concerning your
wedding.
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