Hiring a Wedding Consultant
Another big time saver — and, in some cases, a money saver — is to hire a wedding consultant. Some consultants charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the wedding budget (typically 10 to 15 percent).
Be sure to clarify fees before you make a final decision about the person you hire, but don't base your decision on the fee alone. Consider how much you plan on having the consultant do for you. Keep in mind that good consultants usually have working relationships with excellent vendors and venues that can translate into opportunities for savings.
What Can You Do for Me?
Time is probably the most important factor a wedding consultant can save you. Most couples work these days, as do their parents and even grandparents. You may not have the time to plan the wedding the way you'd like, nor people in your circle of family and friends who can help you.
Fact
Wedding consultants don't just save you time and money — they can save you wear and tear on the nerves. Your consultant has firsthand experience with the trials and tribulations of working with wedding families as well as with vendors.
What About Experience?
Ask your prospective wedding consultant about her experience. Some people take special courses; others use the term loosely to describe themselves when they only want to sell you their very own goods or services.
Depending on the amount of work you'll have the consultant do for you, you may not need someone with professional training, so be clear on what services you actually need.
Essential
Some wedding consultants have completed training and certification to become certified wedding consultants. Information on what to look for if you're interested in hiring a wedding consultant is on the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants website.
Some wedding consultants provide rental items for a wedding and reception, such as candleholders, chairs, and vases. Do some comparison shopping to price these items in advance so you know you're not being overcharged.
Whether you choose a wedding consultant or a “wedding services provider,” be sure you get a list of references and call them. Talk to former clients and find out, first, whether the consultant did all she was supposed to do. Also, take the time to get a feel for the wedding consultant so you can determine whether she will provide the style and quality of service you want.
Always remember to fully examine the claims of any wedding consultant. Ask your friends for the names of consultants they can recommend. Call the Better Business Bureau in your area to determine whether any complaints have been filed against any person or business you will be working with for your wedding and reception.
Questions for a Wedding Consultant
If you choose to hire a wedding consultant, here are a few questions to ask:
How many weddings in this area have you helped plan?
What can you do in terms of the style of wedding we are planning on?
Can you offer any discounts with vendors you have partnerships with?
What exactly do your services cover? What packages do you offer?
What are your payment and cancellation policies?
What special talents or experience do you have that might help in planning our wedding?
How many weddings do you plan at once, and will you be able to be there on our wedding day? (Look for wedding consultants who plan two or three weddings a month. Any more than that and chances are your wedding won't get the attention it deserves.)
The answers to these questions will give you an idea of the caliber of wedding consultant you are dealing with and whether you can work comfortably with her.
Going Solo
If you don't hire a wedding consultant, remember that reception sites such as hotels also have event planners who can help a good deal in planning your wedding and reception. They know their sites inside and out, and they can be invaluable in deciding on the timing of every last detail.
