| If you are in the market to hire a wedding consultant, | | | | aren’t that experienced, will they provide you |
| here are ten helpful tips that can guide you through the | | | | with a discounted rate in exchange for a testimonial. |
| process of obtaining a profesisonal wedding consultant. | | | | - 7. Ask for and check references. It is so important |
| - 1. Find out exactly what a wedding planner does | | | | that the wedding planner live up to the expectations of |
| – do your homework. | | | | the bride. A good testimonial from a bride is crucial to |
| - 2. Find the names of the reputable wedding planners | | | | the consultant’s business. Check references and |
| in your area. | | | | find out how the wedding consultant was able to |
| - 3. Make a list of things you would like the wedding | | | | handle stressful situations and how well the wedding |
| planner to do. If you want to plan the entire wedding, | | | | guests were treated during the event. |
| but you want the planner to direct the ceremony and | | | | - 8. Skinny down your list and invite at least three |
| reception, then you should utilize the service of a | | | | wedding planners for face-to-face interviews. Almost |
| wedding planner for Day of services only. | | | | all wedding planners offer free initial consultations so |
| - 4. Make sure your budget is relative to the type of | | | | take advantage of this meeting and get to know your |
| service you would like. Most wedding planners are | | | | potential wedding planner. |
| willing to work with you for an allotted amount of time | | | | - 9. Ask for a face-to-face interview, don’t just |
| if you are unable to purchase a package. Check with | | | | price shop. Some wedding planners don’t like to |
| him/her to find out if they charge and hourly rate. | | | | give quotes over the phone. You are shopping not only |
| - 5. Find out if your church requires you use their | | | | for a service, but a personality. It is crucial to give your |
| wedding coordinator. Many churches now require that | | | | business to someone who understands what you are |
| for the protection of the churches property, that brides | | | | looking for in your vision. |
| must use their wedding coordinator. This doesn’t | | | | - 10. Check to see if the wedding planner you’ve |
| mean that coordinator will work at your reception; it | | | | selected is affiliated with any Bridal Planning |
| means you may have to hire another consultant to do | | | | Association. Not only do you want your planner to be |
| your reception. | | | | well connected, but you also want her to be in good |
| - 6. Check with several bridal associations and see | | | | standing and have a great rapport with any |
| what their members must do to become certified. Find | | | | professional associations. Some wedding planners |
| out what classes if any your wedding consultants | | | | have won awards, and it is nice to be able to see this |
| have taken to become certified or how many years | | | | on a professional website as a sample of their work. |
| of experience they have had in doing weddings. If they | | | | |