Choosing the Best Wedding Consultant

Maybe you've been toying with the idea of hiring a6) Are you certified? If so, by whom?
wedding consultant. If you have the budget and an7) Do you have a contract (if so, may you see it?)
excessive amount of guests, than it may be a great8) Do you plan on doing this work yourself or are you
idea! Prior to selecting your wedding consultant, youusing the services of your staff? (You'd be surprised
should 'interview' several of them and compile a list ofhow many wedding consultants send other people to
questions. After all, you want to hire the right mando their work-this is an important question to ask).
woman for the job, don't you?19) Do you accept referral fees and/or commissions?
The idea behind hiring a wedding consultant is to take(If they say that they accept referral fees-you should
the stress of wedding planning and arranging yourwalk out the door, this sounds like a scam artist).
details-off of your shoulders. Let someone else worry10) How do you work? Will we be meeting on a one
about it. And, best of all, you always have final say.on one basis, or will you full staff be there?
You're the boss. That doesn't sound so bad, does it?11) Will you be able to work within my budget? If I give
Just make sure you do it right, boss!you a ceiling budget, will you go beyond it to meet your
The final fifteen questions are a great guideline toexpectations? (Make sure they are willing to work
finding the perfect person to plan your wedding. Ifwithin your budget-it's always easy to spend someone
you're looking for the PERFECT wedding consultant,else's money!).
than they shouldn't express any hesitation when asked12) What are you willing to do for the fee you are
these questions:quoting me? Make a list and make sure it coincides
1) Are you licensed, or do you at least have a DBAwith any written contract that requires your signature.
registration document?13) How often will you provide me with updates on my
2) How long have you been in the business ofwedding planning?
wedding consulting?14) Will you be present during my wedding rehearsal
3) How many weddings do you do on an annualand wedding day? Will this be included in your fees?
basis?15) What type of attire will you be wearing should you
4) Do you have any feedback/testimonials?attend these events?
5) Do you belong to any professional organizations?