What will a bridal consultant do for me?
In addition to helping make your wedding dreams come true within your budget - and perhaps saving you from costly mistakes - a consultant will save you time. With today's hectic lifestyle, many bridal couples and their families do not have the time for the detailed planning and work a beautiful wedding requires. A professional consultant, working with you, can handle the details, allowing you the freedom to do what you want to do.

Do I need a contract with my consultant?
You should have some agreements in writing. A formal contract probably is not necessary; a letter of agreement, signed by both of you, usually is enough. This is an informal contract which spells out what each of you will do.

How can I tell if a consultant is reputable?
All Association of Bridal Consultants' members agree to uphold a Code Of Ethics and Standards Of Membership. Look for the Associations logo and ask to see a current membership certificate, or contact the Association to verify a bridal consultants status.

What training do bridal consultants receive?
Bridal consultants have pledged to work with you to develop your wedding professionally. Many have formal training and experience in event planning and in specialties related to weddings, such as flowers and catering.

The Association of Bridal Consultants designates as a Professional Bridal Consultant a member who has completed an extensive study program on the wedding business. Look for the members certificate - or for certificates showing the member has completed individual courses towards this designation. Senior members may have the designation of Accredited Bridal Consultant or Master Bridal Consultant, each of which has a certificate and indicates higher levels of training and experience.

Some members also participate in Association-sponsored seminars and workshops; certificates indicate they have completed this training also may be displayed.

I want to plan part of the wedding myself..

Won't a consultant want to run the whole show?
A professional bridal consultant will work with you, handling as much or as little of your wedding as you want. After all, it is your wedding. The consultant is there to help you- and to make your day perfect.

What will a bridal consultant charge?
It is normal for a consultant to charge about 15 percent of the cost of the wedding. Some consultants charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee or some combination of these. Others charge nothing and then earn their income from supplier commissions. All these methods are acceptable, but you should determine in advance how your consultant will be paid.

Can I afford a bridal consultant?
A wedding consultant is part of your budget, not an extra expense. In fact, you often save money because a consultant suggests less expensive alternatives that still enhance your wedding. Consultants often can obtain discounts from suppliers. Above all, the professional bridal consultant will work with you to produce your dream wedding within your budget.

Why can't I do the planning myself?

What good is a bridal consultant?
You certainly can do the planning yourself - and that sometimes is part of the fun of your wedding. But it also can be a hassle, checking out so many sources for each service, making sure all the details are in place and worrying about whether you're getting the best deal - and whether everything will turn out right. A professional bridal consultant has the training and experience to make it all work, while you relax.

Do bridal consultants get "kickbacks" from suppliers?

Some vendors do offer commissions to bridal consultants, much as airlines pay commissions to travel agents. Many consultants pass these commissions to you in the form of discounts.

How can I tell if a bridal consultant is providing a quality vendor?
The consultants reputation - and future business - depend on the quality of services, including vendors, you receive.

My family lives in a different part of the country...

How can a bridal consultant help?
Through the Association of Bridal Consultants' network, a member can work with other members worldwide to help you arrange your wedding wherever you choose - in your current town, your parents home town or a special destination.

If a consultant charges a percentage, won't she boost the bill to make more money?
A professional bridal consultant is committed to providing the best possible wedding for the lowest possible cost. Besides, you are working with a budget, so the consultants job is to keep you on budget. A satisfied bride is the consultants best advertisement.

We are a typical family, with divorced relatives and working parents...

How can a bridal consultant help?
With so many brides and their parents working, a bridal consultant can handle much of the time consuming detailed planning for your wedding. You save time, reduce stress and concentrate on having fun as your wedding approaches. And, with experience dealing with many brides, a consultant can smooth all of those complex relationships in a modern family.

Do I need a bridal consultant?
A consultant will be a distinct asset as you plan your wedding. Wouldn't it be nice to spend time with your fiancé and your families, rather than worrying about all the details of your special day? A consultant will take care of the details, leaving you to have fun!

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