Do You Need A Bridal Consultant?
      
      
      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 agreement 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 Association's logo
                and ask to see a current membership certificate; contact the
                Association to verify a bridal consultants' status. | 
          
        
       
      
      What Training Do Bridal Consultant's 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 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 indicating 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 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 - including the consultant's fee - 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
                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 on to you in the form of discounts. | 
          
        
       
      
      How Can I Tell If A Bridal Consultant Is
      Providing A Quality Service?
      
        
          
            
              | The consultant's reputation -
                and future business - depend on the quality of the 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 consultant's job is to keep you on
                budget.  A satisfied bride is the consultant's 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
                the fun! | 
          
        
       
      Click Here
      to find out more about A.B.C.
      
      © 1996 Association of
      Bridal Consultants - All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.