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! |
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© 1996 Association of
Bridal Consultants - All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.