How to Choose a Wedding Consultant: 18 Essential Questions

How to Choose a Wedding Consultant: 18 Essential Questions


By Robbi Ernst, III of
June Wedding, Inc.
Website: www.junewedding.com
Email : robbi@junewedding.com
(©Copyright, 1998. June Wedding, Inc.)



Ever thought of hiring a wedding consultant? Before you do, it would be best to check out his or her credentials. Robbi Ernst, III of June Wedding, Inc. has prepared some questions for you to ask before hiring anyone:


1. Does the consultant have a business license or at least a DBA registration?

2. If you meet the consultant in his/her home, do they have liability insurance?

3. How long have they been in business?

4. What professional organizations do they belong to? (NOTE: while belonging to an association is important, realize that there are some unprofessional organizations and associations and often their only requirement is paying dues).

5. How many weddings do they do a year?

6. Ask for at least five vendor referrals (vendor referrals are other professionals in the area; vendor referrals are usually more reliable than bridal referrals).

7. Is the Consultant Certified; if so, by whom? Again, check out that Association that gave the certification.

8. Does the Consultant have a contract? Ask for a copy.

9. Does the Consultant have a staff or "back-up" system in case he/she becomes unavailable on your wedding day?

10. Does the Consultant accept referral fees/commissions? Do NOT work with any consultant who receives referral fees/commissions.

11.What does the Consultant do? Are they able to work with you on an individual meeting basis or do they only work on the full production?

12. Check out well the referrals that the Consultant gives you. Do they have good reputations in the local business community? Do they all have licenses, insurance and health permits (if they are in the food industry)?

13. Will the Consultant work within your budget?

14. Does the Consultant seem organized, efficient, able to listen to your ideas and translate them into reality?

15. How and what amount does the Consultant charge....and what are they doing for that fee?

16. How often will the Consultant provide you with written updates on your wedding planning?

17. Will the Consultant be at the Rehearsal and Wedding Day
throughout? Is this within the fee quoted or is it additional?

18. How will the Consultant be attired on the day of the wedding?

Theme Weddings

The Theme Dream:
Having the Theme Wedding of Your Dreams
By: Cindee Yeo
A Love Affair Wedding Concepts
Website: www.love-affair.com
Email: cindee@love-affair.com
Member, Association of Bridal Consultants
(©Copyright, 1998. A Love Affair Wedding Concepts.)



It is a good idea to select a theme for your wedding before embarking on the journey of making wedding plans. By having a theme in mind, you will find it easier to make decisions when it comes to making your bookings for your gowns, location and other wedding items.

A well-planned theme wedding also gives you the pleasure of knowing your guests will attend a memorable wedding, where everything has been well thought out & executed for their maximum enjoyment. Your "es-theme" will rise knowing your guests will leave your wedding with sweet memories of how personal & different your wedding was. A theme wedding also offers a good reflection of you & your partners personalities as you incorporate your likes & hobbies into the scheme of themes.... and what better time to do this than at the start of your lives together.

We offer you some suggestions of easy-to-implement themes but do not stop here. Let your imagination run wild as you put together a wedding that is meaningful to you and enjoyable for your guests. Talk to a reputable Wedding Consultant if you need help with the "how-to’s", the "where-to’s" and the "how-much?"

TIPS

Having a Theme Wedding will require good planning. Here are some of the things to look out for:

Food. While selecting a menu that suits your theme, be sensitive to the needs of ALL your guests. There may be racial, age-group &/or religious considerations.

Location. Be sure to decide if you want to have an indoor or outdoor wedding. Have an estimate of the number of guests you will be having on-hand before booking a site.

Decoration. Get help from friends or hire a Professional.

Outfits. Inform your designer of the theme you are having and listen to his/her suggestions. Do remember to wear only something you can be move around comfortably in.

Favours. Something in line with the wedding theme so guests have something to take home with them.

Guests. Choose a theme your guests will be comfortable with. You may not be able to please everyone but be sure to have something appropriate. If your theme involves guest participation, give them ample time to get involved. If not, surprise them!