•  Do I really need a bridal consultant?

A bridal 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 all the fun!   And, on the wedding day, you can shine as the star you are while your consultant works behind the scenes to make you happy!

•  What qualities should I look for in a consultant?

The most important quality is a feeling of comfort with the person you select.   You'll be spending a lot of time together planning one of the major rites of passage in your life.  

•  Do I need a contract with my consultant?

You should have some agreement in writing.   A formal contract probably is not needed.   Typically, a letter of agreement, signed by both of you, is enough.   This is an informal contract, spelling out what each of you will do, along with fees and payment schedules.  

•   How will I know if a consultant is reputable?

All members of the Association of Bridal Consultants 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 consultant's status.  

When you interview prospective consultants, be sure to ask about their education and experience.   The designation Professional Bridal Consultant TM is awarded to Association members who have completed the Professional Development Program.   Senior members may have the designation of Accredited Bridal Consultant TM or Master Consultant TM , 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 that they have completed this training may also be displayed.  

•   Do bridal consultants get "kickbacks" from suppliers?

Grace Creations does not accept kickbacks from any vendors.   Any price breaks or discounts we receive as industry professionals are passed on directly to our full-service wedding consulting clients.  

•  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.   It's your wedding, after all!   The consultant is there to help you and your family make the day perfect.

•   What will a bridal consultant charge?

A consultant can charge a percent of the cost of the wedding.   Some consultants charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee, or some combination of these.   All these methods are acceptable, but you should determine in writing how and when your consultant will be paid.

•   Can I afford a bridal consultant?  

A wedding consultant is part of your budget, but 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--all within your budget.

•   Why can't I do the planning myself?

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

•   How will I know a bridal consultant is providing a quality vendor?

The consultant's reputation--and future business--depend on the quality of the services, including vendors you receive.   A bridal professional 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 your on budget.   A satisfied bride is the consultant's best advertisement.   So, it is to their benefit to recommend the best vendor for your budget.   

•    My family lives in a different part of the country, and we're getting married in another place.   How can I pull it together ?

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, in your parents' home, or at a special destination.

•    We're 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 focus on having fun as your wedding approaches.   And, with experience dealing with many weddings, a consultant can smooth all of those complex relationships in a modern family.

Adapted from the Association of Bridal Consultants