Look in the phone book under 'Wedding Consultants
& Planning' and you will find everything
from cruise lines to florists to bridal salons
and even photographers.
Call any vendor in the wedding
industry and each one will tell you they have
a bridal consultant on staff. What they DON'T
tell you is that their 'bridal consultant'
is just that: THEIR bridal consultant for
their specific company, not someone to assist
you with your entire wedding, but rather
to assist you in selecting flowers, a gown
or a photography package. They will refer
you to other vendors, sometimes even providing
you with a list of names of businesses they
know nothing about or people with whom they
have never worked. That is pretty much the
extent of the 'consulting' they do.
A certified wedding planner's
first duty/responsibility is to the bride
and groom. Some of the services and benefits
they can offer are:
Determine and maintain
the parameters of an overall budget.
Setting and attending
vendor appointments
Ceremony and reception
site selection
Caterer
Bridal salon dress
selections
Florist, decor or
production company
Band or DJ
Ceremony musicians
Photographer/Videographer
Baker
Officiant
Calligrapher
Transportation
Other Special appointments
for the wedding
Review all contracts
for completeness & correct information.
Provide constant communication
with all contracted vendors.
Assist with invitations,
favors and accessories.
Assist with proper etiquette/questions
that arise while planning.
Assist with organizing
the rehearsal dinner.
Assist with accommodations
for guests and family.
Hand shipping and receiving
of wedding items when needed.
