Unless your venue provides a consultant, you’ll need to do some research. Ask around: Newly married friends are a good resource, as are caterers and florists. For additional leads, check out the experts quoted in wedding publications, or contact organizations such as the Association of Bridal Consultants (860/355-0464) or June Wedding (707/865-9894) for a member list. But Remember: These planner are not always prescreened, so y ou will still need to interview them yourself.
Get the Scoop
Plan to interview at least three wedding consultants. Your planner’s personality is, of course, important (you’ll be speaking to her a lot), but so are her answers to these questions: How many weddings have you organized? (You want to hear lo or more.) How busy will you be around my wedding? (She should not be contracted for another wedding on the same day.) Will you provide a written timetable and regular updates? Will you attend my wedding and coordinate onsite? (Find out whether another member of her staff may do this instead.) Will you, handle all of the negotiations with vendors?
Once you have a good idea as to the consultant you’d like to hire, look into her references. Call prior customers to hear about their experiences. Did the planner take care of everything they’d asked her to? Was she accessible and pleasant? Did she present fresh ideas? And did she stick to the budget?
A wedding planner, coordinator or consultant can ease the pressure of throwing a reception-particularly if it’s a large party, or one held far from where you live. Full consulting services can consume 15% of your budget, but some planners can actually help cut costs through savvy vendor negotiations. All should be able to ensure you get the most value for your money.
Unless your venue provides a consultant, you’ll need to do some research. Ask around: Newly married friends are a good resource, as are caterers and florists. For additional leads, check out the experts quoted in wedding publications, or contact organizations such as the Association of Bridal Consultants (860/355-0464) or June Wedding (707/865-9894) for a member list. But remember: These planners are not always prescreened, so you’ll still need to interview them yourself.
Consider a Part-time Planner
To get an expert’s help at a fraction of the cost, you might hire a consultant for a single brainstorming session in the beginning and to help coordinate on the day of the wedding. This way you get the benefit of her know-how, though you’ll be doing the planning legwork yourself (meeting and negotiating with vendors, organizing schedules and so on). Just make sure you’re both clear on the exact services she will provide, so nothing gets left out.
Seal the Deal
In the contract, list each of your consultant’s duties and deadlines, as well as what her responsibilities will be at the event itself. The contract should also list payment and cancellation policies, the name of her emergency substitute, and contact information for her and eve3ryone on her team
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