Wedding consultants can save you time and money. They also are able to make valuable suggestions to enhance your ideas. They will help you to think about items that you may miss on your own. Also, some consultants have working relationships with vendors and locations and can find you savings.

Wedding consultants, or planners, help coordinate numerous aspects of each wedding. Consultants help with budget, etiquette, style and theme. Also, they know the vendors and can make recommendations accordingly as well as facilitate communication between vendors. They help locate ceremony and reception sites. And can supervise details on your wedding day.

There are 3 levels of service:

When interviewing for a consultant, make suggestions on what services you need and ask the consultant to customize a package that fits your requirements.

Some consultants charge a flat fee while other charge a percentage of the wedding budget. Some consultants offer "packages"— different task lists of what they are able to do for a flat fee per package.

Questions to ask a potential wedding consultant

• How do you charge
• Do you know the vendors in this area
• Do you have references
• Do you provide rental items
• Have you taken any special courses
• Are you certified
• Can you work with my budget

• Will you help with rehearsal and the day of the wedding
• What ways can you help me save time
• What ideas do you have for my wedding
• Can you work within my time frame
• What specific services do you provide

It is important to choose a consultant with whom you can talk easily and freely. Also, be open and honest about your budget. Also let her know of any situations that need to be considered in the planning.