Consulting
Planning a wedding can be fun. But it's difficult to juggle your career, go shopping, hire suppliers and stay on budget. It's even more complicated if you live in one city, but your wedding is in another. Fortunately, wedding consultants and directors are ready to lend a hand.
Wedding Consultant
If you need someone who knows the ins and outs of planning weddings, look for a wedding consultant. For these experts, organizing a wedding is routine — and they can do it within your budget.
While services vary, a wedding consultant usually offers one-stop shopping for busy brides. You decide what you want him/her to handle — just a few details or the entire event — and your consultant will do the legwork. This professional knows the best suppliers, from florists to caterers to deejays, and knows where you'll get the best value for your dollar.
A wedding consultant can track down a site for your ceremony and reception, and can attend your rehearsal, ceremony and reception so you don't have to worry about organizing the events or solving last-minute problems.
Hire your consultant early — even a year in advance. When you interview a consultant, ask about references, experience and fees. In most cases, a consultant requires a deposit and a contract.
The fee is usually a percentage of the total cost and is included in the budget. Since you'll be working closely with your consultant, be sure you're comfortable with him or her.
Once you've chosen a consultant, tell him/her two things first: the ideas you've collected and the budget you can afford. You'll be able to know almost immediately what will work and what won't. You can adjust your plans, then let your consultant handle the arrangements.
Wedding Director
A wedding director focuses on the rehearsal and the ceremony to ensure that your wedding runs smoothly. While some wedding consultants also provide directing services, in Charlotte most directors are volunteers or church or temple staff members who help brides plan an appropriate worship service and comply with regulations on flowers, music and other concerns.
Some places of worship will not allow an outside wedding director. If your church or temple requires an in-house director and you're working with a consultant who also provides directing services, sort out early on who's responsible for what. The wedding director of a church or temple generally has the last word on whether your plans are acceptable.
Duties vary at each church, so ask your director what he/she can and can't do for you. Most, by the way, charge a flat fee, but some charges may differ depending on just what responsibilities are agreed upon. Ask.
Even if your wedding is being held at a location other than a place of worship, it is still important to have a wedding director. These professionals are key to making sure that everything goes as planned at your wedding.
Wedding Consultants - Yes, You Do Need One!
Okay, we know you've got Wonder Woman powers — but even Wonder Woman had some help once in a while! Somewhere between the cake tastings, the photographer interviews, and the venue tours, when are you going to find time to think about guest parking? Or audiovisual and special effects? For most, a wedding is a first-time affair, and despite your research and your handy California Wedding magazine, you're not going to think of every little detail. And even if you do, how will you ever find the time to enjoy your special day?
When you're getting ready to walk down the aisle, how likely are you to notice your bridesmaid's unzipped dress? Or that your ring bearer has taken off his shoes? Are you going to have time to track down aspirin when your future mother-in-law complains of a headache just before she is to be seated? What if you pop a strap or rip a seam at the last minute?
From coordinating vendor deliveries, to being prepared with emergency supplies and "extras" of the little necessities frequently overlooked (What happened to the garter? How about the guest book?), a wedding coordinator will be your best friend when unexpected situations suddenly crop up and you need someone there for you who can "think on her feet"! Trust your consultant to alleviate your wedding stress so that you can concentrate on what's important — celebrating you and your new husband!