10 Tips to Hiring a Wedding Planner

By Faith Walker If you are in the market to hire a wedding consultant, here are ten helpful tips that can guide you through the process of obtaining a profesisonal wedding consultant.

1. Find out exactly what a wedding planner does do your homework.
2. Find the names of the reputable wedding planners in your area.
3. Make a list of things you would like the wedding planner to do. If you want to plan the entire wedding, but you want the planner to direct the ceremony and reception, then you should utilize the service of a wedding planner for Day of services only.
4. Make sure your budget is relative to the type of service you would like. Most wedding planners are willing to work with you for an allotted amount of time if you are unable to purchase a package. Check with him/her to find out if they charge and hourly rate.
5. Find out if your church requires you use their wedding coordinator. Many churches now require that for the protection of the churches property, that brides must use their wedding coordinator. This doesnt mean that coordinator will work at your reception; it means you may have to hire another consultant to do your reception.
6. Check with several bridal associations and see what their members must do to become certified. Find out what classes if any your wedding consultants have taken to become certified or how many years of experience they have had in doing weddings. If they arent that experienced, will they provide you with a discounted rate in exchange for a testimonial.
7. Ask for and check references. It is so important that the wedding planner live up to the expectations of the bride. A good testimonial from a bride is crucial to the consultants business. Check references and find out how the wedding consultant was able to handle stressful situations and how well the wedding guests were treated during the event.
8. Skinny down your list and invite at least three wedding planners for face-to-face interviews. Almost all wedding planners offer free initial consultations so take advantage of this meeting and get to know your potential wedding planner.
9. Ask for a face-to-face interview, dont just price shop. Some wedding planners dont like to give quotes over the phone. You are shopping not only for a service, but a personality. It is crucial to give your business to someone who understands what you are looking for in your vision.
10. Check to see if the wedding planner youve selected is affiliated with any Bridal Planning Association. Not only do you want your planner to be well connected, but you also want her to be in good standing and have a great rapport with any professional associations. Some wedding planners have won awards, and it is nice to be able to see this on a professional website as a sample of their work.