Wedding Budget Q&As

Q: I am really feeling overwhelmed. My job is very demanding — I have to put in long hours, travel and even work some weekends. My fiancé is just as busy, We both feel that theres no time to tackle wedding planning details. A friend suggested hiring a wedding consultant. What exactly do they do and how much do they cost?

A: Sounds like you are an ideal customer for a wedding consultant! A good consultant can do many things: He or she is a professional party planner, with experience in coordinating all types of weddings, who can not only save you time but may also be able to save you money. Because of their extensive contacts, consultants can often get discounts from vendors. They will work with your budget and make sure you get the most for your money — negotiating contracts with vendors as well as coordinating and supervising details and, in general, keeping things organized and on schedule. Your wedding consultant will advise you about etiquette and offer creative ideas and cost-cutting tips.

Consultants fees vary according to where you live, how big a wedding you are having and how much time the consultant spends on the job. But you can expect to pay in one of three ways: Some consultants charge an hourly rate (anywhere from $75 to $200 per hour), others charge a flat fee and still others may ask for a percentage (usually 10% to 15%) of the entire cost of the wedding.

If you think you may not be able to afford a consultant to plan your entire wedding, consider hiring one for an initial three-hour consultation to get you started and help map out a schedule of what you need to do. You can also bring in a consultant at any point during the planning process or hire one just for the wedding day itself to keep things running smoothly. In light of your demanding jobs and busy lifestyles, its certainly worth looking into. Call the Association of Bridal Consultants (860-355-0464) or the National Bridal Service (804-288-1220) for names of wedding consultants in your area. Chances are you will have less stress, more peace of mind and will really be able to enjoy the months before your wedding.

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