A bridal consultant could be an invaluable asset as you plan your wedding. Working with a consultant allows you to spend more time with your fiancé and families and less time worrying about the details of the grand event.

The answers to the following questions can help you make and informed decisions about your choice of consultant.

Questions:

1. What will a bridal consultant do for me?
   
   
2. Do I need a contract with my consultant?
   
   
3. How can I tell if a consultant is reputable?
   
   
4. What training do consultants receive?
   
   
5. Will a consultant want to run the whole show?
   
   
6. What will a consultant charge?
   
   
7. Can I afford a consultant?
   
   
8. Why can't I plan the wedding myself?
   
   
9. Do consultants get kickbacks from suppliers?
   
   
10. How can I tell if a bridal consultant is providing a quality vendor?
    
    
11. My family lives in a different part of the country, can a consultant help?
    
    
12. We have divorced relatives and working parents, can a consultant help?

Answers:

1. What will a bridal consultant do for me?
   In addition to helping make your wedding dreams come true within your budget, and perhaps saving you from costly mistakes, a consultant will save you time. With today's hectic lifestyle, many bridal couples and their families do not have the time for the detailed planning and work a beautiful wedding requires. A professional consultant, working with you, can handle the details, allowing you the freedom to do what you want to do.
   
   
   
2. Do I need a contract with my consultant?
   You should have some agreement in writing. A formal contract probably is not necessary; a letter of agreement, signed by both of you, usually is enough. This is an informal contract which spells out what each of you will do.
   
   
   
3. How can I tell if a consultant is reputable?
   All Association of Bridal Consultants' members agree to uphold a code of ethics and standards of membership. Look for the Association's logo and ask to see a current membership certificate. Contact the Association to verify a bridal consultant's status.
   
   
   
4. What training do consultants receive?
   Bridal consultants have pledged to work with you to develop your wedding professionally. Many have formal training and experience in event planning and in specialties related to weddings, such as flowers and catering.

   The Association of Bridal Consultants designates a professional bridal consultant a member who has completed an extensive study program on the wedding business. Look for the member's certificate or for certificates showing the member has completed individual courses towards this designation of Accredited Bridal Consultant or Master Bridal Consultant each of which has a certificate and indicates higher levels of training and experience.

   Some members also participate in Association sponsored seminars and workshops; certificates indicating they have completed this training may also be displayed.
   
   
   

5. Will a consultant want to run the whole show?
   A professional bridal consultant will work with you handling as much or as little of your wedding as you want. After all, it is your wedding. The consultant is there to help you and to make your day perfect.
   
   
   
6. What will a consultant charge?
   Amelia's Originals charges a flat fee based upon the details of your wedding. Other wedding consultants may charge a percentage or an hourly rate and others earn their fees from supplier commission. You should determine in advance how your consultant will be paid.
   
   
   
7. Can I afford a consultant?
   A wedding consultant is part of your budget, not an extra expense. In fact, you often save money because a consultant suggests less expensive alternatives that still enhance your wedding. Consultants often can obtain discounts from suppliers. Above all, the professional bridal consultant will work with you to produce your dream wedding, including the consultant's fee, within your budget.
   
   
   
8. Why can't I plan the wedding myself?
   You certainly can do the planning yourself, and that sometimes is part of the fun of your wedding. But also can be a hassle, checking out many sources for each service, making sure all the details are in place and worrying about whether you're getting the best deal and whether everything will turn our alright. A professional bridal consultant has the training and experience to make it all work, while you relax!
   
   
   
9. Do consultants get kickbacks from suppliers?
   Some vendors to offer commissions to bridal consultants much as airlines pay commissions to travel agents. Many consultants pass these commissions to you in the form of discounts.
   
   
   
10. How can I tell if a bridal consultant is providing a quality vendor?
    The consultant's reputation and future business depend on the quality of the services, including vendors, you may receive.
    
    
    
11. My family lives in a different part of the country, can a consultant help?
    Through the Association of Bridal Consultants' network, a member can work with other members worldwide to help you arrange your wedding wherever you choose - In your current town, your parents' home town or a special destination.
    
    
    
12. We have divorced relatives and working parents, can a consultant help?
    With so many brides and their parents working, a bridal consultant can handle much of the time-consuming detailed planning for your wedding. You save time, reduce stress and concentrate on having fun as your wedding approaches. With experience dealing with many brides, a consultant can smooth all of those complex relationships in a modern family