Should You Hire A Wedding Consultant?
Most of today’s brides-to-be are older, more mature and has launched their own careers apart from their future husbands. With the competing demands of their career and personal lives, planning a wedding could be stressful and tasking, while exhilarating at the same time. Are you one of these ladies? Even if you are not planning to hire a professional wedding consultant, wouldn’t you want to know what services does a wedding consultant offer and how much would it cost? Then, read on…
Those of us who saw the hit movie “The Wedding Planner”, which stared Jennifer Lopez as the wedding planner, have a clear idea of what wedding consultants do. They coordinate the numerous details that go into planning the perfect wedding from dealing with wedding suppliers to choosing flowers and wedding reception venues to making sure that everyone arrives on time for the wedding day.
Some of the “chores” that a wedding consultant can do for you are:
- scout reception locations that meets your wedding theme
- negotiate with wedding vendors who match your needs
- review contracts with your chosen vendors
- accompany you to pick your flowers, decorations, cakes, bridal gowns and the likes
- mediate on conflicts between or among the bridal party, friends and relatives regarding the wedding planning
- orchestrate the wedding day from your trip to the ceremony to your reception exit for your honeymoon
- plan and coordinate your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, and bachelor or bachelorette parties
Wedding consultant’s fee varies widely. Some charge from $50 to $500 per hour for consultation alone, although there are wedding consultants who offer complementary wedding consultation. The package prices ranges from $2,000 to upwards of $10,000 for “Full service package” where the wedding planner acts as a concierge who will do all the leg work for you so all you have to do is approve the selections and write the checks to suppliers. The higher prices are found in the largest metropolitan areas. Some charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee or a percent of your total budget, usually 10 to 15 percent. According to the Small Business Administration, the average for service industry pay rates is $25 to $125 per hour.
Figure out the pros and cons of hiring a wedding consultant. Yes, the cost will add to your wedding budget, but if you find a good wedding consultant, it could not only save you time and lessen the stress, but it could save you money by getting discounts and perks from wedding suppliers chosen by your wedding consultant.
Talk with a wedding consultant to determine if hiring a consultant is right for you. Be prepared with your list of services that you wanted so the consultant can give you a price for those services. Ask for the minimum budget she will work with. Some wedding consultants will not work for small weddings. If her price is above your budget, look for another consultant. Make sure that your personalities are compatible. She will be your advocate and your partner in ensuring the fulfillment of your dream wedding.
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