Won't a consultant want to run the whole show?
A professional bridal consultant will work with you to handle as much or as little of your wedding as you wish. After all, it's your wedding. The consultant is there to help you and your family and make the day as perfect as possible.

Why can’t I do the planning myself?
You certainly do the planning yourself, and that sometimes is part of the fun. But it also can be a hassle: checking out many sources for each vendor category, making sure all the details are in place and worrying about whether you're getting the best deal and whether everything will turn out all right. An ABC bridal professional has the training and experience to make it all come to together you relax.

Do I need a contract with my consultant?
You should have some agreement in writing. While some people prefer a formal contract, a letter of agreement signed by both of you is usually enough. This is an informal contract that spells out fees, payment schedules, and what each of you will do.

What qualities should I look for in a consultant?
You should be comfortable with the person. You will be spending a lot of time together panning one of the major rites of passage in your life.

How can I tell if a Bridal Consultant is reputable?
All Association of Bridal Consultants members agree to uphold the ABC code of ethics and standards of membership, Look for the Association's logo and ask to see a current ABC membership certificate or contact the association to verify a bridal consultant's status. Be sure to ask the consultant during the interview what kind of education or experience they have. The designation of Professional Bridal Consultant is awarded to Association members who have completed the Professional Development Program. Some senior members have the designation of Accredited Bridal Consultant or Master Bridal Consultant. Each of these has a certificate and indicates higher levels of training and experience. Some members also participate in Association -sponsored seminars and workshops. Certificates that they have completed this training also may be displayed.

Do bridal consultants get "kickbacks" from suppliers?
Some vendors do offer kickbacks to consultants, much as airlines pay commissions to travel agents. Many Consultants pass these commissions to you in the form of an additional savings. The Association strongly discourages commissions, so in all cases, you should know the consultant is being paid and by whom. The ABC code of ethics requires they disclose to you any payments received from suppliers.

What will a Bridal Consultant Charge?
ABC discourages its consultants from charging a percentage of the cost of the wedding. Most ABC consultants charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee, or a combination of both. All these methods are acceptable, but you should clarify in writing how and when you will compensate your wedding coordinator for his or her services. A wedding consultant is part of your budget and not an extra expense. In fact, you often save more money because suggests affordable alternatives that still enhance your wedding. The professional bridal consultant will work with you to produce your dream wedding, including the consultant's fee, all within your budget.

How can I tell if a Bridal Consultant is providing a quality vendor?
Bridal consultants work with many different vendors and service providers. They have experience to know who is the best suited for your wedding. The consultant's reputation depends on the quality of services you receive. The bridal professional is committed to providing the best possible wedding for the lowest possible cost. Also, the consultant's job is to keep you on budget.

How can I pull it all together?
My family lives in a different part of the country and we are getting married in another place. Through ABBC's network, a member can work with close to 4000 other members world-wide to help arrange your wedding wherever you choose- in your current town, in your parents' home town or at a special destination of your choice.

How can a Bridal Consultant help?
We are a typical family-divorced relatives and working parents. With so many brides and their parents working, a bridal consultant can handle much of the time-consuming, detailed planning of your wedding. You save time, reduce stress and concentrate on having fun as your wedding approaches. An experienced consultant can often smooth, the complex relationships found when today's modern family plans a wedding.

Do I need a Bridal Consultant?
A consultant will be a distinct asset as you plan your wedding wouldn’t it be nice to spend time with your fiancé and your families, rather than worrying about all the details of your special day? A consultant will take care of those details, leaving you to have fun. And on your wedding day, you shine as the star, while your consultant works behind the scenes to make your dreams come true.

The Association of Bridal Consultants