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| Do I need a Bridal Consultant? Read Why You Do by Graceful Creations / Graceful Beginnings owner, Rene Davenport |
 Why do I need a Bridal Consultant?
"I just got engaged, where do I begin?"
"Why does it cost so much?"
"How do I know if he is any good at his job?"
These are some frequently asked questions of newly engaged women. When you first get engaged, you are thrilled beyond measure. And then the process of planning your wedding begins.
The many details involved in planning a wedding are truly overwhelming. If you are a detailed oriented person, that will certainly help, but you would love to know where to start.
This is where the professional wedding consultant can help. The professional wedding consultant has had training and experience in the wedding industry. She or he is an authority on the wedding planning process.
What will a wedding consultant do for me?
Professional wedding consultants can offer budgeting assistance; quality vendor referrals; wedding etiquette answers; rehearsal and ceremony direction; and many other services.
How can I tell if a wedding consultant is professional and reputable?
You may ask the bridal consultant if they are affiliated with any professional organizations such as - The Association of Wedding Consultants. Professional wedding consultants are often affiliated with professional wedding organizations that offer continuing education and assistance when needed to the bridal consultant.
Ask about the wedding consultant's experience. Ask how many weddings they've done.
Check the wedding consultants' references. Word of mouth is the best way, in my opinion, to find a quality bridal consultant. A bride's referral is like gold. |
 Won't a wedding consultant want to take over my wedding plans?
A professional wedding consultant will work with you, handling as much or as little of your wedding planning as you choose.
How can I tell if a wedding consultant is providing a quality vendor?
The professional wedding consultant either has a current working relationship with the vendors referred or the vendor's references have been thoroughly checked.
Why can't I do the planning myself?
You certainly can do the planning yourself, and that can be fun at times. But, it can also be very stressing checking out many sources for each vendor, making sure all the details are in place and worrying about whether you're getting the best deal. A professional wedding consultant has the training and experience to make it all work, while you relax.
How much does a wedding consultant cost?
A professional wedding consultant can charge 10% to 20% of the wedding budget, she could charge a flat fee for her services or she could charge an hourly rate.
How can I find a professional wedding consultant?
The internet is a good source for finding a wedding consultant. Local wedding magazines and bridal shows are another source. And as I mentioned before, bridal referrals are always an excellent source.
Happy Hunting! |
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR RENE DAVENPORT,
As a member of the International Association of Bridal Consultants?, Rene Davenport has been in the business of weddings for over 13 years.
Originally from Long Island, New York, and now located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Rene Davenport began her business with making floral arrangements. She then went on to designing specialty baskets, custom chocolates, and unique wedding guest books and caketops. She is also known for her exclusive design of keepsake music boxes called ?Gracy Boxes?.
Because of her love for the sanctity of marriage and the beauty involved with weddings, Rene began directing and coordinating weddings as well. She found that she could incorporate her knowledge of floral and craft design into a company that could provide for all of a bride's needs and so Rene began Graceful Creations/Graceful Beginnings.
Graceful Creations/Graceful Beginnings is a wedding company offering full-service wedding consulting, wedding d?cor, high-end silk florals, bridal accessories and wedding invitations.
In the nearly three years that Rene has been in business in Charlotte she has added Honeymoon Suite Decor services, Tablescapes and childcare services for your guests, to the already many services offered through Graceful Creations/Graceful Beginnings. And as of last month, Rene is now shipping her silk bridal flowers nationally. You may find out more about her services on www.gracefulcreationsnc.com.
When asked what is her next step in the development of her company? Rene says, "Definitely television, I want to be on "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" Ha! Ha! But my true goal for my company is to do all that I can possibly do for my brides. I truly love what I do!" |
Graceful Creations/Graceful Beginnings |
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