13 Questions for a Consultant

13 Questions for a Consultant (any consultant)

Strongly consider handing the planning baton to a wedding consultant if a) neither you nor your families have time to plan your wedding; b) neither you nor your families have any desire to plan your wedding; c) you're planning a wedding out of town; or d) you simply prefer -- and can afford -- professional help. They'll do the legwork, hire vendors, negotiate contracts, and may even cut you some money-saving deals.

1. Will the consultant commit to your budget and not push you in the direction of things you simply can't afford?

Proposing Dreams consultants will be honest with you about your budget vs. your desires. Once you set your budget we will work with you to stay within that budget and not push you into anything that goes over.

2. Will the consultant devise a master plan mapping out all the little details, from announcement to zebra-striped decor?

You will first complete a “Getting Started” form to tell us all about your desires. Then we will set-up the budget and to-do list. You will be given online links to this information which is updated at least monthly. We are continually updating your file with notes, photos, design ideas and more. No design at the first meeting with be the blueprint for your wedding, I guarantee it!

3. Can the consultant name the best and most original locations in your area (that would be suitable to your wedding size, style, and budget)?
We have seen a lot of places in St. Louis. We will tell you about all the places that we know suit your needs and research anywhere we haven’t been before.

4. Is the consultant familiar with the best florists, photographers, caterers, bands, and DJs in your price range? Can he/she explain their strong points to you briefly?
We have a great group of vendors we work with regularly that we can tell you all about. But we do not limit recommendations to only vendors we have worked with. Yes, we can tell you a lot more about the vendors we work with regularly but it’s a big city with tons of vendors and we may not have worked with them all. Our experience helps guide you in the right direction, helps you ask all the right questions, but allows you to choose the vendor that best suits you!

5. Can the consultant score you some discounts with any vendors?

Yes some vendors provide discounts for our referrals. We don’t compromise the integrity of our referral just for a discount but because we bring repeat volume and they enjoy working with us this is a benefit you can take advantage of. We can also help you from making costly mistake when selecting services or vendors…that alone can sometimes offset our fees.

6. Will the consultant read over the vendor contracts for you? What are some common traps to look out for?

Absolutely!! We will talk about what to look out for with each recommendation and selection of services.

7. Can the consultant create a timeline that tells everyone involved in the planning process -- vendors, members of the wedding party, bride/groom, and families -- what to do and when to do it? How will she/he make sure that everyone sticks to the schedule?

Yep!! How? We generally work with great vendors and they respect us therefore when we need something it gets done. With wedding party – same concept – we respect them we don’t talk down to them or treat them like children (old coordinator myth) therefore they respect us and it all comes together.

8. Will the consultant handle the invitations, from wording and ordering to the addressing and mailing?

Yes, depending on the package you select. Some things are best left to the professional in that department but we are there to guide you through every step.

9. Can the consultant counsel you on etiquette matters and alert you to hot trends on the wedding horizon?

Yes…we love to research the up and coming trends, heck even start some of our own. In the line of etiquette we will inform you of the common issues but believe each situation should be handled separately and customized to your needs.

10. Will the consultant coordinate delivery, arrival, and setup times with photographer, florist, musicians, caterer/banquet manager, et al?

Yep! We are the “general contractor” of your wedding.

11. For the day of the wedding, will the consultant be willing to oversee the entire event by supervising vendors, troubleshooting emergencies, and soothing nerves? Can she/he share any anecdotes that required performing above and beyond the call of duty?

This is a favorite question of skeptical grooms and there are so many it’s hard to list. Honestly we try to be preventative in the early planning so that there are little or no problems on the day of the wedding. Some things even we can’t foresee or prevent. We do our best to keep everyone calm, on track and happy. We don’t get frazzled, it’s not that we are uncaring if something goes wrong but someone has to have a level head when it’s pouring and we’re in a tent that’s taking on water at flooding rate and the band can’t play and guests are pulling up their pant legs, and the linens are soaking up water like a sponge (that was for the record books Crystal – yes that happened once) but really it’s about keeping a level head, grabbing a squeegee and getting the celebration back on track.

12. Will the consultant be willing to step in as your advocate, conveying your visions and desires to vendors when you don't feel up to the task?

This is probably the one thing we do most often. Very rarely does a bride come in with her vision fully in tact. We talk about in great length, exchange photos and ideas, LISTEN and help pull it all together.

Note – We tell all our clients - be honest with us; if you don’t like something we’re showing you then you have to tell us or we’re not going to get your vision right. If a coordinator claims they know their clients right away then they aren’t listening. I just met you; I don’t know your favorite color, your favorite food, your favorite song. I need to talk with you, show you things, discuss ideas and I need you to reciprocate. I have a vision but that’s my vision and unless you want to pay for my dream wedding then we’re not going in the right direction.
Help me help you fulfill your dream wedding.

13. How do they charge? Is it a flat rate? Are there add-on's?

We have package that suit all needs. We do not charge percentages or hourly fees. Just because your spending twice as much as another bride doesn't mean your wedding is more complicated and you should be charged more. Also we believe there is no way to tell how many hours will go into planning each wedding, so our prices are based on average needs. We have many options for add-on's should you fall between two packages. Nothing is added on unless it was at your request. All pricing is discussed upfront with you therefore you won't have added expense later.

Lastly, remember that the consultant should have plenty of questions for you too, in an effort to determine your wishes, needs, level of maintenance, budget, scope of imagination, and more. You're both trying to assess each other and how well you'll work together. The consultant will probably initiate discussions -- take this time to consider manner, personality, confidence, warmth, whatever you're looking for. Whomever you enlist, do not hire a consultant who doesn't want to listen, is bossy, tries to convince you of what's best for you, critiques your ideas, has no references, and won't sign a written agreement.