Michigan Bridal Planner

Hiring a wedding planner

By So-Jin Seibold

A bridal consultant can handle much of the time-consuming, detailed planning of your wedding, and often can smooth the issues that arise when the modern family plans an event of this magnitude.

David Wood, president of the Connecticut-based Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), says newly engaged couples should, in the nine to 12 months before the date, be prepared to spend an average of one or two hours a week planning their nuptials, with extra hours closer to the event. A wedding planner can take care of this planning, leaving you free to enjoy your day and your guests.

Here are some important questions to ask when going through the process of hiring a coordinator:

Are you available on my preferred wedding date?

This is the first question you should ask, because if you have your heart set on a specific date, you will want to know if your planner will be available to assist with the big day, says Dottie Ottman, the Michigan coordinator for the ABC and coordinator of Elegant Weddings by Dottie in Rochester.

Are you willing to work within my budget?

With the average U.S. wedding costing $26,327 (according to a survey conducted in 2005 by the Fairchild Bridal Group), it is important that you and your families outline a budget before you meet with a planner. Be sure to discuss your outlined budget on the initial meeting with your coordinator so he or she can develop your vision practically, says Stephen Stawicki, ABC member and owner of Wedding Connection in Huntington Woods.

Do you charge by the hour or by package?

Many consultants offer packages that encompass a range of services. The ABC discourages its members from charging a percentage of the cost of the wedding, and recommends an hourly rate, a fixed fee, or a combination of the two. Couples should make sure to clarify in writing how and when compensation for a coordinator will take place. ABC President David Wood says couples should expect to pay $1,500-$3,000 for full coordination, however, this number can change drastically depending on the services and time required for the individual event.

Can I get that in writing?

While some people prefer a formal contract, a letter of agreement signed by both of you is usually enough to outline expectations and eliminate misunderstandings. The ABC brochure Do You Need a Professional Bridal Consultant? recommends an informal contract that spells out fees and payment schedules, and outlines responsibilities assigned to you and your planner.

Do you coordinate more than one wedding on a given date?

It is important to know who will be assisting you on the actual day of your wedding, says Ottman. This way, you and your bridal party will know who to ask questions on the big day. Many times coordinators bring in assistants to help with the event, especially if they are coordinating more than one on a given date. By meeting with all the coordinators who will be present on your wedding date, you will know who to ask if a problem should arise.

Are you a professional with credentials?

Stawicki reminds couples to always ask if their coordinator is part of a recognized association. Founded in 1955, the ABC is the oldest trade association for bridal consultants. It was designed to increase awareness of the wedding business and improve the professionalism of its members.

All ABC consultants uphold a code of ethics and standards of membership, and must go through a five-course development program in order to obtain certification, which takes between six months and a year. Membership in an association shows a dedication to the profession and might signify a commitment to the trade. Michigan does not require that its bridal planners have any type of certification.

Do you have a portfolio of past weddings on which you have worked, and/or references?

Ottman and Stawicki say spending time looking through portfolios and talking to references is a must. By doing so, couples can get a better sense of a coordinator's style and reliability.

How many years have you worked as a wedding consultant?

Experience is important. The more years a consultant has worked in the business, the more likely is he or she has have weathered all sorts of complications that can arise the day of the wedding, says Ottman.

Consultant worksheet