Ready or not? Here we come! Here goes our impromptu explanation of the different types of Wedding Planning Professionals you might encounter as you think about your big day.
Believe it or not, there are three entirely different types of consultants and not one of them is like the other. Each type of consultant has his or her own specialty, though a single individual may be able to offer you a range of consultancy packages and allow you to choose which services you'd like. Though some people use the titles “consultant” and “coordinator” interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between them.
There are three different types of consultants:
- Wedding Directors
- Bridal Coordinators
- Bridal Consultants
First, let’s talk about wedding directors, or, in other words, “day of” wedding coordinators. These consultants are present for the rehearsal, ceremony, and reception. This person makes sure that the couple has everything they need to get down the aisle on time. He or she may also take care of some details at the reception. However, aside from meeting with clients during the rehearsal and on the day of the wedding, wedding directors will probably have few other consultations with their clients.
When working with wedding directors, clients are responsible for making all the arrangements with vendors and suppliers. The director is responsible for pulling all the elements together cohesively on the wedding day, but it's the client's job to ensure that those elements are all there!
Many wedding directors charge a flat fee for their time. Of the three types of consultants discussed in this post, wedding directors usually spend the least amount of time in their clients' presence before the wedding. A wedding director is responsible for ensuring that the terms of a client’s contract are carried out on the wedding day and ultimately giving the wedding party a wedding to enjoy, not a chaotic or stressful situation to manage.
Bridal Coordinators
A bridal or wedding coordinator helps to plan as many of the details for the rehearsal, ceremony, reception, and honeymoon as the couple allows. Usually, couples who don’t have the necessary time or knowledge to plan a wedding hire bridal coordinators. In addition, brides who are new in town, have full-time jobs, or are going to school often choose to hire this kind of consultant.
Because a bridal coordinator knows where to find the best vendors and suppliers, couples understand that they must pay for such a valuable service. The initial consultation is usually provided to clients free of charge, because at this initial meeting, the coordinator is merely gathering information from the couple. People in the industry often refer to this type of consultant-couple relationship as Partial Planning, because the professional is partially involved in the planning from start to finish.
Bridal Consultants
A true bridal consultant, or wedding planner, is a full time advisor. Consultants sit with couples and advise them on what they need to do before the wedding. For example, their services may include sending reminders to their clients, or providing a written wedding plan. Bridal consultants will often recommend vendors and suppliers during a consultation. A couple can choose to schedule only one appointment with a consultant, or they can meet with their consultant regularly. A consultant is usually with his or her clients from the moment they are hired until the couple leaves for a honeymoon. The relationship between consultant and client is often extremely close.
I hope this information was helpful! See you soon!
xoxo
Katherine
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