Anyone Using a Bridal Consultant?

Hi Ladies,

Is anyone using a bridal consultant either during the plannng or just day-of assistance?

I've debating this issue back and forth. On the one hand I really enjoy this planning stuff, but on the other hand I'm really worried about all the little stuff that seems to creep up at the end. I'm wondering if maybe someone just the day-of will help me relax. However, I was at a wedding 2 weekends ago and the bride paid $$$ for the consultant, and honestly, I really didn't see her doing too much - the people at the Hall seemed to have control of everything.

Thanks for your advice.

Re: Anyone Using a Bridal Consultant?

Yeah I didn't go with a bridal consultant. I spoke to one that wanted $3000 and she really didn't do much from what I understood from her explaination. I still had to look over everything, go to appointment, meetings and everything else. I don't think you need one. We can all help you here...

Re: Anyone Using a Bridal Consultant?

Not only the people at the hall (you can depend upon your maitre d to help you with a lot of this stuff)...but your best man and maid of honor are there to help with this as well. You can always delegate duties to them that you just don't want to deal with. Give the best man the tip envelopes to handle at the end of the night, and have your maid of honor handle clearing out the bridal suite at the end of the party. Have your grandparents, or someone else that might not be doing much dancing keep an eye on the envelopes, and have your dad take control of any vendor issues....you definately aren't alone on your wedding day, and it's much easier to tell people that need something to see your maid of honor or best man, than to handle it yourself. You may spend a lot of money on a bridal consultant when you can get all the help you need for free!

Re: Anyone Using a Bridal Consultant?

bump . . . any other opinions?

Re: Anyone Using a Bridal Consultant?

nope, I have 12 bridesmaids and my 2 mothers.. (my mom and my FMIL) if they can't help me keep my sh!t together, no one can lol

Re: Anyone Using a Bridal Consultant?

LOL

Re: Anyone Using a Bridal Consultant?

lmao marcabella!!!!!

Re: Anyone Using a Bridal Consultant?

well at the hall the bridal assistant and maitre d were so incredibly helpful I didn't need anyone else..

but I got married there...so besides hair and makeup - they were there with me for my entire wedding...

I had 3 weeks off before my wedding...so I was able to keep on top of things, but if you are concerned with vendors and getting the little things done you might want to consider it...

how has your bridal party been acting? are they helpful? or don't bring it up...that might give you a clue...

Re: Anyone Using a Bridal Consultant?

I am using a day-off consultant. I wanted someone who could help me make sure the day runs smoothly. She will confirm all vendors the week of, and the limos a 2nd time the day before. Elaine will also make sure my place candles are set up correctly and that my wish bowl notes are filled out by guests. She is putting the 'thank you' labels on my Krispy Kreme boxes for me.
SonicStef used her also and she was a big help. I think it all depends on your hall if the assistant is helpful or not. It also depends on your personality. I am a total control nut and Scott was saying that I would not enjoy the wedding at all because I would be so worried about the details. So by hiring Elaine I don't have to worry so much. It is worth it for me.

Re: Anyone Using a Bridal Consultant?

My BP has been pretty helpful. It's funny - the ones you think aren't going to do anything are the ones who do the most My SIL from MD is actually visiting for a 3-day weekend in mid-november to come dress-shopping with me and check out florists!

My main concern is that I'm super-busy at work from 8/1 - 10/15 and the wedding is 10/25. I already told the 3 sets of parents that I'm definitely going to need help with the last minute stuff - running stuff to the hall, seating arrangements, etc. They all saw I crazy I got during tax season this year, so next year I'm hoping they all do their share

Thanks for all your advice, ladies!!!

Re: Anyone Using a Bridal Consultant?

I think you have to measure cost of a consultant VS. how much there is to do and if it can be handled by you/family/bridal party. The last weeks are tough, I won't lie but thankfully I had my parents & MOH who were hugely involved with running things to the hall, helping me prepare favors, pick up dress, preparing seating charts/cards, as well we helping with the invitations etc. AND the day of our hall provided a bridal attendant & Maitre D who were both super-attentive the entire night. I even trusted the attendant with our envelopes (we had a safe in the suite which was helpful.)