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Wedding consultant

If you need someone who knows the ins and outs of planning weddings, look for a wedding consultant. For these experts, organizing a wedding is routine, and they can do it within your budget.

While services vary, a wedding consultant usually offers one-stop shopping for busy brides. You decide your budget and what you want them to handle – from a few details to the entire event – and your consultant will do the legwork. This professional knows the best suppliers, from florists to caterers to DJs, and knows where to get the best value for your dollar. A wedding consultant can track down a site for your ceremony and reception, and can attend your rehearsal, ceremony and reception so you don’t have to worry about organizing the events or solving last-minute problems.

Hire your consultant early – even a year in advance. When you interview a consultant, ask about references, experience and fees. In most cases, a consultant requires a deposit and a contract. The fee is usually a percentage of the total cost and is included in the budget. Since you’ll be working closely with your consultant, be sure you feel comfortable with them.

Wedding director

A wedding director focuses on the rehearsal and the ceremony to ensure that your wedding runs smoothly. While some wedding consultants also provide directing services, in Charlotte most directors are volunteers or church or temple staff members who help brides plan an appropriate worship service and comply with regulations on flowers, music and other concerns.

Some places of worship will not allow an outside wedding director. If your church or temple requires an in-house director and you’re working with a consultant who also provides directing services, decide early who’s responsible for what. The wedding director of a church or temple generally has the last word on whether your plans are acceptable.

Duties vary at each church, so ask your director what they can and can’t do for you. Most charge a flat fee, but some charges may differ depending on what responsibilities are agreed upon. Always ask.

Even if your wedding is being held at a location other than a place of worship, it is still important to have a wedding director. These professionals are key to making sure that everything goes as planned at your wedding.

Check out our list of Wedding Consultants.

Read more of our Planning Articles.