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Q: Why do I need a Consultant?
A: A popular bridal publication printed the
following key points:
43% of couples go over their wedding
budget - A consultant can help you
determine what portion of your budget you
should devote to each element of your event,
based on current market costs. You don't
know what it will cost to fill your venue's
ballroom with flowers? We do. And through
our knowledge we can prevent you from making
costly mistakes.
If you can't devote 12 hours a week to
planning an event yourself, and twice that
amount in the last 30 days, you should hire
a Consultant - One of the greatest
benefits a Consultant offers is the gift of
time. We have done the research and legwork
to develop the most efficient methods, a
network of the highest quality vendors, and
an arsenal of unique ideas so that you don't
have to spend hours upon hours doing it
yourself.
If you plan to invite more than 100
guests, you should hire a Consultant -
Getting a group any larger than this 1) onto
the shuttle 2) to find their seats in the
reception hall 3) over to the cake table at
cake-cutting time, is a bigger job than Aunt
Fran can handle.
If your event is being held anywhere
other than a full-service venue-like a
private home, garden, or museum- you should
hire a Consultant - Without a designated
point person, such as the Banquet Captain at
a hotel, you will find that it is you who
must deal with the folks from the rental
company asking where such and such needs
to be set up. And you again when the caterer
wants to know if its time to begin pouring
the champagne. If
you don't want to deal with the details
involved with setting up and maintaining a
timetable, a Consultant can be your greatest
asset.
Tips for hiring a
consultant:
1) The first time you speak to a
potential Consultant, plan to
explain when you want your event
to be, have ideas about where
(what city, indoor or outdoor,
etc.), how many guests you plan
to invite, and a rough estimate
of your budget.
2) Bring to the first meeting
magazine clippings, ideas, and
any other people involved in the
decision making process.
3) Plan on interviewing three
consultants before deciding whom
to hire. Ask yourself these
questions, Is this person a good
match for me?" "Do we have
similar visions and styles?'
"Will he/she work well with my
family members/members of my
committee/the other decision
makers?" |
Q: We're on such a tight budget. How can
I justify the cost of a Consultant?
A: It is said that a good event planner
should save you enough in time and money to
cover the cost of hiring her.
Often Avant receives a commission from our
vendors, which we pass along in the form of
discounts to you. Because we are affiliates
with so many suppliers, you will often get
better rates through working with Avant,
than you would if you approached the vendor
on your own. We also know the market value
of many items, so we know if your quote is
too high or just right. And because you will
have access to our library of knowledge, you
can put all that extra money that you would
have spent on planning guides towards your
fabulous honeymoon.
Q: My church or venue already has an
on-site coordinator. Why do I need another
one?
A: In a case like this, Avant will serve as
your personal assistant for the day. On-site
coordinators take care of the location
logistics, such as the timing of the food
service, but typically do not handle items
outside of the realm of the venue. Your
on-site coordinator will often be unable to
call any vendors that are running late, to
track down an errant ring bearer, or to help
if the hem rips out of your sister's dress.
Avant will see to it that
you want for nothing in the midst of your
big event, by anticipating emergencies,
troubleshooting, and working with the
on-site coordinator to ensure that
everything is executed flawlessly from her
end.
Q: I see that you are a member of the
Association of Bridal Consultants, and that
you hold the title of Professional Bridal
Consultant™. What does that mean?
A: The title of Professional Bridal
Consultant is bestowed upon Association
members who have completed the Professional
Development Program, and successfully passed
the final exam. The courses range from
proper etiquette to the varying wedding
traditions of each culture, and give
graduates the information necessary to
ensure that we can solve any problem that
our clients face. This title, coupled with
membership in the Association of Bridal
Consultants assures you that you are dealing
with an honest, ethical professional in good
business standing.
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