Independent Wedding Consultants exist in huge quantities in today's market. It seems that anyone who has recently produced their own wedding thinks they are able to handle anyone else's. So, they have business cards printed; they create their own web page and announce to the world their availability to help any and all brides plan their weddings with free first consultations, the ability to negotiate lower costs from wedding vendors and the experience to make every bride's wedding dream a reality.

With more than twenty years in the industry I have seen these charlatans come and go; unfortunately, a lot of them are not "going away" fast enough, and even then, others sprout up with their business cards, web sites and free introductory consultations, proclaiming their readiness to save the bride stress, time and money.

How do you avoid wasting time and money with an unqualified consultant? (Or worse, risking disaster when it turns out your consultant can't deliver what she has promised?)

June Wedding, Inc.® has determined that the following criteria should be at least an introductory guide for those seeking to hire a competent and professional Wedding Consultant. Of course there are other criteria, but these are the minimum credentials that a qualified Wedding Consultant should possess:

• Two to three years experience (or, he or she should have produced a minimum of twelve weddings of similar size and budget to yours)
• Education, training & certification by a nationally recognized and respected industry association
• Active membership in a national/international association(s)
• Full time, independent business (with current business license and insurance)
• Knowledge of realistic financial planning and budgeting for weddings
• Back-up staff
• Familiarity and experience working with respected wedding professionals in your area (these references should be checked)
• Does not accept or pay referral fees or commissions unless their company is legally registered as an "agency"
• Creative abilities or at least able to work with local professionals that do have these abilities
• Familiarity with etiquette and protocol
• Personable without compromising professional relationships
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage from long distance if necessary, and with multiple parties
• Ability to work with an array of personalities and emotions.

• • •

June Wedding, Inc.® (JWI) is an internationally recognized association of wedding professionals. Since 1978, JWI has trained and certified professional wedding consultants and conducted conferences and seminars for the wedding and event industry. For more information about JWI, please visit their web site.

• • •

More wedding articles and helpful tips are available
in our Wedding Article Directory.

• • •