With the hectic pace we sometimes lead, more and more brides are turning to bridal consultants to help bring the wedding day together. Bridal consultants can provide help and expert advice for part of the planning process or can help to coordinate the entire wedding from selecting the florist to booking the honeymoon.

Bridal consultants are familiar with several retailers in each service category and can match your preferences with the retailer that will do the best job. It can save you a great deal of time — and often money — using a consultant who is an expert in his/her field and who deals with reliable services on an ongoing basis.

Some consultants will charge a flat fee no matter how complicated the event, some who charge an hourly rate, while there are others who will not charge you directly, but receive a referral fee from the retailers booked.

It is important to establish with your consultant the type of budget you are working with well in advance. You should also decide on how formal the event will be.