2008 Woodie Awards
Beginner's tips: getting hitched
Amanda Kauppila
Issue date: 1/24/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
College students are getting married, whether "traditional" college age or "non-traditional" students.
Once the decision is made to get married, the planning process begins. The use of a wedding consultant may benefit some people by streamlining the process and eliminating worries.
Kellie Daab, a professional consultant with Hand-in-Hand Bridal, said, "Hire a planner that fits your personality; meet and talk with several planners before you decide. If you don't get a good vibe with one, then go with someone else."
Daab also advises prospective brides to check with the Better Business Bureau and to see if the consultant is a member of a professional association for consultants, such as the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).
Daab, an ABC member, said consultants make it their business to know the vendors in the area.
They can help the bride find exactly what she is looking for in style and cost. A consultant can also help the bride feel more relaxed on the wedding day without having to worry about details.
Jean Neuhart, a consultant with Weddings from the Heart, said the average cost for a wedding is $26,000.
She said, "[to save money] get a good handle on the guest list, and stick to it. The number of guests directly correlates with the cost. That means extra food, linens, and center pieces."
Nuehart, also an ABC member, advises brides to decide what parts of the wedding day are most important, and to spend more money on those things.
For example, if flowers are more important than music, then spend more on the flowers than the entertainment.
Daab also recommends making priorities. She said, "Spend less on the things that don't matter as much."
Daab has seen some couples use a Styrofoam cake covered in frosting. A ceremonial section is cut by the couple, wheeled away, and a sheet cake is cut behind the scenes for the guests.
Neuhart said friends should not take the pictures. She said, "Just because a friend takes good pictures, it does not make them a professional in how to compose a photograph with several people. If you use a professional photographer, and the pictures are destroyed, there are legal actions, such as compensation. If a friend destroys the pictures, you will have a destroyed friendship."
Both consultants recommend that couples leave plenty of time to plan the wedding. Neuhart said 12 to 18 months is ideal, giving the couple time to meet with vendors and to book dates. She said many venues and vendors are already booked for 2007.
Once the decision is made to get married, the planning process begins. The use of a wedding consultant may benefit some people by streamlining the process and eliminating worries.
Kellie Daab, a professional consultant with Hand-in-Hand Bridal, said, "Hire a planner that fits your personality; meet and talk with several planners before you decide. If you don't get a good vibe with one, then go with someone else."
Daab also advises prospective brides to check with the Better Business Bureau and to see if the consultant is a member of a professional association for consultants, such as the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).
Daab, an ABC member, said consultants make it their business to know the vendors in the area.
They can help the bride find exactly what she is looking for in style and cost. A consultant can also help the bride feel more relaxed on the wedding day without having to worry about details.
Jean Neuhart, a consultant with Weddings from the Heart, said the average cost for a wedding is $26,000.
She said, "[to save money] get a good handle on the guest list, and stick to it. The number of guests directly correlates with the cost. That means extra food, linens, and center pieces."
Nuehart, also an ABC member, advises brides to decide what parts of the wedding day are most important, and to spend more money on those things.
For example, if flowers are more important than music, then spend more on the flowers than the entertainment.
Daab also recommends making priorities. She said, "Spend less on the things that don't matter as much."
Daab has seen some couples use a Styrofoam cake covered in frosting. A ceremonial section is cut by the couple, wheeled away, and a sheet cake is cut behind the scenes for the guests.
Neuhart said friends should not take the pictures. She said, "Just because a friend takes good pictures, it does not make them a professional in how to compose a photograph with several people. If you use a professional photographer, and the pictures are destroyed, there are legal actions, such as compensation. If a friend destroys the pictures, you will have a destroyed friendship."
Both consultants recommend that couples leave plenty of time to plan the wedding. Neuhart said 12 to 18 months is ideal, giving the couple time to meet with vendors and to book dates. She said many venues and vendors are already booked for 2007.
