Wedding and Social Professionals - So you are planning your great event. What have you overlooked? What unforeseen things can happen? How much money are you budgeting? It's scary!

Why not consider seeking the advice of people who have a great deal of experience in the chronology and details of important social events? A wedding professional (consultant, coordinator, bridal advisor) provides help . . . help to whatever degree you need and can afford. Since we are an "invitations web site", let's begin there. Most professionals receive a discount from the commercial printers. They might pass some savings on to you and at the same time give you great advice on your wording or how to choose accessory papers.

Yes, there are fees for their services. Such fees are often based on the amount of time or degree of involvement they will have with your event. Typically their fees are in the range of 5% to 10% of your total budget. In addition, since he or she is part of a very complex industry with many connections, you might find that making reservations and purchases through a professional can cost less than if you did it yourself. Remember these pros work with the churches, temples, hotets, and restaurants on a daily basis. Their advice and their ability to coordinate the event WILL save you money. It is well worth the expense and you have nothing to lose by contacting a professional for a quote!

Professional Organizations - Before you sign up however, you might check references. A truly professional person with nothing to hide will gladly give you names of prior clients or business persons they deal with. You might also check with professional organizations (below) to verify that the person you may select has some form of certification and training. You can also contact these professional organization to locate a wedding consultant in your area. Finally, during an interview, make sure you like the person. You will be working with them for several months.

MAJOR PLANNERS / CONSULTANTS / PROFESSIONALS
. A Perfect Wedding, Inc - Carol Ann Marino - Professional Affiliation: Association of Bridal Consultants
Email: PerfectWed@aol.com or Telephone: Tel: 703-691-0133

WEDDING AND SOCIAL PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Association of Bridal Consultants - "The Association of Bridal Consultants is the only international trade association dedicated to serving the wedding professional worldwide." - www.trainingforum.com
Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants - "The Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants (ACPWC) is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality, professionalism, service and integrity. We believe in an on-going educational process to ensure uniformity in the industry. We have set a standard of excellence that we would like to see other consultants, coordinators and auxiliary professionals follow. Our goal is to standardize the profession and provide the utmost in superior service on a national basis." - www.acpwc.com
National Association Of Wedding Professionals - "is the first and only association to cover all aspects of the wedding industry, with a particular focus on education for the membership and the consumer." - www.nawp.com
SOCIAL ETIQUETTE SCHOOLS AND TRAINING
The Lett Group - "International Protocol and Business Etiquette Training for Executives" - www.lettgroup.com
Etiquette International - "a full-service business etiquette firm that works with organizations that want their people to be more effective and have greater impact in all they do. Since 1989, Etiquette International has advised the corporate, multinational, and private arenas on American and international protocol, business etiquette, and entertaining." - www.etiquetteintl.com