Questions You Should Ask Wedding Planners

Thinking about hiring a wedding planner? Here are a few questions you should be sure to ask:

1. Will the consultant commit to your budget and not push you towards things you can't afford?

2. Will the consultant create a master plan outlining all the little details, from the announcement to the leopard-print decor? This will give you an idea of her/his organizational skills and how willing she/he is to keep you in the loop on everything.

3. Can the consultant identify the best and most unique places in your area that fit your wedding size, style and budget?
4. Is the consultant familiar with the best photographers, florists, caterers, bands and DJs in your price range? Can he/she briefly describe the positives they bring to the table? (Ask yourself: Does your consultant seem to be both educated and passionate?)

5. Will the consultant be able to get you any discounts with vendors? Consultants bring volume to favored vendors; many times, the vendors will return the favor by lowering prices or throwing in some extras.

6. Will the consultant read over the vendor contracts for you? Does he/she know the common traps to look out for?

For seven more questions to ask, check out 13 Questions to Ask Wedding Planners. Looking for a wedding planner in the DMV area? Check out our website, AnointedAffairs.com.

Choosing the groomsmen

If your groom-to-be is having trouble deciding who he wants by his side on your big day or he just doesn't want to deal with the task, here are some tips that can help:

When it comes to the best man, most grooms choose the man he is closest to and someone he can depend on no matter what-- and that's his best bet. Many grooms end up choosing a brother, and some even choose their fathers. But if he feels the wedding just wouldn't be right without a particular best man, think about having two. This is a great idea, especially if it's difficult for him to choose between two brothers or two best friends.

For the groomsmen, his brothers are a great place to begin. And if you, the bride, have brothers, it's smart for him to include them as well. Next, he'll probably choose between his closest friends; this selection might come down to which guys he's known longest. One other suggestion (from Emily Post): Flip a coin with all the guys present so they can actually see how he came to his decision.

What do groomsmen typically do?

* Arrive at the rehearsal on time.
* Show up at the wedding prior to other guests.
* Wear the requested attire.
* Escort guests to their seats (if necesssary).
* They may escort a bridesmaid down the aisle before and after the ceremony.
* Dance with a bridesmaid at the reception.
* Have some fun and stay relatively sober.

A couple of other things:

• If your groom has a friend that may not have the finances to participate as a groomsman, he can ask the friend to be an usher. This is also a good way reduce the wedding party numbers if necessary. You can also ask other friends to be readers or to light candles.
• There is no such thing as a "right" number of attendants to have. You don't even have to have an equal number of groomsmen and bridesmaids.

Need more help? Check out our source: Selecting Groomsmen 101.

Photo from: weddingbee.com

5 fab resources for brides

Wedding planning can be very hectic so here are five wonderful websites to help you with any and everything you might need:

Chocolate Brides- Provides wedding inspiration for brides of color. It's all about promoting loving marriages, building friendships and supporting one another through the highs and lows of life.

DIY Bride- Serves as a way for couples to share ideas, templates and tips on creating a kick-a** do-it-yourself wedding no matter one's budget or skill level.

Offbeat Bride- A blog with tons of "wedding porn" (photos from real people's really offbeat weddings), advice and inspiration for couples who are working their butts off to create authentic weddings full of intention and personality.

Project Wedding-Connects brides across the nation and helps them share ideas, advice and vendor recommendations.

TheKnot- A one-stop wedding planning solution featuring first-class fashion, inspiring images, personalized tools and more.

Feel free to share your favorite wedding websites below!

Photo from: thepartyproducers.net