''Wedding Tips from the Top''
February 28, 2013 (MMD Newswire) -- Romance is still booming, despite the weak economy. Valentine's Day brought us thousands of newly engaged couples, so here are some wedding "Tips from the Top" from some of our most experienced ABC Wedding Planners."With the excitement of being newly engaged, don't rush to buy the gown or find the site right away. Speak to everyone who may be contributing including the bride, the groom, parents, grandparents, and set your wedding budget first," says Ms. Carol Marino, ABC Master Bridal Consultant from Fairfax, VA (www.aperfectwed.com). "Once you know what you are comfortable spending, the wedding planning process will be much easier. And build a small budget cushion for that last minute vendor, service or item that you find you must have!"
Picture: A selection of ABC wedding planners toured the Sandals Resort Jamaica properties in January 2013 to get additional wedding and honeymoon ideas for their upcoming Valentine's Day couples. Photo: Jennifer Duann"My top of list tip is to set a budget," advises Ms. Lois Pearce, ABC Master Bridal Consultant from Hamden, CT (www.beautifuloccasions.com). "Planning a wedding is like planning any holiday celebration. You will always find something else to buy. This occasion is an important one, but it is yet one day in your life. When you have a budget, you will know when you are reaching your limit. You want to have an "aaaaah" versus an "uh oh" feeling the day after your wedding!""Don't sweat the small stuff," suggests Mr. Frank J. Andonoplas, ABC Master Bridal Consultant from Chicago, IL (www.frankeventdesign.com). " If something doesn't go as planned, move on. You are probably the only one who will ever know.""Hire a bridal consultant that is a member of the Assoc. of Bridal Consultants," suggests Ms. Anna Marie Wintercorn, ABC Master Bridal Consultant from Stuart, FL (apwintercorn@comcast.net). "If not for full or partial service, at least, for "day of" services. You want to be able to relax and enjoy your wedding day!""The best tip that I have given my bride's over the last 28 years is to find the one person or consultant/vendor that you know that you can contact at all times, so that you won't get so frazzled when everything seems to be crashing in around you," advises Ms. Mary A. Rahall from Waldorf, MD (Mary@Rahall.com). "In such an exciting time, a bride can still become overwhelmed and lose her self-confidence when making simple decisions. A mom recently thanked me for being that one person who could really be objective and for having the bride's best interest at heart. Her compliment makes me smile each day and keeps me passionate about this business."The Association of Bridal Consultants ("ABC") is the oldest and largest group of wedding planners in the world, currently with over 4,000 members located in all 50 states and 31 countries. Brides can go to (www.BridalAssn.com ) or call 1-860-355-7000 to locate an ABC professional wedding planner near to them. ABC has been providing training, networking, and career support to the industry's top wedding planners since 1955. ABC emphasizes on-going professional education and all members agree to uphold the ABC Code of Ethics and Professional Standards of Membership.