A June Wedding, Inc.started about 1980 training wedding consultants.The difference between JWI and the other organizations is that applicants are carefully screened for proper business licenses, and must be recommended by JWI members, to maintain the high level of professionalism within the JWI network. Members routinely refer each other to clients, knowing that the standard of excellence is prevalent throughout the association.

This is a true network of professionals working towards a common goal, helping people successfully plan events. This is not an endorsement of JWI or it's members, just a look at one of the associations available to brides. There is also the American Bridal Consultants and others. However, JWI and ABC are the main two that we know of that actively work with their associates in order to move towards the common goal.

Mom, Aunt Jane or yourself can plan your wedding, however, if time is tight, you just may wish to consider a consultant. Consultants work for you to bring your ideas, wishes and wants to reality. Here is just some thoughts and questions that you may wish to ask them.

1. Formal Training?
   -A professional bridal consultant is usually trained. Some call themselves bridal planners. If you planned your wedding and your best friends wedding, does that make you a consultant? Not really, a consultant knows the answers to the tough questions in their market, like marriage laws, venues, photo venues, caterers, DJ's, Photographers, etc... They interview and know their professionals to match them up with your wants and services.

2. Will you be with me all day?
   -A good consultant will be there from start to finish, from the time you awake until you leave the reception, she is your personal concierge.

3. How many weddings do you plan a week? Month?
   -Insiders say that a good consultant can't do more than 4 weddings a month, there is just barely enough time to keep up with you and 3 other brides. They have many responsibilities and meetings.

4. Cost?
   -Some have packages. If you feel you don't have enough for a reception, let alone a consultant, this is where I found out something that I will share with you. They know how to get the most out of your money, that is the main reason you contract one. I have seen very special weddings and receptions done by consultants on a shoe string budget(It actually will impress you what they can do and their ideas)

5. Can I have what I want?
   -Great question. A consultant will tell you what you can and may have to go without depending on your budget

6. Payments, when are they do?
   -Get all the facts together for your personal budget!
   
   Trust in a consultant, they really are not just for the $50,000. weddings.