Andonoplas joined the Association seven years ago. To be accredited means more testing, more work and more weddings under the belt. That requires recommendations from vendors and couples, plus more testing. Although anyone can call himself a wedding consultant, no one is allowed to simply pay dues to the Association of Bridal Consultants and get certified. The association requires people work at least two years before they become a member.
Every consultant has a different formula for payment.
Some charge a flat fee, some charge a percentage of the wedding budget, some work off commission from the vendors they recommend. Grember said she sees some clients for only a couple of hours to just recommend vendors. It's a very emotional, stressful time. I've never had anyone say it's a waste of money.