AisleDash

In a world of weddings and wedding planning and in a time when more and more brides are employing the services of a professional wedding planner, it's hard to know if you're getting the best (and most honest) service available.

Liene, from Blue Orchid Designs, has written a hugely interesting and frank article on the dirty secrets of wedding planners. Or, perhaps we should call it their unethical trade secrets. She deals with the issue of how you could end up paying your wedding planner twice because of a system of kickbacks and how vital it is to read through the contract your planner gives you. Preferred vendors and "best of" lists are also clearly explained.

There is advice on how to deal with a situation where you discover you're paying over the odds for services and she also highlights other gray areas and potential problems. It's a must-read for any bride who is considering using the services of a wedding planner, and even enormously useful if you're having doubts about a planner you've already hired.

Having said all of that, it doesn't mean that all wedding planners are automatically engaged in dishonest practices. It's always a good thing, though, to be aware of how things work and how you can avoid being ripped off.