Listen to the Episode – #391<\/h3>\n![\"Play\"](\"https:\/\/weddingsforaliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/powerpress\/blubrryplayer6.png\" "\\"Play\\"")
<\/a><\/div>\nPodcast: Play in new window<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n4 Reasons to Join a Wedding Planner Association<\/h2>\nReason #1: Wedding Planner Networking opportunities<\/h3>\n\n- Most wedding planner associations sponsor member events where you can connect with your peers, share and brainstorm ideas and get much-needed advice about what it takes to be a professional wedding planner.<\/li>\n
- Looking for a wedding planning mentor<\/a>? Your wedding planner association might have just the right person for you to work with.<\/li>\n
- Give serious consideration to becoming a committee member or leader within your association.\u00a0 Even if you’re a newcomer to the wedding industry, you have valuable information to share with others and once you do, you’ll be considered an expert.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Reason # 2: Find wedding planner jobs and clients<\/h3>\n
Depending on which wedding planner association you join, member benefits may include help with finding more clients.\u00a0 Each association manages this benefit differently.\u00a0 Here are some methods:<\/p>\n
\n- Inclusion in the association’s membership directory or database – by making the directory public, potential clients are likely to find you
\nProviding local wedding leads – this gives members the opportunity to ‘bid’ or contact prospects, who are looking for a wedding planner, directly.<\/li>\n - Use of the association’s logo on your website and other marketing materials is equivalent to having a stamp of approval and is yet another way to help with how your wedding planning business is perceived by clients, vendors and the media.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As the owner of your own wedding business, your wedding planner association is a good place to find employees and\/or interns who work a.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a job as a professional wedding planner, certain wedding planner associations provide their members with access to a job postings that may not be advertised anywhere else.<\/p>\n
Reason #3: Information, Education and training for wedding planners<\/h3>\n
A good wedding planner association is a wealth of knowledge for both new and experienced wedding planners.\u00a0 Membership may include access to:<\/p>\n
\n- Special wedding industry events and conferences<\/li>\n
- Resources to educate members\u00a0 on ‘best practices’ for the wedding industry<\/li>\n
- Wedding industry data – global, national and local – perfect for business start-up<\/li>\n
- Online webinars and classes throughout the year<\/li>\n
- Breaking and relevant news about tools, products, software, services and more related to the wedding industry<\/li>\n
- Member-only publications – magazines, newsletters, white papers, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Reason #4: Wedding Industry discounts<\/h3>\n
Many companies for whom wedding planners are customers, will promote their products and services to wedding planner association members (i.e. YOU) with special rates and discounts which\u00a0 means more profit for you.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nWedding Planner Association Homework<\/h2>\n
As you consider your options for possibly joining a wedding planner association, it’s important to do your due diligence:<\/p>\n
\n- Ask for recommendations from others in our industry – wedding planners, professional wedding vendors – and existing and past wedding association members.<\/li>\n
- Keep in mind that some wedding planner associations have protocols and requirements before accepting you as a member, so, get your paperwork in order.<\/li>\n
- Membership association fees vary, but, most are reasonable. What can you afford? Special rates may be available for active students, so ask.<\/li>\n
- Pay attention to the response time and level of professionalism you receive when researching a wedding planner association.\u00a0 Is there a telephone number listed?\u00a0 How quickly did someone return your call or reply to your email?\u00a0 Did you get a good overall gut feeling? The answers are indicators of what’s to come when\/if you become a paying member.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
Wedding Planner Association List<\/h2>\n
There are several wedding planner associations to choose from; in fact, the following list of wedding planning associations is staggering!<\/p>\n
\n- ABC \u2013 Association of Bridal Consultants<\/strong><\/span>
\nHas local chapters; Offers lots of professional development training options including in-person seminars; most-quoted and arguably the most well-known wedding planner association in the US.\u00a0 Various levels of membership available. Visit bridalassn.com<\/a><\/li>\n- AFWPI \u2013 Association for Wedding Professionals International<\/strong><\/span>
\nAn international wedding association; Heavy focus on destination weddings and hosts fam trips (familiarization with a destination; usually reserved for travel agents) specifically for wedding planners. Website is slightly dated, though. Local chapters on west coast and (more recently in New York). Visit afwpi.com<\/a><\/li>\nJWI \u2013 June Wedding,\u00a0 Inc.<\/strong><\/span><\/del>
\n Describes itself as an association for Event Professionals; offers extensive home study courses; requirements to join include: copy of business license and business referrals, proof of liability insurance; Must apply for training acceptance<\/del>. Visit JuneWedding.com<\/del><\/li>\n- ACPWC \u2013 Association Certified Professional Wedding Consultants<\/strong>
\nVarying levels of membership fees. Focus on home study course. ‘Founded in 1990, by Ann Nola, the ACPWC is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality, professionalism, service, and integrity. Visit acpwc.com<\/a><\/li>\n- NAWP \u2013 National Association of Wedding Professionals
\n<\/strong>I couldn’t locate a list of member benefits on the website; Judging by the association name, this appears to be for wedding professionals, not just wedding planners. Visit nawp.com<\/a><\/li>\n- AACWP – American Association of Certified Wedding Planners<\/strong>
\nA Dallas, Texas-based organization; offers several local (in Dallas?) member events; access to a preferred vendors list; members pledge to commit to a code of ethics; proof of wedding planning training required to join.\u00a0\u00a0Visit aacwp.org<\/a><\/li>\n- ILEA – International Live Events Association (formerly known as ISES – International Special Events Society)<\/strong>
\nEstablished association in the special events industry. Describes itself as the ‘principal association representing the creative events professional’; most of the ‘serious’ wedding vendors in your area are likely to be members; hosts several member seminars and large ‘sparkle’ events and produces the Special Events<\/em> magazine;\u00a0extensive member directory. Visit ilea.com<\/a>.<\/li>\n- UKAWP \u2013 UK Alliance of Wedding Planners<\/strong>
\nOperated by UK-based wedding planners, Bernadette Chapman and Sandy Moretta; promotes the idea of hiring a wedding planner in the UK; has a strict entrance requirement; members agree to a code of ethics; offers various levels of membership with point system. Very professional and informative website. Visit ukawp.com<\/a><\/li>\n- AAWP – American Academy of Wedding Professionals
\n<\/strong>By purchasing the AAWP wedding planning course, you become a member; focus seems to be on certification; founded by Deborah McCoy. <\/span>Visit aa-wp.com<\/a><\/li>\n- IAPO International Association of Professional Wedding Planners
\n<\/strong>Created by folks behind the FabJob series. Members get a discount on the IAPO (Int’l Association of Professional Organizations) wedding planner certification course; the rather low-priced membership includes a newsletter and a host of other 3rd-party discounts; doesn’t seem to offer local chapters. <\/span>Visit iapcollege.com\/program\/membership-wedding-planners\/<\/a><\/li>\n- INSTITUTE OF WEDDINGS<\/strong>
\nPrimarily offers courses and certifications; mentions a trade association that includes an international referral service, access to a business support center, and a newsletter that provides industry info;\u00a0doesn’t seem to offer local chapters. Visit instituteofweddings.com<\/a><\/li>\n- WPAA – Wedding Planning Association of Australia<\/strong>
\nProvides support to anyone who has completed a wedding planner certification course from any Australia-based course provider; maintained by an advisory board, members get online advice. Visit wpaa.net.au<\/a><\/li>\n- ABIA – Australian Bridal Industry Academy<\/strong>
\nAn Australian organization founded since 1997 ‘to protect the bridal customer and promote the bridal supplier’. Visit abia.com.au<\/a><\/li>\n- AAWEP – Australia Academy of Wedding & Event Planning<\/strong>
\nMore of a certification course than an association.\u00a0Kylie Carlson mentioned in episode #305<\/a> is Executive Director. Visit aawep.com.au<\/a><\/li>\n- EPA – Event Planners Association\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>
\nFor event and amusement (think amusement rental, inflatable games) professionals.\u00a0 Members get access to in-house law firm, in-house insurance agency, marketing specialists and more; limited local chapter events. Visit eventplannersassociation.com<\/a><\/li>\n- NACE – National Association for Catering and Events<\/strong>
\nOffers an extensive directory of its members and host several member events — offline and online — and has several local chapters. \u00a0Different membership levels available and a great way to connect with the true wedding pros in your area. \u00a0[I completely\u00a0forgot to include NACE\u00a0during the episode, sorry.] Visit nace.net<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nBy no means is this a complete list of each and every wedding planner association.<\/p>\n
If you’re a wedding specialist, find out if there’s a niche wedding association out there that’s tailored for the type of wedding that you plan.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/div>\nPodcast: Play in new window<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n Depending on which wedding planner association you join, member benefits may include help with finding more clients.\u00a0 Each association manages this benefit differently.\u00a0 Here are some methods:<\/p>\n As the owner of your own wedding business, your wedding planner association is a good place to find employees and\/or interns who work a.<\/p>\n Alternatively, if you’re looking for a job as a professional wedding planner, certain wedding planner associations provide their members with access to a job postings that may not be advertised anywhere else.<\/p>\n A good wedding planner association is a wealth of knowledge for both new and experienced wedding planners.\u00a0 Membership may include access to:<\/p>\n Many companies for whom wedding planners are customers, will promote their products and services to wedding planner association members (i.e. YOU) with special rates and discounts which\u00a0 means more profit for you.<\/p>\n As you consider your options for possibly joining a wedding planner association, it’s important to do your due diligence:<\/p>\n There are several wedding planner associations to choose from; in fact, the following list of wedding planning associations is staggering!<\/p>\n By no means is this a complete list of each and every wedding planner association.<\/p>\n If you’re a wedding specialist, find out if there’s a niche wedding association out there that’s tailored for the type of wedding that you plan.<\/p>\n4 Reasons to Join a Wedding Planner Association<\/h2>\n
Reason #1: Wedding Planner Networking opportunities<\/h3>\n
\n
Reason # 2: Find wedding planner jobs and clients<\/h3>\n
\n
\nProviding local wedding leads – this gives members the opportunity to ‘bid’ or contact prospects, who are looking for a wedding planner, directly.<\/li>\nReason #3: Information, Education and training for wedding planners<\/h3>\n
\n
Reason #4: Wedding Industry discounts<\/h3>\n
Wedding Planner Association Homework<\/h2>\n
\n
Wedding Planner Association List<\/h2>\n
\n
\nHas local chapters; Offers lots of professional development training options including in-person seminars; most-quoted and arguably the most well-known wedding planner association in the US.\u00a0 Various levels of membership available. Visit bridalassn.com<\/a><\/li>\n
\nAn international wedding association; Heavy focus on destination weddings and hosts fam trips (familiarization with a destination; usually reserved for travel agents) specifically for wedding planners. Website is slightly dated, though. Local chapters on west coast and (more recently in New York). Visit afwpi.com<\/a><\/li>\nJWI \u2013 June Wedding,\u00a0 Inc.<\/strong><\/span><\/del>
\n Describes itself as an association for Event Professionals; offers extensive home study courses; requirements to join include: copy of business license and business referrals, proof of liability insurance; Must apply for training acceptance<\/del>. Visit JuneWedding.com<\/del><\/li>\n
\nVarying levels of membership fees. Focus on home study course. ‘Founded in 1990, by Ann Nola, the ACPWC is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality, professionalism, service, and integrity. Visit acpwc.com<\/a><\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>I couldn’t locate a list of member benefits on the website; Judging by the association name, this appears to be for wedding professionals, not just wedding planners. Visit nawp.com<\/a><\/li>\n
\nA Dallas, Texas-based organization; offers several local (in Dallas?) member events; access to a preferred vendors list; members pledge to commit to a code of ethics; proof of wedding planning training required to join.\u00a0\u00a0Visit aacwp.org<\/a><\/li>\n
\nEstablished association in the special events industry. Describes itself as the ‘principal association representing the creative events professional’; most of the ‘serious’ wedding vendors in your area are likely to be members; hosts several member seminars and large ‘sparkle’ events and produces the Special Events<\/em> magazine;\u00a0extensive member directory. Visit ilea.com<\/a>.<\/li>\n
\nOperated by UK-based wedding planners, Bernadette Chapman and Sandy Moretta; promotes the idea of hiring a wedding planner in the UK; has a strict entrance requirement; members agree to a code of ethics; offers various levels of membership with point system. Very professional and informative website. Visit ukawp.com<\/a><\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>By purchasing the AAWP wedding planning course, you become a member; focus seems to be on certification; founded by Deborah McCoy. <\/span>Visit aa-wp.com<\/a><\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>Created by folks behind the FabJob series. Members get a discount on the IAPO (Int’l Association of Professional Organizations) wedding planner certification course; the rather low-priced membership includes a newsletter and a host of other 3rd-party discounts; doesn’t seem to offer local chapters. <\/span>Visit iapcollege.com\/program\/membership-wedding-planners\/<\/a><\/li>\n
\nPrimarily offers courses and certifications; mentions a trade association that includes an international referral service, access to a business support center, and a newsletter that provides industry info;\u00a0doesn’t seem to offer local chapters. Visit instituteofweddings.com<\/a><\/li>\n
\nProvides support to anyone who has completed a wedding planner certification course from any Australia-based course provider; maintained by an advisory board, members get online advice. Visit wpaa.net.au<\/a><\/li>\n
\nAn Australian organization founded since 1997 ‘to protect the bridal customer and promote the bridal supplier’. Visit abia.com.au<\/a><\/li>\n
\nMore of a certification course than an association.\u00a0Kylie Carlson mentioned in episode #305<\/a> is Executive Director. Visit aawep.com.au<\/a><\/li>\n
\nFor event and amusement (think amusement rental, inflatable games) professionals.\u00a0 Members get access to in-house law firm, in-house insurance agency, marketing specialists and more; limited local chapter events. Visit eventplannersassociation.com<\/a><\/li>\n
\nOffers an extensive directory of its members and host several member events — offline and online — and has several local chapters. \u00a0Different membership levels available and a great way to connect with the true wedding pros in your area. \u00a0[I completely\u00a0forgot to include NACE\u00a0during the episode, sorry.] Visit nace.net<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n