Three Key Resources for Wedding Planners

Wedding planners are the ultimate jugglers. They meet with couples and parents to counsel on budgets and provide a huge range of options (from ceremonies, music, flowers, photographers, menus, gowns, to musicians, limos, favors, and cakes). Learning to put it all together is more than simply academic step work–it’s an artistic endeavor completed under the duress of family emotions and tight deadlines.

Once your initial training is complete, you’ll face the task of building clientele through advertising, professional networking, and personal recommendations. Let’s say you’ve already registered or licensed your business, printed up flyers, launched a website, and handed out business cards. Now what?

Here are three websites and organizations that offer direct assistance to wedding planners:

Coordinators’ Corner
This website offers informational articles, consulting tips, and networking opportunities for wedding planners. The member’s area ($99 annual fee) includes advice from featured experts, member news, a coordinator’s forum, chat room, network alliance, and trade secrets. Recent articles:
•    How to Use PR
•    Using Testimonials
•    Creating Incentive Programs
•    Teaching Classes
•    Building a Press Kit
•    Creative Advertising.

The site also provides links to florists, gift registries, gown providers, hotels, invitation printers, jewelers, limo services, photographers and videographers, officiants, travel agents, and event staffing.

The Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants (ACPWC)
ACPWC is a national organization that provides classes, professional newsletters, events calendars, members’ forum, and links to chapters in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Washington.

The Association of Wedding Planners International (AFWPI)
AFWPI is an international organization that provides information and referrals for wedding planners and others who provide service at weddings. Professionals can post a resume, look for jobs, and create job alerts. Sort through listings for:

•    Bride Information and Tips
•    Bridal Shows
•    Directory of Members
•    Destination Specialists
•    Honeymoons and Promotions
•    Hotel Lists
•    Conferences - Trade shows
•    and Networking Mixers

Degree Levels