Benefits of Membership

CREDIBILITY – WITH YOUR PEERS AND WITH YOUR CLIENTS Would you fly with a pilot who was not in compliance with the FAA? Would you go to a doctor who was not in good standing with the AMA? The wedding industry has standards as well – and ABC has set them. Display your ABC membership credentials proudly. Show your clients that they are hiring a trained professional.

EXTENSIVE COURSE LISTINGS Establish your credentials through comprehensive distance learning and hands-on experience. Our educational programs are online and in person and cover areas of importance when starting or growing your wedding business.

TRAINING AND EXPERTISE TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS ABC offers the most comprehensive training in the industry. We have been launching careers in the wedding business since 1955. All our current courses have been created and updated by our own, successful ABC wedding planners.

EARN TRADEMARKED DESIGNATIONS Along with participation in seminars, earning the recognition of your peers and clients, and giving back to the industry and community, ABC members can increase their designations to ultimately reach Master Wedding Planner. Our proprietary designations are: Registered Wedding Planner / Registered Wedding Vendor; Certified Wedding Planner / Certified Wedding Vendor; Professional Wedding Planner / Professional Wedding Vendor; Accredited Wedding Planner / Accredited Wedding Vendor; and for a special few, Master Wedding Planner / Master Wedding Vendor.

CALL CENTER TO HELP You can access our ABC call center at 336-690-5510 from 9 am to 5 pm EST, every business day. Contact the Association for answers to any wedding-related questions you might have. Whatever the question, from etiquette to management, you can get the answer from us or we’ll try to relay you to an association member, who will likely have the answer ready for you.

HONEYMOON PROGRAMS ADD TO YOUR BOTTOM LINE Virtually every one of your clients will be going on a honeymoon. Our resort partnerships will help you save your client time, and you will be able to offer fabulous ideas that will create wonderful honeymoon memories for years to come. We give you everything you need to know…and the promotional fees can pay for your membership many times over. These promotional fees do not impact the trip prices paid by your clients.

ROOM BLOCK PROGRAM As an ABC member, you can offer great hotel group rates to your clients and their out-of-town guests. The ABC Hotel Division has its own IATA#. We can help you generate fabulous institutional pricing and attractive placement fees from your hotel room blocks.

INTERNET LISTINGS AND REFERRAL OPPORTUNITIES Couples occasionally contact us in search of a competent wedding planner. As a member of ABC, you will be eligible to receive these referrals & have your company information listed on our website. *Valid for ‘Professional’ Designation level and above.

ABC ANNUAL CONFERENCE Every November, ABC holds a 3-day educational conference where you will hear top wedding industry specialists present ideas to help you grow. Keynote speakers have included Colin Cowie, Preston Bailey, David Tutera, Grace Ormond, and more. Each year we select a different state or country to host the ABC conference and trade show.

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE Stay up to date with the latest trends and enjoy the design ideas, supplier specials, and growth strategies highlighted in this quarterly publication. Content is specifically targeted to the needs of professional wedding planners and members are always highlighted. ABC members receive a complimentary subscription to this quarterly, industry publication.

OUR STATE MANAGERS HOST LOCAL MEETINGS No matter what state you are in, we have an assigned State Manager who hosts educational meetings and networking events in the area so you can meet and network with other members, and learn more about your specific market.  State Managers represent ABC on the local level, communicating and assisting members in many valuable and supportive ways.  State Managers hold state and regional meetings, conference calls, and webinars to promote education and enhance networking in their areas.  We also have State-specific Facebook groups where you can socialize and ask questions to other members.

ABC HAS BEEN QUOTED BY MOST MAJOR NETWORKS This national publicity for the Association helps members, through increased name and logo recognition. While the media often needs comments from the national level, they also seek local opinions, and we can provide your name to the media. The Association also advertises on the national level. This advertising encourages the couple to use the services of Association members. In addition, you may benefit from co-op advertising in your local or regional publications, sharing the cost with other members and with the Association.

YOU CAN TAP INTO THE ASSOCIATION’S NETWORK TO HELP FIND EMPLOYMENT This service can be quite effective, especially if you are just getting started.  Contact the office to discuss sending your resume to the geographic area that interests you.  In addition, many state managers and country managers offer an informal program to help Registered Wedding Planners gain “hands on” experience working with experienced members.  Contact your state manager for additional information specific to your area.

BUSINESS DISPUTES HANDLED PROFESSIONALLY It is a tribute to our members’ professionalism that we receive more complaints about non-members than we do about members. Yet disputes do arise. If you have a dispute with another member or client, or a client has a dispute with you, you should be able to get an impartial review of your case, through the Association’s formal review procedure.

YOUR COMPANY STAFF CAN GET A SPECIAL PRICE ON ABC MEMBERSHIP When you reach the ‘Certified’ level designation or above, you may enroll your staff as an Auxiliary ABC member at a discount, and they get the same member benefits as you!

These are just a few of the reasons to join ABC.  Each of you is unique and in a different stage of your career.  Whether you are just beginning or are a seasoned professional, ABC has the tools that can help you grow your business.