How ABC Helps You Grow from Newbie to Professional Wedding Planner

May 28

Growth in the wedding industry doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by intention.

In Episode 2 of ABC Weddings Unveiled, Veronica Foster, President of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), sits down with McCole Council, ABC’s Executive Membership Liaison, to break down exactly how ABC supports wedding professionals at every stage of their journey — from brand new planner to Master Wedding Planner.

If you’ve ever wondered what the real pathway to professional success looks like, this episode — and this roadmap — is for you.

It Starts With Your “Why”

Before we talk about designations, points grids, or programs, McCole starts with something more important:

Why does certification matter?

Credentials build credibility.
They build confidence.
And they position you as a trusted professional.

Just like doctors display “MD” and attorneys display “Esq.” behind their names, wedding professionals can earn designations that reflect real-world experience and commitment to excellence.

And at ABC, those letters aren’t handed out — they’re earned.

The ABC Professional Growth Path

ABC offers a structured pathway that allows planners and vendors to grow intentionally:

Registered Wedding Planner / Vendor
Certified Wedding Planner / Vendor
Professional Wedding Planner / Vendor
Accredited Wedding Planner / Vendor
Master Wedding Planner / Vendor

Each step represents real-world experience, education, and industry involvement — not just classroom learning.

At the center of this pathway is ABC’s 11-page Points Grid — a living document that tracks your growth through:

Education
Industry involvement
Mentorship
Conferences
Real wedding experience
Leadership
Ongoing professional development

It’s not just paperwork — it’s a blueprint for building your career.

And most importantly?
It’s your pathway. You measure yourself against your own growth — not against anyone else.

Education That Evolves With the Industry

The wedding industry changes constantly — trends, laws, client expectations, technology.

ABC ensures members stay ahead through our Core Career Programs:

Certified Wedding & Event Planner (CWEP) Program – A comprehensive 10-week curriculum
Destination Wedding Planning Course – Teaching the legal, logistical, and cultural considerations of international weddings
Corporate Event Planning Course – Covering expos, trade shows, event law, and design
Internship opportunities through partnerships

Weekly Continuing Education

Educational webinars
Travel industry training
Supplier spotlights
Business-building sessions

As McCole emphasized in the episode, you can’t rely on what you learned two years ago to serve tomorrow’s client. Continuing education is not optional — it’s essential.

The Power of Community & Conferences

One of the most transformative experiences members talk about is World of Weddings (WOW).

It’s more than a conference — it’s:

Classroom education
Networking over meals
Idea-sharing with peers
Industry collaboration
Real-time mentorship

Members often describe it as “coming home” — a place where planners understand each other’s challenges and freely share solutions.

ABC isn’t just education. It’s community.

Income Opportunities You Can’t Access Alone

Beyond education and designations, ABC opens doors to income streams many planners never knew were possible.

Travel & Room Block Commissions

As a full host travel agency, ABC allows members to:

Book destination weddings
Manage hotel room blocks
Earn travel commissions
Plan group trips, retreats, birthdays, reunions, and more

In one year alone, ABC paid out over $170,000 in room block commissions to a small group of members.

That’s revenue many planners were previously leaving on the table.

And ABC provides the education to do it properly — legally, confidently, and profitably.

Brand Partnerships

Members gain access to partnerships with major hospitality brands, giving them:

Marketing materials
Supplier relationships
Brand recognition
Increased consumer trust

Being aligned with recognizable brands builds instant authority.

Teaching Opportunities

ABC members can also:

Teach certification courses
Launch online or in-person classes
Earn income per student
Position themselves as the authority in their market

ABC provides the curriculum — members bring the leadership.

Real Growth. Real Stories.

From students who have never attended a wedding before…
To vendors now hosting national webinars…
To members speaking at conferences and building travel divisions…

The transformation is real.

Confidence grows.
Income grows.
Leadership grows.

And no one does it alone.