CERTIFIED WEDDING PLANNER
Career Outlook
Your New Career
The number of weddings is on the rise, but these days, most couples don't have the time to plan this special event. That's why there is a demand for Certified Wedding Planners who have the talent and the skills to coordinate every aspect of a wedding. Train at home and you could be part of this exciting field.
- Earn your Career Diploma at home in as little as six months by studying just an hour a day for your new career.
- Start your own business. Your program will teach you important skills you can use to open your own Bridal Consulting business.
Opportunity is Everywhere
Weddings take place year-round in every city and town in the U.S., so you can count on finding opportunity where you live or where you want to live.
Even if you already work in a bridal shop - you'll find that learning the skills of a Certified Wedding Planner can lead to career advancement.
Your New Skills
You'll learn every important part of being a Certified Wedding Planner.
- You'll learn to arrange all of the events leading to the wedding day - the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding invitations - even the selection of the rings.
- You will understand how to organize and conduct various types of ceremonies, including home and military weddings, and religious and civil ceremonies.
- You'll have the know-how to assist in planning the guest list, flowers, reception menu, and music.
- You'll also learn the basics of starting your own business, including marketing, advertising, merchandising, and bookkeeping.
Program Overview
Become a Certified Wedding Planner -- at home and at your own pace -- with the Continuing Education Center.
You can become part of this exciting profession with the Continuing Education Center Certified Wedding Planner program. It's convenient and affordable.
Your studies include:
- Wedding Ceremonies, Customs, and Traditions
- Wedding Etiquette
- Vendors and Services
- The Role of a Consultant
- ... and more.
And you'll learn it all at home - no classroom needed!
Get the latest information on bridal shows, specialty weddings, and the bridal business - exactly what you need to become a Certified Wedding Planner.
With the right credentials, you can:
- Start your own business, and enjoy the independence of a home based business.
- Advance your current skills in the fields of catering, floral, or event planning.
Association of Bridal Consultants Certification
The Continuing Education Center graduates complete the professional certification exam for the ABC®, Association of Bridal Consultants and qualify for a free three-month membership.
Contact the Continuing Education Center Today.
Find out more about the Continuing Education center's complete Certified Wedding Planner training that includes:
- All the books, lessons, equipment, and learning aids you need
- Toll-free instructional support
- Access to student services by website, phone, and mail
- Free membership in the Association of Bridal Consultants
ABC is a trademark of the Association of Bridal Consultants registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Program Outline
Your program consists of five Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you’ll employ in your new career as a Certified Wedding Planner.
Your first Instruction Set will be sent to you as soon as your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with.
You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows®-based computer (running Windows Vista or later) and the Internet in order to complete your program with the Continuing Education Center.
Here is an overview of what you’ll learn and the order in which you’ll receive your lessons:
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Instruction Set 1
Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our Web site; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
Introduction to Planning
Life as a bridal consultant/wedding planner; job skills; different types of wedding elements; the four phases of the planning process; pros and cons of owning your own business; keys to a successful business.
Instruction Set 2
The Role of a Consultant
General planning for weddings and honeymoons; basic counseling concepts; skills and qualities of a consultant/wedding planner; aspects of networking; four image categories of consulting; phone and email etiquette; techniques for a client-centered business.
Wedding Ceremonies, Customs, and Traditions
Order of religious wedding ceremonies; religious and cultural traditions surrounding a wedding; special circumstance weddings; directing a wedding rehearsal; pros and cons of reception sites; seating arrangements for ceremonies and receptions; traditional components of a reception.
Wedding Etiquette
Engagement period protocol; wedding expense responsibilities; guest lists; wedding invitations and announcements; tasks assigned to members of the wedding party; rules for pre-wedding parties, showers, and rehearsal dinners; writing and sending thank-you notes; planning remarriages and vow renewals.
Instruction Set 3
Basics of a Bridal Business
Establishing yourself as a professional; types of businesses; office location; charging clients and collecting payments; bookkeeping and business files; recordkeeping; assembling a planning team; working with suppliers; basic marketing concepts; conducting market research.
Professional Wedding Vendors and Services
Engagement and wedding jewelry and their uses; tradition and protocol of wedding gifts; selecting music for a ceremony; photography styles; selecting a floral designer or florist; traditional bouquet shapes and styles; proper attire for formality and time of day; catering services; food service options; wedding cake options; selecting a photographer or videographer.
The Business of Weddings, Part 1
Causes of business failure; starting a business; elements of a business plan; mission statements; startup expenses.
Independent Project 1:
Conducting a Site Inspection
Six-month novice membership in the Association of Bridal Consultants
Instruction Set 4
Ethnic and Specialty Weddings
Determining the correct etiquette for ethnic weddings; identifying the protocol for military weddings; finding sources of information on Victorian and Renaissance weddings; understanding the background of ethnic and military customs; gay marriages and unions.
The Business of Weddings, Part 2
Image and advertising; how much to charge; developing a contract; marketing; understanding why brides buy; keeping clients; dealing with dissatisfied brides; vendors.
Negotiating with Clients
Determining how much to charge; fee structures; using formulas to calculate your fees; cash flow; analyzing costs to reduce spending; negotiating fees with prospective clients; handling mistakes in bids; making agreements; increasing your income.
Independent Project 2:
Wedding Research
Instruction Set 5
Multimedia Marketing
Developing a marketing plan with the right mix of media; print advertising; Web sites; blogs; online networking; video and other media.
How to Participate in a Bridal Show
Initial planning considerations; choosing a show in which to participate; developing and designing a booth; marketing your participation; selling at a booth; following up on contacts.
The Home-Based Business
Pros and cons of a home-based business; planning your office; time management; organization; establishing a work-life balance.
Independent Project 3:
Wedding Collage
Final Examination
Graduation Set
(Sent to you when all program requirements and financial obligations have been met.)
Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette
Eligibility for Certified Wedding Planner™ status and consultant-level membership with ABC®
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Online Library and Librarian
Students in the Continuing Education Center have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and to assist students in research activities during their studies with the Continuing Education Center.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
ABC is a trademark of the Association of Bridal Consultants registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Certified Wedding Planner is a trademark of the Association of Bridal Consultants.