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Table of Contents
DEDICATION .................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.VIII
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................X
CHAPTER ONE ..................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.6
WEDDING INDUSTRY OVERVIEW . ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.7
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.7
How wedding planning has evolved ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.7
The purpose of an engagement ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.7
Current statistics for marriage bound couples ......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.7
CHAPTER TWO .................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.19
ENGAGEMENT ................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.20
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.20
The opportunity of the engagement party ................. Error! Bookmark not
defined.20
The Bride’s Timeline/Check list ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.20
The Groom’s Checklist ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.20
Traditional meanings behind “Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue”
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Engagement Party & Bridal Shower Ideas .............. Error! Bookmark not
defined.20
Engagement/Wedding FAQ’s ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.20
CHAPTER THREE .............................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.58
YOUR ROLE AS A WEDDING PLANNER ............ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.59
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.59
What questions to ask a new bride-to-be Error! Bookmark not defined.59
How to set vendor expectations .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.59
How to set the expectations of the bride and her family . Error! Bookmark
not defined.59
Wedding Etiquette .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.59
CHAPTER FOUR ................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.74
RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS . ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.75
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.75
How to structure your business based on your marketplace ............. Error!
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How to evaluate your competition when establishing your services . Error!
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How to set preliminary marketing objectives ........... Error! Bookmark not
defined.75
Tools and tips for organizing your home office and business practices
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Business start-up costs ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.75
CHAPTER FIVE .................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.97
DOCUMENTATION AND GOALS ... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.98
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.98
The importance of documentation .......... Error! Bookmark not defined.98
How documentation of your business practices plays an imperative role in
the success of your business ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.98
How to set goals for yourself and your business ...... Error! Bookmark not
defined.98
CHAPTER SIX ................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.110
VENDOR SELECTION ..................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.111
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.111
Why vendor selection is a key element to the success of your business
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How to identify quality vendors ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.111
What questions to ask when building your vendor network .............. Error!
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CHAPTER SEVEN ............................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.122
CONTRACTS ..................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.123
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.123
Contract Law ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.123
The key elements of a contract ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.123
Contract rules to remember ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.123
The importance of having business insurance .......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.123
U.S. Chamber of Commerce business resources ...... Error! Bookmark not
defined.123
CHAPTER EIGHT ............................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.133
THE TRADITIONAL WEDDING PLANNER ........ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.134
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.134
Traditional Wedding Planner vs. Contemporary Wedding Planner . Error!
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How to create wedding packages as a traditional wedding planner . Error!
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Role of wedding planner, wedding coordinator and wedding director
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How to work with a prospective bridal client .......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.134
Tools and suggestions for initial consultations ........ Error! Bookmark not
defined.134
CHAPTER NINE ................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.155
WEDDING CULTURES AND TRADITIONS .........ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.156
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.156
The different wedding cultures and traditions of the world .............. Error!
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CHAPTER TEN.................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.195
TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL WEDDING CEREMONIES,
WEDDING PARTY RESPONSIBILITIES, INSIDER TIPS ................... ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.196
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.196
The key elements of traditional, non-traditional and civil ceremony
weddings ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.196
What questions to ask when planning a specific type of wedding and
venue ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.196
How to delegate bridal party responsibilities and who is responsible for
what Error! Bookmark not defined.196
How to keep abreast of wedding trends and fashion Error! Bookmark not
defined.196
Emergency tips and what is included in a wedding day emergency kit
Error! Bookmark not defined.196
CHAPTER ELEVEN ......................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.209
THE WEDDING GOWN: ELEMENTS OF STYLE ........ ERROR! BOOKMARK
NOT DEFINED.210
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.210
How to select the best bridal gown style for your bridal client and how to
advise her when searching for the right gown .................. Error! Bookmark not
defined.210
Basic gown styles ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.210
Basic veil styles .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.210
The Top 50 wedding dress designers.... Error! Bookmark not defined.210
CHAPTER TWELVE ........................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.225
MUSIC ................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.226
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.226
How to incorporate music into wedding day activities and events .... Error!
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How to create a wedding day soundtrack or musical score .............. Error!
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CHAPTER THIRTEEN ..................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.235
SIGNATURE WEDDINGS ............... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.236
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.236
How to create a signature wedding ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.236
Sample wedding themes for each season and ideas for seasonal weddings
Error! Bookmark not defined.236
CHAPTER FOURTEEN .................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.252
MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS .... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.253
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.253
How to partner yourself and your business with the right associations
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The importance of marketing your business and establishing a mission
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Key elements of your business image ... Error! Bookmark not defined.253
How to network your business.............. Error! Bookmark not defined.253
CHAPTER FIFTEEN......................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.270
MARKETING ON A LOCAL LEVEL: BE A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.271
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.271
The secret to self promotion ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.271
Unique ideas to help market your business locally .. Error! Bookmark not
defined.271
How to organize and conduct a successful seminar or wedding planning
party Error! Bookmark not defined.271
CHAPTER SIXTEEN ........................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.284
BRIDAL SHOWS ............................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.285
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.285
The importance of bridal show participation ........... Error! Bookmark not
defined.285
How to research bridal shows .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.285
Essential elements of a bridal show checklist .......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.285
How to book a show ............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.285
How to work a booth ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.285
How to conduct a post bridal show follow up .......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.285
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN .................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.302
Online Marketing - Establishing a Web Presence. Content provided by
Sumantra Roy ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.303
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.303
The importance of having an online presence .......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.303
The proper way to construct a web page for online marketing ......... Error!
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The importance of Keywords and placement ........... Error! Bookmark not
defined.303
Recommended Web Positioning Companies, software, websites ...... Error!
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Keyword Tools ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.303
How to choose the right keywords for your site ....... Error! Bookmark not
defined.303
The importance of having your own domain name .. Error! Bookmark not
defined.303
How to create keyword rich pages ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.303
How to improve the Link Popularity of your site ..... Error! Bookmark not
defined.303
How to submit your site to the open directory.......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.303
How to become an Open Directory Project Editor .. Error! Bookmark not
defined.303
About frames and how they effect search engines .... Error! Bookmark not
defined.303
The top 10 search engine positioning mistakes ........ Error! Bookmark not
defined.303
Glossary of online terms ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.303
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN..................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.362
PUBLIC RELATIONS ....................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.363
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.363
How to approach the media and position yourself as an expert in your
field Error! Bookmark not defined.363
The key elements of a press release ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.363
How to get your press release out on the wire ......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.363
How to write your biography ............... Error! Bookmark not defined.363
How to conduct editorial opportunity research ....... Error! Bookmark not
defined.363
How to create an editorial opportunity calendar ..... Error! Bookmark not
defined.363
How to contact local news and radio stations .......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.363
How to get your articles published ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.363
How to create your business press/media kit ........... Error! Bookmark not
defined.363
IN BUSINESS, THE OLD SAYING IS TRUE: "IT'S NOT WHAT YOU
KNOW...IT’S WHO YOU KNOW." ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.363
MEDIA RELATIONS /PR .................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.363
PITCH YOUR NICHE ........................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.364
HERE IS A SAMPLE MASTHEAD: . ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.374
ONCE YOU START TO RECEIVE THE MEDIA KITS AND FOLDERS
FROM SEVERAL PUBLICATIONS: .......................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.375
TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS TO TARGET ...............ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.376
CHAPTER NINETEEN ..................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.386
ORGANIZATION, TOOLS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ................... ERROR!
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IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.387
Ways to organize your business and streamline your daily activities
Error! Bookmark not defined.387
How to plan your work and work your plan ............. Error! Bookmark not
defined.387
CHAPTER TWENTY ........................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.393
EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS OFFERINGS ......ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.394
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.394
How to incorporate additional services and products into your business
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Examples of complementary products and how to start expansion ... Error!
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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE .............. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.400
CERTIFICATION: TO BE CERTIFIED OR NOT TO BE CERTIFIED…IS
THAT THE QUESTION?.................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.401
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.401
What it means to be a certified wedding planner ..... Error! Bookmark not
defined.401
How certification can improve your business success ... Error! Bookmark
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What certification programs are available and what each has to offer
Error! Bookmark not defined.401
How to earn you Wedding Planning Degree ............ Error! Bookmark not
defined.401
Career and job placement assistants .... Error! Bookmark not defined.401
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO ............. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.413
RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION: PLAN FOR A WEDDING... PREPARE FOR
A MARRIAGE .................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.414
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.414
The importance of relationship education before marriage .............. Error!
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How you can help change the rate of divorce in this country ........... Error!
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The Marriage Movement ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.414
Suggested Programs and Websites ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.414
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE ......... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.439
PHILANTHROPY .............................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.440
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN: ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.440
The importance of philanthropy in your business .... Error! Bookmark not
defined.440
How to incorporate philanthropy ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.440
Tips and ideas you can institute easily . Error! Bookmark not defined.440
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR............ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.446
FINAL: WEDDING DAY MISHAPS ........................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.447
GLOSSARY ........................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.453
WEDDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS...............ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.477
WEDDING VENDOR DIRECTORY ........................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.482
Introduction
Trends
The future for the professional wedding planner has never been so
bright. Wedding planners equipped with essential tools such as
education, certification, training and experience will benefit from the
growing demand for social event planners of lifecycle events such as
weddings, anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, reunions, and family/social
celebrations.
Today’s brides-to-be come from many diverse backgrounds and
experiences. Many have had the opportunity to be involved in a
friend’s or relative’s wedding and are knowledgeable as to what she
wants for her wedding day and the support she expects from her
wedding planner. On the other hand, there is also the novice bride
who is easily overwhelmed and confused as she begins planning her
wedding and will need more support and guidance from her
professional wedding consultant. In both cases, a bride can be
demanding of both your time and patience. It is the responsibility of
the educated and experienced wedding planner to set the expectations
of both parties from the very beginning.
A bride’s decision to hire a professional help to plan the wedding is
based on several factors. For many, the main motivation is lack of
time. Most women have full time jobs which do not allow for the time
consuming phone calls and visits required to identify the best vendors.
Major oversights often occur when time is limited, and the necessity to
stay focused and organized creates more problems that add to the
overall stresses and responsibilities of planning a wedding. When a
bride is new to an area, with few friends or family members close by,
planning a wedding can become a too stressful and overwhelming
unless she has help and support from a seasoned consultant. Out-of-
town weddings and brides with a limited budget can be additional
challenges to planning the event.
Without a doubt, a bride’s wisest choice is to hire a professional who
is competently trained and well acquainted with her local vendors.
Expectations
Good rapport, communication, and a feeling that the bride and family
can rely on the consultant are vital to a successful wedding day
outcome. A professional wedding planner will go the extra mile and
act as a couple’s liaison, smoothing over the rough spots that
inevitably manifest themselves during the planning and on the
wedding day.
A good bridal consultant can stretch any budget to ensure the bride is
receiving all the perks possible from your connections and expertise.
From frugal to extravagant you as the wedding planner will never run
out of creative ideas to satisfy any client. As a professional it is your
duty to stay within the bride’s budget while alleviating financial
concerns and is a major part of planning any client’s event. An
established wedding planner will have the education, the experience
and a network of quality vendors with a wide selection of styles, price
points and personalities. She will assist the bride by knowing whom to
book and when, provide price comparisons, oversee vendor contracts,
avoid overtime charges and save on services when guests don’t show.
A professional wedding consultant will establish strong relationships
with her vendors, resulting in a trust that each vendor will do what is
expected, deliver on time, and stay within the budget while
maintaining the highest regard for quality and service. Details such as
coordinating events, overseeing vendors, supervising the wedding
party, cueing the music, and assisting with seating arrangements are
only a few of the duties a professional wedding planner will assume.
Most brides come to realize an extra pair of hands on their wedding
day is priceless. The consultant’s wedding day itinerary and schedule
will be planned in great detail and then distributed to all vendors and
the members of the wedding party to ensure a smooth-running event.
Your bride and groom can rest assured knowing the wedding day will
be handled with care, allowing them to relax and enjoy their day.
Careers
Many bridal consultants find themselves in the industry by accident, a
result of simply doing what they love. The key to discovering the
perfect job is doing what you enjoy and be willing to do it for free.
Once you discover this, all that is needed is to begin serving clients
who will compensate you. Many in the wedding industry have found
their calling by assisting friends and family with wedding plans and
coordinating additional social events. If this description sounds
familiar, then this book is exactly what you have been looking for.
Getting started as a wedding planner is fairly easy, as many have
experienced by planning weddings for friends or family as a hobby. It
is creating a business out of a passion for planning weddings and
social events that is difficult for most people. Staying in business and
being successful at it becomes the most challenging hurdle for the
majority of individuals getting started in the industry.
In this course we will first cover Wedding Planning its history, growth
and the basic individual elements that together make-up the wedding
industry.
The second area will be teaching you industry specific processes and
business techniques and how to apply them to increase your chances
for success. This includes role playing and presentation practice on
how to interact with both bridal clients and wedding vendors, to get
wedding vendors to work for you and bridal clients to work with you.
It is information that benefits your business, your career and your
personal life, giving you the confidence you need to be successful in
this industry.
And last, whether you have a wedding business, work for a business in
the industry or are just starting out, this course will show you how to
create a successful reputation and use that reputation to grow a
successful business that you will manage and grow as others in your
team do the administration and produce your interpretations of your
clients wedding day vision.
