Association of Bridal Consultants

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Letter – Volume 2, Issue 3

It’s so true that “Anything is possible!” Just look at the explosive changes in the destination wedding market over the past 10 years. What started as a small, niche market has grown exponentially. Not only have the numbers increased, but the very definition of what constitutes a destination has been revised. Are destination weddings right for your business? Discover the challenges and opportunities within these pages. Then, turn to our International and Real Wedding features and explore the ancient ritual and charm of Mayan destination weddings, as well as events in Italy and Ireland.Speaking of possibilities, whether you are just starting out in your business, exploring new service lines, or have been in business but never had a business plan, you’ll want to get started on your blueprint to success with Renee Grannis’ article on business plans. Your plan will clue you in to what is right—or wrong—with your ideas so you can tweak, get started, or abandon ship.Part of your business plan involves analyzing pricing. Get advice from Brigid Horne-Nestor, MBC™, in her article “Are You Charging What You’re Worth?” Follow it up with an exploration of the benefits and risks of same-day wedding coordination vs. full-day planning services. Then, discover your unique niche and use it to set yourself apart from the crowd with ABC Member Insight from Tonya Shadoan, MBC™. And, get savvy advice from ABC Member Best Practices on how to stay calm in difficult situations.Wedding Planner Magazine and the Association of Bridal Consultants are dedicated to helping you and your business excel by turning possibilities into probabilities. What topics would you like us to include? Email us at editor@weddingplannermag.com.Above all, don’t forget to sign up for the ABC 2012 Business of Brides conference, “Diamonds & Denim in Denver,” Nov. 11-13, using www.BridalAssn.com. There will be countless opportunities and ideas for your business among the presentations by keynote speakers Donnie Brown, a celebrity wedding planner and Style Network television host, and Rebecca Grinnals, owner of Engaging Concepts, as well as the conference presenters. Don’t miss it!