WoW Planning Seminar Replaces New Horizons

By Elise Enloe, MBCtm, ABC VP of North american operations and director of education

In her opening statement to the class of the Association of Bridal Consultant’s (ABC) new World of Wedding Planning (WoW) full-day seminar, Gloria Boyden, MBC™, said, “I wish I had this course available to me when I first started my wedding business. It would have answered a lot of questions and been so very helpful in making decisions.”WoW Valuable for Members at All LevelsThe new program was piloted in Florida and facilitated by myself and, again, in Indianapolis in August with Boyden as facilitator. It officially launched in September. Boyden and I co-developed this seminar to replace ABC’s New Horizons as ABC’s Series One for potential wedding planners, those just establishing their wedding business and those who have taken certificate courses but need help getting their first clients. “We want you to have all the cool tools so you have a successful business and do a good job,” says Boyden. The course reaches out to potential members, members who have just started a planning business, and seasoned planners who need a refresher and want to know what is in today’s marketplace.“ABC’s WoW Series One course was excellent in preparing new wedding professionals to make their debut in the industry—including everything from how to develop their brand to important terminology to dining etiquette. It was also a great refresher for seasoned professionals to revisit the way that they market themselves to remind everyone how to keep setting measurable goals. [It was] an informative and enjoyable seminar for all levels,” says Jennifer Nair, Passionate Peacock, Indianapolis.Course Designed for Maximum InteractionThe newly designed course is interactive. Small groups brainstorm what it takes to become a successful wedding planner and then share those answers, discuss cost estimates to start a business, or take a pop quiz on industry terms. “The turn-out for the WoW workshop was impressive. There were not only participants from different cities and states, but we were all at different stages of our business building. Those dynamics certainly made some of the break-out groups much more interesting and helpful,” says Melissa Feathers, Well Organized Weddings, Noblesville, Ind.Attendees also discuss developing their own personal style as a planner, bride psychology, and dining etiquette. The latter is a class favorite. Boyden says that, very often, people attending weddings think of a bridal consultant as “etiquette police.” That’s why the course encourages every planner to own and refer to a complete book of etiquette. The seminar also introduces wedding budget categories, branding, public relations, human resources, advertising, and marketing. Although not in-depth, it also fosters a frank discussion about pricing for beginners and more experienced planners. The course concludes with a presentation on wedding planning concepts, “You Have a Bride, So Now What?” It also outlines the ABC’s roadmap to success through education.Course Materials Are Great ResourcesIn addition to the course, those attending receive a comprehensive student workbook that provides a tasting or sampling of ABC’s Professional Development Program courses and other ABC educational courses. A complete glossary of terms is included. Students are treated to Mary Dann’s DVD, “Wedding Planner Path”— an inspirational look at the work of wedding planning—plus an excerpt from Boyden’s book, Bridal Consulting, A Professional Approach. “This professionally created workshop and all of the handout and reference materials provided are what I have quickly become accustomed to from fellow ABC professionals. And, as I am eager to advance from the novice level, the points and education provided, will certainly catapult that effort,” says Feathers.How Do You Schedule a WoW in Your Area?Ask your state coordinator. All ABC seminars have points for advancement and are taught by seasoned ABC professionals hand-picked by the education department.