Master Profile
Master Wedding Planner™ Gloria Boyden, MWP™ | Events by Design, Inc., Carmel, Ind.Family: I am married to Thomas F. Boyden. We have two adult children, who are married, and four grandchildren from college to elementary school in age.Education: I have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in biology and educational media from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.Getting Started: My business started in 1988 as an invitation studio. With the etiquette and other questions that I was frequently asked, I saw the potential of becoming a wedding planner.On the ABC: I joined the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) when I decided to become a wedding planner. The support has been great. I attended the ABC’s Business of Brides in San Diego that same year. It was eye opening and well worth my investment.On Being a Master: If you are in a career, you should strive to be at the top of the field. I have always loved learning, and so it seemed natural to take the Professional Wedding Planner Course (formerly the PDP), achieve accredited status, and then move to the Master level. At that time, it took three years between accredited and master applications. We don’t require the time lag anymore but do require that people go step-by-step.Business Changes in the Past Five Years: I moved to full orchestration of weddings. For day-of coordination, I use an associate.On Evaluating Success: I have asked for WeddingWire reviews, and most people do take the time. The reviews have been great. Most clients also take the time to write a personal note.One Business Mistake: I waited a long time to have a trusted associate in my business. At this point, my business is tapering to just doing invitations for clients and only an occasional full-service planning event. I think there is an income stream from having more than one associate doing the wedding-day direction. 
Mentors: The design end of weddings greatly interests me. A mentor from afar is Sasha Souza. I have heard her speak at large conferences and in a small group. She is so good about sharing her expertise. Other colleagues who were giving of their time when I first joined the ABC were Teddy Lenderman, MBC™, and Kay Krober, both Indiana members. (Kay has since retired.)On Pinterest: Pinterest is driving brides’ desires and vision, and it is our job to help them sort through what can be done and what budget will support their dream. Inspiration: Wedding books like Sasha Souza’s new one inspire me. Interior design magazines help me look at a wedding in a more personal way—how can we make a table look inviting, beautiful, and intimate?Marketing Strategy: I have a WeddingWire account. I do one bridal show a year, having decided that this is not the best use of money since bridal show brides are DIY brides for the most part. And I have a newly revamped website and spent a little money on SEO.Staying Fresh: Tom and I take time to travel and visit family and friends each year. Ideal Client: My ideal client is really two clients, mother and daughter. They would work together and support each other in decisions. Most of my ideal clients are college graduates who are working, and whose parents have the means to give a lovely wedding.Reading Now: Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture by Bishop Robert Barron.Favorite TV Show: Downton Abbey has been fun to watch—I love period pieces and find the manners and etiquette fascinating. The beautiful setting and furniture are also inspiring.
Hobbies: I volunteer a lot. I am in charge of seasonal decorating for my church; was coordinator for a $300,000 fundraiser dinner; attend daily mass and pray for an hour each week in our adoration chapel; and, for the past five years, have been on the committee spearheading a major redecoration of our church sanctuary and nave. I also love to take a walk every day, weather permitting. Words of Wisdom: Set your own style and way to work, and don’t mimic other planners. Be sure to start out charging enough. That is not to say to charge like a Master, but charge enough to be true to our industry. On Giving Back: I mentor and speak on topics of which I am knowledgeable. I am the author of the Professional Wedding Planner Program and Director of Education for the ABC (a volunteer position). Little Known Fact: Most people don’t know that my college degree is in science. It just goes to show that you can reinvent yourself many times over.
