The main benefit of joining the UKAWP is becoming part of a UK Alliance which is passionate about the industry and which works hard to promote the benefits of hiring a planner for today’s stylish weddings. By being accepted into the Alliance, applicants will have had to prove their experience and knowledge. Promotion up through the various levels of membership is based upon members’ continual education, experience and involvement in the UKAWP. Please refer to the application forms [ Membership ] [ Associate Membership ] [ Destination Membership ]

As wedding planners become more popular, the number of individuals setting up has also increased. Companies who set themselves apart by becoming members of the UKAWP will be regarded as true professionals.

• Certificate of membership of the UKAWP to be shown to potential clients
• Use of well regarded and recognised ‘Associate Member’, ‘Member’, ‘Supreme Member’ or 'Destination Member' logo of the UKAWP on website, advertising and marketing materials
• Ability to refer potential clients to the UKAWP Code of Business Practice and application/ promotion process to gain enhanced client confidence
• Inclusion on the UKAWP online database of member companies. This map-based database is searchable by all visitors to the site and every entry includes a listing in two large geographical areas* with company logo, description and full contact details including website
• Increased media awareness of member companies. The UKAWP has links with a variety of media outlets and has an ongoing press and public relations strategy to increase continually the profile of the Alliance within the wedding industry. Journalists are put in touch with members for interview opportunities/coverage on a very regular basis
• Benefit from the UKAWP’s ongoing advertising plan in wedding publications and online. Currently this includes advertising in major bridal titles, key wedding blogs and regular online marketing spend. This alone saves members several hundreds of pounds
• Invitations and discounts to attend any UKAWP meetings, networking events, seminars, workshops or training courses
• UKAWP branded marketing materials such as brochures, pens and pads and collateral available seasonally. Ideal for any exhibitions or events you are organising
• Access to a network of supportive, approachable and experienced professionals to help, guide and advise on any critical areas of difficulty or concern
• Access to a network of experienced planners to assist where additional staff are needed at weddings at pre-agreed, competitive rates
• Access to a network of keen students for ‘shadowing’ opportunities
• For experienced members and Supreme members, there are sometimes opportunities to mentor students within their first two years of business at pre-agreed rates

*Destination members listed by country

"Joining the UKAWP has been the best business decision I've made to date. The membership fee is worth every penny and I now think of it as my best purchase over the last decade. Highly recommended for every trading planner." Erika Unbehaun, FlutterFly Events

0-10 points

• Attendance at one of the Business Practicalities or Step by Step training courses run by the UKAWP
  OR
  Completion of a training course recognised by UKAWP. Those currently recognised are QC School of Wedding Planning, the wedding planning course run by Absolute Perfection, the wedding planning course run by ICS Learn and The Wedding Planner School - distance learning or face to face. Proof will be required.
  OR
  A minimum of two years in a 100% focused event management role within a hotel, event management company or similar. Proof will be required.
• Thorough understanding of the industry and what a wedding planner does
• Enthusiasm to learn and develop as a well respected planner
• Public Liability Insurance

Membership fee is £295 per year

Level 1 11-30 points
Level 2 31-60 points
Level 3 61-90 points

• Companies must have been trading for at least 12 months at point of application or have been an Associate Member for at least 6 months
• Companies must submit details of two past clients that the Alliance can contact to gather references, one of which must be for full wedding co-ordination from venue search through to attending on the day. Postal addresses, not just e-mail addresses, must be provided
• Companies must provide one reference from a supplier or venue
• Public Liability Insurance

Membership fee is £295 per year

91+ points

*Destination membership is not currently included in the UKAWP points allocation system. Criteria for application are as follows:

• Companies must have been trading for at least 12 months at point of application
• Companies must only plan weddings outside the UK
• Companies must submit details of two past clients that the Alliance can contact to gather references, one of which must be for full wedding co-ordination from venue search through to attending on the day. Postal addresses, as well as e-mail addresses, must be provided
• Companies must provide one reference from a supplier or venue
• Public Liability Insurance

Membership fee is £145 for 12 months.

• Display the relevant UKAWP membership logo (Associate Member, Member, Supreme Member, Destination Member) on their website with link through to www.ukawp.com
• Attend at least one UKAWP organised event per year**; this can be a training course, networking event, seminar, informal meet-up or similar.

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