The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

The main benefit in joining is becoming part of a UK alliance that is passionate about the industry and that promotes 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. As wedding planners become more popular, the number of individuals wishing to set up will also increase so companies who set themselves apart by becoming members of the UKAWP will be marked as true professionals.

Members who pass the entrance criteria can look forward to the following benefits.

ALL MEMBERS

Letter of acceptance into the UKAWP to be shown to future clients.
Ability to refer potential clients to the UKAWP code of ethics and application process to gain enhanced client confidence.
Inclusion on the UKAWP on-line database of member companies. This database is searchable by all visitors to the site and every entry will include website & e-mail links as well as other contact details.
Quarterly newsletter with all the latest wedding related news. All members are invited to submit articles & features to the newsletter. This is also sent to major bridal publications as PR awareness.
Increased media awareness of member companies. The UKAWP has links with a variety of media outlets and has an on-going press and public relations plan to continually increase the profile of the Alliance within the wedding industry.
Benefit from the UKAWP’s ongoing advertising plan in national wedding publications. This alone will save you hundreds of pounds.
No application fee, just an annual membership.
Invitations to attend any UKAWP meetings, networking events, workshops or training courses.

FULL MEMBERS

Use of the UKAWP full member logo on all literature.
Priority involvement in UKAWP events.
Students from the UKAWP course to help at larger events

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Use of the UKAWP associate member logo on all literature.

BECOMING A MEMBER

The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners welcomes applications from all wedding planners. However, to maintain the high standards of the Alliance, applicants will be required to meet the following entrance requirements:

FULL MEMBERS

Companies must have been trading for at least 12 months at point of application.
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.
Companies must supply proof of public liability insurance.
Membership fee is £250 for 12 months.
To download an application form please do so here...

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Attendance at one of the training courses run by the UKAWP.
Thorough understanding of the industry and what a wedding planner does.
Enthusiasm to learn from their mentor and develop as well respected planners.
Membership fee is £125 for a maximum of 12 months.
To download an application form please do so here...

Companies must agree to adhere to the Code of Ethics and understand that reported failures to meet this will be investigated.

CODE OF ETHICS

In order to maintain the high standards of the UKAWP, as well as providing reassurance to clients and potential clients, member companies are required to adhere to the following code of ethics:

Respond to enquiries within 48 hours.
Respect client confidentiality.
Disclose all suppliers that they have a vested interest in.
Always pass discounts and/or commission onto the client.
Ensure their Public Liability insurance is up to date.
Never give client details to any third party unless for the sole purpose of the wedding.
Respect copyright of all planners, co-ordinators and related suppliers.
Represent each client fairly and honestly.

The UKAWP would treat any reports of breaches of its code of ethics seriously and continued reports of breaches could lead to membership being withdrawn.