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 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. 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

Annual certificate of membership of the UKAWP to be shown to potential clients.
Use of well-regarded and recognised ‘Associate’, ‘Full Member’ or 'Destination Member' logo of the UKAWP on website, advertising and all marketing materials.
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 map-based database is searchable by all visitors to the site and every entry includes listing in two large geographical areas* with company logo, description and full contact details including weblink.
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. 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 four of the major bridal titles offering national coverage plus regular online marketing spend. This alone will save you 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 other items 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 and competitive rates.
Access to a network of keen, hungry students for ‘shadowing’ opportunities.
For experienced Full Members, there is an opportunity to mentor students within their first two years of business at pre-agreed rates.

*Destination Members listed by country

"I find my clients appreciate the value of accreditation by a professional body and I have gained a significant number of clients and enquiries through my directory listing. I cannot stress enough how important my Membership of the UKAWP is to me and my business." Zoë Lingard, Weddings by Zoë Lingard

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 £320 incl. VAT for 12 months.
To download an application form please do so here...

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Attendance at one of the Day 1 or Day 2 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. Written 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. Written 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.
Membership fee is £175 incl. VAT per year. Members can remain an Associate for up to 2 years at which point they should have met the requirements for Full Membership.
To download an application form please do so here...

DESTINATION MEMBERS

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, 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 £145 incl. VAT for 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.

We welcome planners who are members of other trade groups for the wedding planning profession provided planners pass our vetting procedure.

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.

In addition, members MUST ensure that they implement the following:

Display of the relevant UKAWP member logo (Full, Associate or Destination) on their website with link through to http://www.ukawp.com.
Attendance at one UKAWP organised event per year*; this can be a training course, networking event, seminar, informal meet-up or similar. Many of our events are complimentary to members.

*Destination Members - one event within a two year period

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.