Following our review of Associate Membership two weeks ago, this post aims to provide an overview of the entry criteria and benefits of Full Membership. Should you be interested in applying to the UKAWP or have any queries, please contact us at membership@ukawp.com :

Full Membership

This type of membership is for those planners who have been running their companies and working with clients for some time.

Application criteria:

• 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 £275 for 12 months.
• To download an application form please do so here…

Benefits:

• Annual certificate of membership of the UKAWP to be shown to potential clients.
• Use of ‘Full 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. Full Members are listed above others and have double the word count for their description.
• 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.
• 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.
• Full Members may be asked to help out with training, at pre agreed rates, from time to time.
• For experienced Full Members, there is an opportunity to mentor students within their first two years of business at pre-agreed rates.

One of our Full Members, Zoe Lingard, had this to say about her membership….

‘Having full membership has given me confidence in my skills as a planner. Amongst other things this has led me to being more effective in sales meetings and winning increased numbers of new clients.’

Please contact membership@ukawp.com should you have any questions.

Two weeks today we will review our Destination Membership category.