Having received a lot of calls recently from planners asking about how our membership works, we thought it made sense to explain it all here in the hope of answering most questions.

THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

The primary 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. Applications are scrutinised and references checked to prove a planner’s 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 our main site for the application forms.

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

ALL MEMBERS

• 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

BECOMING A MEMBER

The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners welcomes applications from all wedding planners. Levels of membership* are based on a points allocation system which can be seen in our application forms. To maintain the high standards of the Alliance, applicants are required to meet the following entrance requirements:

ASSOCIATE MEMBER

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

MEMBER

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

SUPREME MEMBER

91+ points

Companies cannot apply initially to become Supreme Members. All Supreme Members must have been UKAWP members for at least 2 years and have achieved the points level required for this senior status within the Alliance.

DESTINATION MEMBER

*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.

All UKAWP members agree to adhere to the UKAWP Code of Business Practice and understand that reported failures to meet any element of this will be investigated. The UKAWP treats any reports of breaches of its Code of Business Practice seriously and continued reports of breaches could lead to membership being withdrawn.

CODE OF BUSINESS PRACTICE

I agree to:

Respond to enquiries within 48 hours
Respect client confidentiality
Disclose any suppliers I have a vested interest in
Pass discounts and/or commission onto clients
Ensure my Public Liability insurance is up to date
Never give client details to any third party not involved with the wedding
Respect copyright from fellow wedding professionals
Represent each client fairly and honestly
Use legally sound business contracts with clients

If you have further questions please don’t hesitate to contact Sandy Moretta, Membership Director, on membership@ukawp.com or 01442 828061.