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ACPWC Members receive many inquiries from people considering a career as a wedding consultant, planner
or wedding facility coordinator. We have listed some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Hopefully, the responses provided will help to provide answers to some of your questions about a career in wedding coordination.
Click on any question below to view the answer.
- How Can I become a Wedding Consultant?
By signing up for the ACPWC class! Pursue your career in this rewarding and satisfying career by becoming a successful, Independent Wedding Consultant, or work in the Hospitality or Special Event industry by taking the Personalized or Correspondence/home study course. In past years, there were no courses available; consultants learned by trial and error. Learn from certified instructors with years of personal experience in the wedding and special event industries. Receive a workbook of invaluable information and forms to guide you through the process. By taking this course, you will be able to start your own business, charge more for your services, and state that you have been professionally trained by the best!
(hide this answer) - How can I find a wedding consultant?
If an ACPWC consultant is not available in your area, you may ask your ceremony or reception site coordinator who they have worked with and recommend. You do need an independent consultant and not just a facility coordinator. Local bridal magazines and bridal shows are also a good source. Call two to three consultants for complimentary interviews to discuss their availability, fees and what they offer. Personality is also an important factor. Remember to review credentials, references and their contract.
(hide this answer) - How do I know if I will become successful?
Determination, being detail-oriented, organized, creative and the ability to network and work well with others are some of the characteristics of a good consultant. Do the market research and find out about other consultants working in your area. Training through ACPWC is recommended to obtain the knowledge to properly plan and direct a wedding. Membership adds a level of credibility and support that others lack. Knowledge breeds confidence and confidence breeds success.
(hide this answer) - How much can I earn?
This varies depending on your specific area and whether you work part-time or full time. You can make between $25,000 to $60,000 (or more) depending on your area and expertise, the service you will offer and value you place on your time and efforts.Find out what the average cost of a wedding is in your area; the consultant usually charges between 10 to 20% of the total wedding cost.
(hide this answer) - How do you differ from other schools or associations?
Since 1990, ACPWC has been registered by the Department of Consumer Affairs and our school and materials are subject to review on an annual basis by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. We have the most complete and comprehensive course found anywhere. It takes a full five days to cover all the materials included in this course. We have well-trained, Certified instructors and a support network for members. Our logo is a symbol of professionalism and excellence. Check credentials, state associations, and student references before signing up with any training program.
(hide this answer) - Why do you consider the ACPWC course the best?
Because our graduates say so - time after time! Established in 1990, the ACPWC course is the most comprehensive and detailed program found anywhere. You will be ready to start your business upon completion of our course. Our Founder has been in the Wedding and Special Event industry for over 30 years and started the Association to professionally train and support its students. The course covers starting your own business, meeting clients, contracts, vendors, ceremony and reception site planning. The workbook contains terrific reference materials and all the forms you need to construct your business. The ongoing education for Association members ensures uniformity and the level of excellence provides credibility.
(hide this answer) - How does the personalized course differ from the correspondence/home study course?
The personalized course is a five-day course with instructors in a class-room setting, where you are able to ask questions and learn directly from the instructor's experiences and from other students with group participation and interaction. The correspondence is a home-study course with a video of the actual class and the same binder of information and assignments as the personalized course.
(hide this answer) - How can I become a member of ACPWC?
All members must take the course and be professionally trained in the same way.Upon successfully completing the course and receiving your Certificate of Completion, you are eligible to join.
(hide this answer) - How do I become Certified?
Certification is a process. Upon receiving your Certificate of Completion, working for one year after completing the course, and coordinating 6 weddings with letters of recommendation, your Professional Title is achieved. Certification is available after working two years as a consultant, completing twelve more weddings and obtaining eight additional letters of recommendation. A Certification Project, assigned by the Director, must be completed successfully. This process assures that the most dedicated will achieve the greatest goal.
(hide this answer) - Can I still get certified if I do not live in California?
- Where and when are your classes held?
Check our Calendar of Events for the next class. Presently, our five-day classes are held three times a year in Los Gatos, California, West Hollywood, California, and Atlanta, Georgia.
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