ABC July 2024 Member Newsletter

ABC Monthly Member Newsletter

Happy July!

The heat in NC can unbearable in July, August, and sometimes in September. This year the heat started early in June. Couples who have weddings during the hot summer months try to accommodate their guests by having things inside, but you do have many more who want to get married outside in the summer months.

Over the years I've realized that not all of my clients will try to accommodate their guests during the heat. The thinking "it's only 20 minutes they will be fine" concept still runs rampant.

However, as the smart business person you are taking advantage of this opportunity could be key for future events for you. If your couple does not provide a water station at the outdoor ceremony, speak to your caterer and see what the cost would be and provide it yourself. If you do don't forget to post a little sign there that says " Provided by...(your company name here)" Add a little QR code to your website.

If that isn't possible, try bottled water with your company logo on it, small fans, with your company logo, etc. If you offer these conveniences that cost you a little but allow you an opportunity to book your next event it's a win!

Be sure to also add some cool packs and electrolyte beverages to your emergency kit during the summer months.

HEART AWARD & PENNER SCHOLARSHIP - LAST CHANCE!!

2023 Heart Award Winner Jacqueline Vazquez, MWP surrounded by past Heard Award recipients (Photo: Jesart Photography)

2023 Penner Scholarship Recipients - Albriana Youyoute (far left) and Hannah Sanders (far right) pictured with Selection Committee members Mary Charmoli, MWP and Lois Pearce, MWP (Photo: Jesart Photography

Heart Award - Nominate a deserving ABC member!

This prestigious award, previously called the Miss Dorothy Penner Award, is presented to an ABC member each year who demonstrates the greatest passion for the industry. Members must be nominated by their peers and then the winner is selected by the Heart Award Committee.

Know someone who you think is deserving of this recognition? Qualities you may want to consider when thinking of who you may want to nominate:

High professional standards and ethics
Passion for the wedding industry
Cooperates and shares with other members
Has a “heart” for the industry
Hungry for knowledge, the latest trends, etiquette, and new ideas
Seeks advice from peers and gives oneself to those peers
Sees competition as a way to polish marketing skills, rather than the enemy
Never says “What’s in it for me”
Believes learning never stops
Active member of ABC, attends local meetings and annual conference

Please be sure to CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE a deserving member. (Deadline to nominate a member: August 15th, 2024)

Penner Scholarship - Open to Registered Wedding Planners / Vendors

The Penner Scholarship was established by the late Dorothy Penner, (known to many as Miss Dorothy), a long-time Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) member who died of cancer in 1998. Miss Dorothy was an ardent supporter of ABC and advocate of participation in the annual conference. The establishment of this scholarship by Miss Dorothy enables your association to award scholarship(s) each year.

Over the years, many members have continued to donate funds in memory of Miss Dorothy and her philosophy. Thank you to the many states and local ABC groups that have contributed to this fund. Our association and industry only get better when we educate.

These scholarships are awarded to registered wedding planners or registered wedding vendors, allowing them to attend the World of Weddings Conference. The scholarship covers conference fees and provides a stipend toward your hotel stay and travel expenses. CLICK HERE TO APPLY (Deadline to apply: July 31st, 2024)

Room Block Program Update

We understand that every wedding planner or wedding professional doesn't want to set up room blocks for their clients.

What if you had the opportunity but didn't have to do the work?

You can now submit room block requests online and a member will email you back with confirmation and/or questions on your submission!

You'll split the commission!

WORLD OF WEDDINGS

UNITE - EDUCATE - EMPOWER

**REMINDER** Payments are due! You can sign into your online account and see the outstanding invoices. If you need different payment arrangements please contact Michole at 336-690-5510.

Exciting News for 2025!

We're now scheduling speaker interviews for 2025 World of Weddings while you are attending 2024 World of Weddings!

Ready to be a future speaker? Already a great speaker and want to show us your stuff?

The Speaker Submissions portal is now open. Conference attendees get top priority, so don't miss out!

For those already booked please fill out the transportation form Aug 31st.

July Calendar Of Events For Members

[POSTPONED] July 2nd - Passport to Profits: Scaling Your Travel Business
July 9th - North Carolina Lunch & Learn
July 10th - Ask The Experts Webinar
July 15th - ABC Indiana/Kentucky Bowties, Boutonnieres & Bubbles
July 16th - Member Mumblings - Stop by and ask questions about your membership!
July 18th - Master... Mind Meeting (for Master Wedding Planners/Vendors only)
July 23rd - ABC Florida/Tampa Bay NACE July Educational Luncheon
July 25th - ABC Indiana/Kentucky - Coming Up Roses

ASK THE EXPERTS WEBINAR

You are invited to attend our first “Ask the Experts” webinar on July 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. This is an opportunity to ask a panel of experts about some of the challenges you may be experiencing in your business. No matter where we are in our business, we have all experienced challenges and problems and this is an opportunity to ask an expert who may provide the exact insight that you need to move through that challenges or respond to your problem. There are no points for attending this webinar but you can leave with valuable information to help in the growth of your business.

Be sure to attend local meetings and online webinars! All webinar replays are listed under the Member Portal tab of the website!

Membership & Penn Foster Students Update

Thank you for selecting the Association of Bridal Consultants as a partner in your business success! As you go through this wedding season feel free to share our membership flyer (Download Here) with your colleagues.

We are in constant recruitment mode! Kindly send to either culture@abcweddingplanners.com or members@abcweddingplanners.com the names and email addresses of businesses to whom we may share our information.

For our Penn Foster (ICA) members, Sandee Monahan, MWP is your liaison to answer questions about how the Association may help with your business growth, what may happen after your complimentary membership period ends, and how to continue your membership.

Sandee is a Penn Foster graduate and knows firsthand how you are feeling. Her office hours – just for you – will be Thursday, July 11 from 1-3 pm (EST), and Wednesday, July 17 from 6-8 pm (EST). Contact her at 412-974-8921/724-934-1432 or smonahan_abcinpa@comcast.net to set a time to chat, or call during those office hours.

Questions about membership? Feel free to contact Michole Council, PWP - Membership Liaison: members@abcweddingplanners.com or Lois Pearce, MWP - VP Membership: culture@abcweddingplanners.com

Important Blog & News Articles

Have you been reading our blog? Catch up on a few great articles!

Be A Guest At Your Own Wedding Brochures...

For many years you could purchase these pre-printed brochures to showcase and use at wedding shows you attend. Now we've gone through and updated them, BUT you (as an ABC member) can download and print them at your own expense to use at wedding shows!

Download Brochure

Cathy's Corner

Writing Captivating Content - The Power of Hooks and Headlines

If you've been navigating the bustling world of social media, you know how crucial it is to make your posts stand out. It's no longer enough to just post a pretty picture. Amidst the endless sea of content, how do you ensure your post grabs attention and leaves a lasting impression? The answer lies in an eye-catching hook or headline. Let's explore why they're essential, and how to use them authentically and relevantly, without venturing into clickbait territory.

Why Hooks And Headlines Matter

GRAB ATTENTION INSTANTLY: In the fast-scrolling universe of social media, you have mere seconds (or less) to capture someone's attention. a compelling hook or headline serves as a magnet, drawing your audience in and enticing them to read more. It's the difference between your post being noticed or merely skimmed past.
SET THE TONE AND BUILD CURIOSITY: A well-crafted headline not only grabs attention but also sets the tone for what's to come. It should pique curiosity, giving your audience a reason to stop and engage. Think of it as an invitation to a beautiful wedding - the entrance needs to be intriguing enough to make people want to see more.

Staying Authentic and Relevant

BE GENUINE: It's pivotal that your headlines reflect the true essence of your content. Authenticity builds trust and fosters a deeper connection with your audience. Share real moments from weddings you've planned, funny behind-the-scenes anecdotes, or heartfelt client testimonials. Authenticity resonates deeply with people, especially in the emotionally charged field of weddings.
RELEVANCE IS KEY: Ensure your headlines are relevant to your audience's interests and needs. If you're targeting couples getting married, think about what concerns or excites them - perhaps tips on picking venue, or the latest wedding fashion trends. Relevant content keeps your audience engaged and positions you as a trusted expert in your niche.
AVOID CLICKBAIT AT ALL COSTS: Focus on integrity over hype. While it might be tempting to use sensational headlines for more clicks, clickbait often leads to disappointment and mistrust. Instead, focus on creating headlines that promise what your content actually delivers. Integrity and trustworthiness will always win over a disappointed audience.

Examples of Effective Headlines

These headlines are tailored to pique curiosity, provide value, and set the right expectations - all while being authentic and relevant to your audience.

5 Essential Tips for Planning a Stunning Outdoor Wedding
Surprising Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony
Behind The Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Wedding Planner
7 Budget-Friendly Tips for Planning Your Dream Wedding
Is This The Secret to a Perfect Wedding Day? Find Out Now!
5 Must-Have Wedding Trends for 2024 You Can't Miss
Your Ultimate Guide to Stunning Wedding Decor

Crafting captivating and compelling hooks or headlines for your social media posts can significantly enhance your engagement and reach. Remember to be authentic, stay relevant, and steer clear of clickbait. Your audience with appreciate your honesty and the valuable insights you share.

Have social media questions you want or need answered? Be sure to send them Cathy's way at socialmedia@abcweddingplanners.com.

Wedding Planner Tool of the Month - Constant Contact

If you currently use constant contact as an email marketing tool. You can save 10% on your monthly bill; 20% if you do the 6 month prepay option or 25% if you do the yearly prepay!

This is a great opportunity to save a little $$.

All you need to do is email President@abcweddingplanners.com - put the subject as constant contact and supply the email address you sign into your account with. We'll have them add the discount to your account within a couple of days!

If you don't use constant contact but want to then you can click below to sign up and get the same savings!

Constant Contact

Travel Benefit Updates

CONGRATULATIONS - to our contest winner Melda Fischer! Melda has won a spot on the ABC Delegation to the IBTM Conference in Mexico City. Our colleagues at ABC Latin America have sponsored the conference fee, airfare, and hotel for this prize!

REMINDER- All of the replays for our Passport to Profits Travel Training Series, including the NEW & UPDATED 2024 Procedures for room blocks (Group Travel), are included in your ABC Membership and available in the Passport to Profits course linked here: https://abcweddingplanners.thinkific.com/courses/passports-to-profits-an-abc-member-benefit.

DON’T FORGET - For travel bookings of any kind, including Room Blocks, you MUST sign the Travel Agreement. WITHOUT SIGNING THE ABC TRAVEL AGREEMENT, YOU ARE PROHIBITED FROM USING ABC’S IATA NUMBER AND WILL NOT EARN COMMISSION. The Agreement can be found on our ABC Travel Page: https://www.abcweddingplanners.com/travelbenefits

ABC Job Board

A reminder to all members that we put together a Job Board on the ABC website. This is an area for you to post jobs that you are looking for help with. Types of jobs that you may want to consider posting include:

Wedding day assistance
Virtual or in-person assistance with ongoing tasks for your wedding business
Social media management
Website design and development
Part-time or full-time positions with your business
Bookkeeping or accounting assistance

Job postings will be approved within 24 to 48 hours, and then ABC members interested in applying can reach out to you specifically.

We have members with a variety of skill sets. Let's work on connecting the right people with one another to help you scale your business and succeed!

For more information, please look under the Members Portal on our website under the Job Board itself to see upcoming jobs or Post A Job if you have a position to advertise.

Wedding Protector Plan wedding insurance protects couples from unforeseen mishaps such as catastrophic weather, lost deposits, illness, liability, and more.

www.ProtectMyWedding.com

Happy Planning!!