ABC Monthly Newsletter

SPRING IS HERE!

It's truly remarkable to witness the evolution and growth within our ABC community, the progress we've made is undeniable. From the many interactions among members to the widespread participation in courses and meetings across the country, the momentum we have is truly inspiring.


The surge in earned designations further solidifies our commitment to excellence and continuous learning. Let's continue to embrace this positive trajectory and celebrate the collective achievements that propel us forward!

HEART AWARD & PENNER SCHOLARSHIP

Heart Award

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

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, 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)

Financial Florish: Empowering Wedding Planners


Wedding planners play a crucial role in creating unforgettable wedding moments. However, financial stability is just as important for your success. Join this interactive workshop to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for effectively handling your finances. By attending, you'll enhance your ability to make informed financial decisions and safeguard your financial future.

SIgn Up Today!


WORLD OF WEDDINGS

UNITE - EDUCATE - EMPOWER


So now the speakers have been announced! If you haven't seen it be sure to check it out on our website HERE.


In addition a tentative schedule with some "sneak peeks" has been added, this is also on our website HERE.


If you haven't signed up to attend the World of Weddings yet please do so! You don't want to miss out on this opportunity to invest in yourself and your business!

Attend - WOW!

May Calendar Of Events For Members

Sign up or learn more about our upcoming events HERE.


  • ABC MD/DC Spring Meeting 2024 - May 1st, 2024
  • Financial Flourish: Empowering Wedding Planners [Zoom Webinar] - May 6th, 2024
  • ABC Florida Educational Luncheon - May 7th, 2024
  • ABC NC Lunch & Learn - May 7th, 2024
  • ABC PA State Meeting Lunch & Learn - May 7th, 2024
  • ABC Louisiana Fiesta Networking Meeting - May 7th, 2024
  • Passport To Profits: Working With Suppliers [Zoom Webinar] - May 7th, 2024
  • ABC IL Tablescape and Design Trends - May 7th, 2024
  • ABC Georgia - May Networking Event - May 8th, 2024
  • Booking Travel With Classic Vacations [Zoom Webinar] - May 28th, 2024


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


Important Blog & News Articles

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





Wedding Planner Magazine


Share your ABC news!


Share your achievements in the media, honors, and other industry-related tidbits in our ABC News section.


Deadline: To be considered for publication, all responses must be received by May 8, 2024 


You must be an ABC member in good standing to submit for this section. We reserve the right to reject information that is not complete or appropriate for this magazine section.

SUBMIT HERE

Industry Trends


Our everchanging landscape has been pretty consistent since 2020 but I'm sure that is about to change!


Micro Weddings & Elopements: Couples are opting for micro weddings or elopements, focusing on close family and friends in more personal settings.


Sustainable Weddings: There's a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable weddings. Couples are incorporating environmentally friendly practices into their wedding planning, such as using recycled materials, choosing local vendors, and reducing waste.


Virtual Elements: Virtual wedding elements, such as live-streamed ceremonies and virtual guest appearances, have become more common, allowing couples to include distant loved ones in their celebrations.


Unique Venues: Couples are seeking out non-traditional wedding venues, such as vineyards, barns, museums, and even private homes, to add a unique touch to their special day.


Personalized Experiences: Personalization continues to be a significant trend in weddings. Couples are incorporating meaningful details and elements that reflect their personalities, interests, and cultural backgrounds into their ceremonies and receptions.


Weekday Weddings: To accommodate venue availability and budget constraints, some couples are choosing to host their weddings on weekdays rather than traditional weekend dates.


Intimate Dining Experiences: Sit-down dinners and family-style meals are making a comeback, providing couples and their guests with an intimate dining experience that fosters connection and conversation.


Inclusive Wedding Planning: There's a growing emphasis on inclusivity and diversity in wedding planning, with couples seeking vendors and venues that are welcoming and supportive of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities.


Technology Integration: From virtual wedding planning tools to online RSVP platforms and custom QR Codes, couples are leveraging technology to streamline the wedding planning process and enhance the guest experience.


Alternative Entertainment: Non-traditional entertainment options, such as interactive live performers, and themed activities, are gaining popularity as couples look for unique ways to entertain their guests.


Bridal Fashion Trends: Recent bridal fashion trends include statement sleeves, minimalist designs, jumpsuits, and sustainable fabrics. Additionally, there's a growing interest in vintage and retro-inspired wedding attire.


These trends reflect the evolving preferences and priorities of couples as they plan their weddings in today's dynamic landscape.


CATHY'S CORNER: NAVIGATING THE SOCIAL MEDIA MAZE - FINDING YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS


Let's have a heart-to-heart about the sometimes bewildering journey we take on Instagram and other social media platforms. It's no secret that the digital landscape can feel like a never-ending maze, with dead-ends lurking around every corner.


  • What should I post about?
  • How can I keep up with the ever-evolving tech?
  • Staying on top of trends is a constant challenged.
  • Hashtags - which one do I use or do we use them or not?
  • Time management feels like an endless battle.
  • Imposter syndrome can creep in when we least expect it.


We've all been there, feeling like we're in a labyrinth with no clear way out. It's okay to acknowledge these challenges. Just remember, you're not alone in this!


But there's a beautiful part: When you finally emerge from the maze, the feeling of success is beyond compare. Those late nights, self-doubt, and learning curves are all simply part of the journey.


  • Your content inspires and educates others.
  • You've embraced the ever-changing tech landscape and survived!
  • Trendsetting comes second nature.
  • You've mastered the art of hashtags.
  • Your time is spent efficiently and effectively.
  • Imposter syndrome? You've conquered it!


So keep pushing forward. Embrace the journey, and don't be afraid to ask for help along the way. You never know the exit to success is just around the corner!


If you have a question, please reach out. I'm only an email (socialmedia@abcweddingplanners.com) or DM away.


Cathy

Happy Planning!!


Association of Bridal Consultants WEBSITE

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