The ABC Insider — Your Monthly Member Connection

A New Year, A Stronger Path Forward

Message From The President

As we step into a new year, I want to take a moment to welcome you back — or welcome you forward — into what’s possible for your career with the Association of Bridal Consultants.

A new year brings fresh energy, renewed focus, and the opportunity to move forward with intention. At ABC, our mission remains clear: to support wedding professionals through education, community, and professional standards that elevate both individual careers and the industry as a whole.

This year isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing things with intention, support, and professionalism. You don’t have to build your career alone, and you don’t have to guess your next step.

We’re here to walk that path with you.

Warmly,

Veronica M. Foster, MWP

President, Association of Bridal Consultants

Education & Courses

Build Your Professional Edge in 2026!

Certified Wedding & Event Planner Course

A 10-week immersive course designed to equip aspiring event professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in the event planning industry

Signature Wedding & Event Design

This course takes students on a captivating journey, offering a detailed, step-by-step exploration of the processes, pricing formulas, and design techniques employed by expert event designers.

Destination Wedding Certification

This program is your passport to making dreams come true anywhere in the world. Discover how to expand your portfolio of services and embark on a global adventure to design beautiful dream weddings in extraordinary locations.

View All Courses

Community & Connection

You're Not Building This Alone

Jan 8: ABC Annual Town Hall Meeting (Online)

This live session will cover the progress ABC has made over the past year, the direction we are heading next, and how current industry trends are shaping new opportunities for our members. You’ll hear directly from ABC leadership about education, travel, and room block income opportunities, upcoming webinars, the ABC Podcast, chapter development, and what to expect at World of Weddings 2026 and beyond.

Jan 10: ABC NC Vision Board Party (Online)

Create from the comfort of your home as you design either:

A Vision Board – Based on visual manifestation
A Prayer Board - Rooted in faith and intention

Show up ready to reflect, create, and declare your vision!

✔ Motivational Messages

✔ Interactive Games & Guided Prompts

✔ Guests Provide Their Own Materials

Jan 13: Pathway to Accrediation (Online)

Wooden pathway and clear water in National Park Plitvice Lakes in autumn_ Croatia

As Vice President of Education for the ABC MD/DC Region, I am excited to invite you to Pathway to Accreditation: A Monthly Accountability & Coaching Circle for Accredited and Master Wedding Planner Candidates.

These monthly sessions are designed exclusively for planners and vendors who are preparing to submit their Accredited Wedding Planner (AWP) qualifying binder or to deliver their Master Wedding Planner (MWP) presentation.

Jan 14: Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive Resort (WOW Host!)

Ready to confidently sell destination weddings at Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive?

Join ABC on January 14 for an exclusive partner webinar featuring Marriott All-Inclusive Resorts.

Learn how to position, sell, and plan weddings at this sought-after destination with confidence.

Jan 21: Puerto Rico - Coffee & Conversations (In Person)

Join us for a hands-on Coffee & Conversation where we’ll dive into the ABC Designation Point System and show you how to level up your membership — from Registered to Professional!

You’ll leave with your points organized, your documents in order, and a clear path toward your next designation.

Bring your supporting documents
Review your points and progress
Network with your fellow ABC members over coffee and conversation!

Jan 19: Georgia: New Year - New Goals (Virtual)

Join us for a hands-on Coffee & Conversation where we’ll dive into the ABC Designation Point System and show you how to level up your membership — from Registered to Professional!

You’ll leave with your points organized, your documents in order, and a clear path toward your next designation.

Bring your supporting documents
Review your points and progress
Network with your fellow ABC members over coffee and conversation!

Jan 30: Indiana Midwest Retreat (In Person)

Midwest and Midnights at the West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Resort.

So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment & join us for the 2026 Midwest Retreat.

The ABC Midwest Retreat is in its 12th Era. Each year approximately fifty attendees gather from the wedding industry at the French Lick Resort. The attendees historically are compromised of planners / designers, venues / caterers and other wedding professionals including florists, photographers, filmmakers, stationers, pastry artists etc.

View All Upcoming Events

ABC Weddings Unveiled Podcast

Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the wedding industry with ABC Weddings Unveiled, the official podcast of the Association of Bridal Consultants! Whether you're a seasoned wedding planner, a budding entrepreneur, or a vendor looking to grow your business, this podcast is your go-to source for industry trends, expert insights, and business strategies.

In each episode, we’ll dive into real wedding stories, chat with industry leaders, and share practical advice to help you elevate your wedding business. Stay ahead of the trends, learn from the best, and connect with a community of passionate professionals who make weddings unforgettable.

Want to be on the show?

Be Featured

Trendsetter Awards

Where the Best Inspire the Rest

The Heart Award

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Wedding of the Year

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Agency Champion

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

View All Awards & How to Nominate!

WHAT'S NEW AT ABC THIS YEAR

We’re entering the year with momentum and clarity. Here’s a look at what’s ahead:

Expanded education pathways for planners at every stage
Continued focus on professional standards and credibility
Growing opportunities in destination weddings and travel
Ongoing webinars, community connections, and mentorship
Increased ways for members to get involved, recognized, and supported

Everything we do this year is designed to help you grow intentionally — not in isolation.

Learn More - Attend The Town Hall

Don't Forget!

You can also catch up on more by reading the ABC Notebook and watching webinars that you may have missed..

The ABC Notebook

Webinar Replays

Ways To Show Up This Year

Your membership opens the door to more than education. This year, consider stepping into the community by:

Submitting real weddings or articles
Speaking or teaching
Participating in webinars
Volunteering or serving on committees
Attending the World of Weddings Conference
Connecting locally or virtually with fellow members.

There is space for you here — in a way that fits your goals and your season.

Learn More

Thank you for being part of the ABC family!

Your membership powers the next generation of wedding professionals.

Renew or Upgrade Your Membership

Here's to a Year of Intention, Growth & Support!

Thank you for being part of the ABC community. We are excited for what this year holds and honored to support your professional journey.

Let’s make this a year of clarity, confidence, and connection — together.