Becoming a Trained Wedding Planner

1. Applicant has successfully completed an approved course of study for wedding planners

2. Main focus is wedding planning

3. Has been in business for a minimum of one year

4. Can show proof of liability insurance

5. Has completed membership application including stated approval of the AACWP Code of Ethics

6. Has Board of Directors approval

7. Payment of AACWP’s membership fees

 

Becoming a Certified Wedding Planner

CWP status may be granted to independent wedding planners, catering managers or church coordinators as long as the applicant can fully meet the following criteria:

1. Completion of one (1) year of TWP membership in good standing to include the equivalent of four continuing education hours.

2. Proof of full-service wedding planning of three (3) recent weddings within the past 18-month period. Provide copies of a signed agreement between the planner and the bride for each wedding, a wedding planning calendar or timeline for each wedding, a budget for each wedding, and verification of planning meetings with at least two vendors for each bride.

3. If the applicant is a current TWP member and took the AACWP training course, he or she must have completed two favorable mentorships with current CWP’s or CMWP’s on the mentor list of AACWP. The evaluation forms should be included from both mentorships.

4. Supply copies of the following:

a. Two letters of referrals or appreciation notes from Brides whose weddings were within the last twelve (12) months.

b. Tax ID number

c. Proof of current general liability insurance

d. Evidence of advertising, including a copy of such

e. Evidence of an account established with two national suppliers

5. AACWP application processing fee ~ $50 ~ Applicant will be invoiced upon receipt of materials.

 

Becoming a Certified Master Wedding Planner

1. Must be an active AACWP Certified Wedding Planner for a period of five (5) years.

2. Must serve at least one full term (two years) of office on the AACWP Board of Directors or one term on a recognized Board of Directors from a wedding or wedding-related industry Board.

3. Written recommendation from two (2) CMWP members in good standing. Contact AACWP’s Membership Chairperson for a list of these members.

4. Provide documentation or a portfolio of three (3) recent full-service weddings completed within the past 24 months. The following information should be included:

a. Signed agreement between the planner and the bride

b. Wedding calendar or timeline

c. Wedding budget

d. Vendor contact list

e. Verification of planning meetings with two vendors

f. Photographs of the weddings prepared as an inspiration board not to exceed one page. Include the contact information for the photographer.

5. Successful completion of written examination

6. Oral interview with a panel of AACWP members, including two CMWP's if possible.

7. Publication of wedding advice in a book, news article or magazine. Provide a copy of one of these documents.

8. Preparation and presentation of a wedding-related or event-related educational program. Provide a copy of the presentation, the date and time of the presentation, and the name and contact number of the organization to which it was presented.

9. Letters of recommendation from three (3) vendors. AACWP will provide a form as a guideline for recommendation and information to complete this form.

10. AACWP application processing fee ~ $75 ~ Applicant will be invoiced upon receipt of materials.