Top 10 Wedding Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for a wedding consultant in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and professionalism to potential employers. Certification also shows that the consultant is knowledgeable about the industry, has experience in planning weddings, and is up-to-date on current trends and best practices. Certifications provide a competitive edge in the job market, as they demonstrate to employers that the consultant has taken initiative to hone their skills and become an expert in their field. They also provide assurance to clients that their wedding will be planned by someone with the right qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Wedding Consultants and explain how they can contribute to a wedding consultant's career development.

What are Wedding Consultant Certifications?

Wedding Consultant Certification is a program that provides training and education for individuals who wish to become wedding consultants. This certification can help individuals learn the necessary skills, knowledge, and techniques required to become a successful wedding consultant. The certification covers topics such as wedding planning, budgeting, marketing, vendor relations, customer service, event management, and more.

The certification can help individuals gain the confidence and skills needed to start their own businesses or work as an assistant to an established wedding planner. It also helps them understand the legalities of running a business in the wedding industry. By completing this certification program, individuals will be able to develop their knowledge of the industry and be better prepared for any challenges they may face when starting their own business or working as an assistant.

Having this certification can also help individuals stand out from other job applicants when looking for a job in the wedding industry. It shows potential employers that they have taken the time to learn about all aspects of the business and have acquired a certain level of expertise in the field.

Pro Tip: When looking into a wedding consultant certification, make sure the program is accredited and has been evaluated by an independent organization. This will ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality and will help you stand out in the industry.

Related: What does a Wedding Consultant do?

Top 10 Wedding Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Wedding Consultants today.

1. Certified Wedding Consultant (CWC) from the Association of Bridal Consultants

The Certified Wedding Consultant (CWC) designation is a professional certification offered by the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). It is designed to recognize wedding professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the wedding industry. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of wedding planning, design, budgeting, marketing, and other related topics.

To obtain the CWC designation, applicants must complete an online course and pass a comprehensive exam. The course consists of 10 modules which cover topics such as event planning basics, client relations, event design and production, budgeting and financial management, marketing and promotion, legal aspects of weddings, risk management and more. The course takes approximately 40 hours to complete.

Once the course is completed successfully, applicants are eligible to take the exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering all areas of wedding planning. Applicants must score at least 80% on the exam in order to receive their CWC designation.

The cost for the CWC program is $799 USD for ABC members ($899 USD for non-members). This fee includes access to the online course materials as well as one attempt at the final exam. Additional attempts at the exam can be purchased for an additional fee.

2. Certified Professional Wedding Consultant (CPWC) from the International Association of Professional Wedding Consultants

The Certified Professional Wedding Consultant (CPWC) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Professional Wedding Consultants (IAPWC). The CPWC program provides wedding consultants with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to be successful in the wedding industry.

The CPWC program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level consists of an online course and a final exam. The Basic level covers topics such as wedding etiquette, budgeting and planning timelines. The Intermediate level covers topics such as vendor selection and contracts, marketing strategies, and event production. The Advanced level covers topics such as business development, legal issues, and customer service.

It typically takes about two months to complete all three levels of the CPWC program. However, it is possible to complete the courses in less time if you are able to dedicate more time to studying.

To get started on the CPWC program, you must first become a member of IAPWC by signing up for their annual membership plan. Membership costs $99 per year and includes access to all three levels of the certification program as well as other benefits such as discounts on products and services from IAPWC partners.

Once you have signed up for membership, you can begin taking courses at any level that you choose. Each course costs $199 per level and includes access to online lectures, videos, quizzes and practice tests that will help you prepare for the final exam.

Once you have successfully completed all three levels of the CPWC program, you will receive your official certification from IAPWC which will be valid for one year from the date of completion.

3. Certified Event and Wedding Planning Professional (CEWPP) from the American Academy of Event and Wedding Professionals

The Certified Event and Wedding Planning Professional (CEWPP) from the American Academy of Event and Wedding Professionals is a professional certification program that provides specialized training for event and wedding planners. It is designed to help professionals develop the skills needed to plan, manage, and execute successful events.

The CEWPP certification program consists of an online course that covers topics such as budgeting, contracts, marketing, client relations, and more. The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate showing that you have successfully completed the program.

In order to get certified as a CEWPP from the American Academy of Event and Wedding Professionals, you must first enroll in the online course. The cost of enrollment is $299 USD. Once enrolled in the program, you will have access to all of the materials necessary to complete the course. After completing the coursework, you will be required to take an exam in order to become certified.

Once you have passed your exam and been certified as a CEWPP from the American Academy of Event and Wedding Professionals, you will receive a digital certificate which can be used for professional purposes such as job applications or résumés. You will also be listed on their website as a certified professional planner.

4. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) from the International Live Events Association

The Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is an industry-recognized certification program offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of special events professionals. The CSEP designation is a mark of distinction that sets you apart from other event professionals.

To earn the CSEP designation, you must have a minimum of five years of documented experience in the special events field, as well as complete an extensive application process that includes submitting documentation for your work history and references. Once approved, you will need to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as event planning, management, marketing, budgeting, legal issues and more.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the entire process from start to finish. The cost for the CSEP program varies depending on your ILEA membership status; however, it generally ranges between $500 - $1,000 USD.

5. Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) from the Convention Industry Council

The Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Convention Industry Council (CIC). The CMP program is designed to recognize and promote the skills, knowledge, and abilities of meeting professionals. It provides a standard of excellence in the industry, and demonstrates an individual's commitment to their profession.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The eligibility requirements include having at least three years of full-time experience in meeting or event planning within the last five years, or two years of part-time experience within the last five years. Individuals must also have completed at least 25 hours of continuing education related to meeting or event planning during that time period.

The CMP exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as meeting management, logistics, contracts and negotiations, risk management, financial management, technology, professional development and ethics. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To apply for the CMP certification program, individuals must submit an application form along with documentation proving their eligibility requirements have been met. Applicants must also pay a fee which covers both the application processing costs and exam fees. The fee for 2021 is $450 USD for CIC members or $550 USD for non-members.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam they will be awarded their CMP credential. This credential is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education credits every three years.

6. Master Bridal Consultant (MBC) from The Bridal Society

The Master Bridal Consultant (MBC) certification from The Bridal Society is a comprehensive program designed to help wedding professionals become experts in the field. It is an online course that consists of 5 modules, each focusing on different aspects of the wedding planning process.

The program takes approximately 6-8 months to complete and requires a commitment of at least 10 hours per week. Students must complete all modules and pass an exam in order to receive the MBC certification.

In order to enroll in the program, students must have completed either The Bridal Society’s Wedding Planning Certification or another industry recognized wedding planning certification program. Additionally, they must have at least 2 years of experience working as a wedding planner or coordinator.

The cost for the Master Bridal Consultant Program is $2,000 USD.

7. Certified Wedding Planner (CWP) from the Weddings Beautiful Worldwide

Certified Wedding Planner (CWP) from Weddings Beautiful Worldwide is a professional certification program that provides wedding planners with the knowledge and skills to plan, coordinate, and manage weddings. The program includes online training modules, practical workshops, and an exam.

The program takes approximately 12 months to complete. It consists of two phases: the Online Training Phase and the Practical Workshop Phase. During the Online Training Phase, students will complete six online training modules covering topics such as wedding planning basics, budgeting and contracts, marketing and sales, event design and styling, venue selection, vendor management, and more. After completing the online training modules, students will move on to the Practical Workshop Phase which consists of four days of hands-on workshops in which they will learn how to plan a real wedding from start to finish.

To get Certified Wedding Planner (CWP) from Weddings Beautiful Worldwide you must first register for the program by submitting an application form along with payment. Once accepted into the program you will be given access to the online training modules where you can begin your studies. After completing all six modules you will then move onto the Practical Workshop Phase where you can attend four days of hands-on workshops in order to gain experience in planning a real wedding. Once all requirements are completed successfully you can take an exam in order to obtain your CWP certification.

The cost for Certified Wedding Planner (CWP) from Weddings Beautiful Worldwide is $2199 USD which includes access to all six online training modules as well as four days of hands-on workshops during the Practical Workshop Phase.

8. Accredited Bridal Consultant (ABC) from The Bridal Consulting Institute

The Accredited Bridal Consultant (ABC) from The Bridal Consulting Institute is a professional certification program for wedding planners. It is designed to provide bridal consultants with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to become successful wedding professionals.

The ABC program requires completion of 10 courses, which can be taken online or in-person. Each course covers topics such as wedding planning fundamentals, etiquette and protocol, budgeting and finance, marketing and sales, customer service and more. The courses are self-paced so you can complete them at your own speed.

To obtain the ABC certification, you must pass all 10 courses with a score of 75% or higher. Once you have completed all the courses successfully, you will receive your official ABC certificate from The Bridal Consulting Institute.

The cost of the ABC program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in-person. For online courses, it costs $1,495 for all 10 classes. For in-person classes, the cost is $2,495 for all 10 classes plus travel expenses if applicable.

In addition to completing the 10 courses required for certification, there is also an optional exam that can be taken to demonstrate mastery of the material covered in the program. This exam is not mandatory but can help set you apart from other bridal consultants when applying for jobs or seeking clients.

9. Professional Wedding Planner Certification (PWPC) from Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute

The Professional Wedding Planner Certification (PWPC) from Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning Institute is a comprehensive training program designed to provide wedding planners with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the wedding industry. The program consists of three parts: an online course, a hands-on workshop, and an exam.

The online course is divided into modules that cover topics such as budgeting, contracts, marketing, etiquette, and more. It takes approximately 10 weeks to complete the coursework at your own pace.

The hands-on workshop provides an immersive learning experience where you will work with experienced professionals on real-world projects. The workshop lasts two days and is held at various locations throughout the United States.

To receive your PWPC certification, you must pass the final exam which tests your knowledge of wedding planning principles and practices. The exam can be taken online or in person at select locations worldwide.

The cost of the PWPC certification program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online course or attend the workshop in person. The online course costs $795 USD while attending the hands-on workshop costs $1,495 USD.

10. Certificate in Event Design and Management from George Washington University

The Certificate in Event Design and Management from George Washington University is a professional certificate program designed to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to design, plan, and manage successful events. The program consists of five courses that are taken over the course of one year.

The courses cover topics such as event design, budgeting, marketing, risk management, and legal considerations. Students will learn how to create innovative event designs that meet their clients’ needs while staying within budget. They will also learn how to market their events effectively and manage potential risks. Finally, they will gain an understanding of the legal aspects of event planning.

To get the certificate, students must complete all five courses with a grade of “C” or higher. The cost for the program is $3,000 for tuition plus any additional fees associated with the courses.

Do You Really Need a Wedding Consultant Certificate?

A wedding consultant certificate is not a requirement for those wishing to pursue a career as a wedding consultant. However, it may be beneficial for certain individuals. The primary benefit of having a certification is that it can provide credibility and recognition to potential clients who are looking for an experienced professional to plan their special day.

For those who are serious about entering the field of wedding consulting, obtaining a certificate may be a wise investment. Not only will it demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the profession, but it can also give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or contracts with clients. A certification can also provide you with additional knowledge in the areas of event planning, budgeting, and customer service. This knowledge can help ensure that your clients receive the highest quality services possible.

If you are considering pursuing a career as a wedding consultant without obtaining a certificate, there are still many ways to gain experience and hone your skills in the field. Volunteering with local bridal boutiques or wedding venues is one way to gain valuable experience and show potential employers your dedication to the field. You may also want to consider taking courses on event planning or related topics at a local college or university. These courses can help you develop a better understanding of the industry and make you more marketable as a professional planner.

Ultimately, whether or not you need to obtain a wedding consultant certificate depends on your individual goals and circumstances. If you have limited experience in the field, obtaining certification may be beneficial as it can provide credibility and recognition that could lead to job opportunities or better contracts with clients. If, however, you feel confident in your ability to succeed without formal training then pursuing other experiences such as volunteering or taking courses may be more appropriate for you.

Related: Wedding Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Wedding Consultant Certifications

1. What is a wedding consultant certification?

Answer: A wedding consultant certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide professional advice and services related to planning weddings.

2. What are the benefits of having a wedding consultant certification?

Answer: Having a wedding consultant certification can help you stand out from other wedding consultants, demonstrate your professional qualifications, boost your credibility in the industry, and open up career opportunities.

3. How do I get certified as a wedding consultant?

Answer: To become certified as a wedding consultant, you will typically need to complete an accredited program or course in wedding planning and consulting, pass an exam or assessment, and meet any other requirements specific to the certifying organization.

4. How long does it take to obtain a wedding consultant certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain a wedding consultant certification varies depending on the program or course you choose; however, most programs can be completed within 6-12 months.

5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Most certifying organizations require that you participate in continuing education activities in order to maintain your certification status. These activities include attending workshops, seminars, conferences and participating in webinars or online courses related to the field of wedding planning and consulting.