What subjects are covered in the Weddings Beautiful Worldwide course?

TIME: Time is our most precious possession. This assignment helps you develop time consciousness.

DEVELOPING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN: All business begins with a plan. In addition to advice about getting started, there are detailed questionnaires for your wedding planning library and how to price and market your service.

YOUR BUSINESS FORMS AND CONTRACTS: Includes the forms you need to work with vendors and brides as well as sample contracts and brochures.

WEDDING INVITATIONS: This assignment prepares you to answer a bride's questions concerning wording and social correctness and to sell invitations if you choose to do so.

MENTAL POWER: The distance between the benefits of achievement and the level of mediocrity is entirely one of decision.

DEVELOPING WEDDING EXPERTISE: Covers vendors and weddings in general.

DIRECTING PROTESTANT AND MILITARY WEDDINGS: Includes charts and timetables for the wedding rehearsal and day of the wedding, plus instructions for all attendants.

DIRECTING CATHOLIC AND JEWISH WEDDINGS: Since both are quite different from a Protestant wedding, included is what you need to know to direct a wedding of these faiths.

DIRECTING AFRO-AMERICAN, HISPANIC AND ORTHODOX WEDDINGS: As people go back more and more to their "roots," wedding coordinators need to know some of the things to suggest for all types of weddings.

RECEPTIONS: Where? What kind? Food? Flowers? Decorating? All are covered in this chapter.

ALL ABOUT ETHNIC TRADITIONS AND THE HISTORY OF WEDDING TRADITIONS: Essential to know if you are serious about your business.

PHILOSOPHY OF SUCCESS: Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill reveals many of the secrets of the universe.

WEDDING FASHIONS: This chapter includes the five basic principles of fashion, plus illustrations, and a glossary of bridal gown and tuxedo details.

TABLETOP AND THE BRIDAL REGISTRY: A brief introduction to the three elements of tablesettings ­ dinnerware, stemware, and flatware, plus a glossary of terms and illustrations for setting a table correctly.

TALK LESS, SAY MORE: Skill in communication is a must if your business is to grow. Learn the art of speaking effectively.

DEVELOPING MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS: Learn the six basic techniques for managerial skills in business.

THE ULTIMATE YOU - PERSONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS: Weddings are a people related business. This chapter helps you take an inward look and assess your strengths and weaknesses as you learn more about what makes you and others tick.

FINAL EXAM

Will taking the course lead me into a full-time job?
It can. There are several options! Many work full-time as coordinators while others do so part-time. Some work strictly on a consulting basis by assisting the bride to plan and coordinate all parts of her wedding, including the recommendation of a florist, caterer, photographer, bridal shop, reception site, etc. Others choose to assist at the rehearsal, wedding and reception only. Many coordinators work full- or part-time in another wedding-related business and use the knowledge they gain from the Home Study course to serve brides more professionally, which then helps their primary business grow.

What determines success?
The foundation for success as a wedding coordinator is knowledge, which is also the basis of confidence. Confidence leads to professionalism, creativity, and excellence in all your work. Word-of-mouth recommendations and the establishment of your reputation as an authority on weddings follow naturally. Your progression in these areas is the goal of Weddings Beautiful Worldwide.

Am I offered membership in Weddings Beautiful Worldwide?
Yes. You are given six months' complimentary membership when you enroll in the Certification Program. You also have the option of remaining a part of our international membership network as a member of Weddings Beautiful Worldwide after that period. There are presently over 4,000 wedding coordinators in the National Bridal Service / Weddings Beautiful Worldwide network, the largest association of professional wedding coordinators in the world.

How long does it take to complete the course?
You proceed at your own pace. It is to your advantage to set a goal for completion and send the assignments in on a regular basis. From six months to a year is adequate, if you are serious about the course.

Do I receive any recognition for completing the course?
After the 18 assignments have been graded (and the grades are satisfactory), you receive the title "Certified Wedding Specialist" with a prestigious certificate suitable for framing. Should the questions be answered unsatisfactorily, you are sent a new questionnaire and asked to study the material again before completing it. You must pass all assignments. Our goal is to help you become a Professional Wedding Coordinator, so all assignments must have a passing grade before you receive your certification.