ABC Heartland Regional tele-conference call #2

Stephanie Pence was the speaker on tonight's call.  She went over the benefits and importance of Brides and Grooms taking out wedding insurance.  Of course it does not cover cancellations because the couple changed their minds, but it does cover situations where sudden illness of the bridal couple or their parents cause them to cancel or postpone the event.  Also acts of God are covered if a snowstorm or hurricane prevents them from getting to where they need to be or even the venue being operational....it covers non-recoverable expenses...such as deposits, etc.  It also provides liability coverage, which some vendors and venues require the clients to provide coverage.

Basic coverage up to $7500 runs about $160 and there are higher levels of coverage available.  As with all insurance, good to have coverage that we hope we will never need to use.  If you presently have an insurance agent you can contact them to see if they offer this type of coverage, otherwise, you can contact Stephanie at Shifman Remley Associates out of Mission, Kansas for more information.

From Novice to Professional Bridal Consultant (TM)



Member, Association of Bridal Consultants

 Thought I better back-track a bit...

I finished my Penn Foster Bridal Consultant course in December 2010...I passed with 100% on ALL assignments and the final test!!!  So I received my diploma and have just upgraded from the Novice memberhsip to Consultant level and received the Professional Bridal Consultant (TM) title from the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).  I'm so excited.

I've looked through the training schedule and there is a New Horizons workshop in June or July that I want to attend.  Will be quite a drive, but I need to get the training.  In order to renew membership each year, a Consultant has to obtain at least 6 CEU so, I want to get started.  There is a Regional workshop in Kansas City later this month, however, finances are a bit tight so not sure if I will be attending or not, but there will be more opportunities down the road.   ;)  Registration is still open and available for ABC members and non-members...check it out online if you are a wedding planner or wedding vendor.  www.bridalassn.com/TakeASeminarA.aspx

Currently I am doing vendor research and preparing some information for the Battle of the Bridesmaid competition coming up in April/May, I believe, hosted by Power 96.5 with Fotsch and McClain.  Really looking forward to that.... they are always a hoot!!!

Heartland Regional tele-conference

Joined in for the first time on the ABC Heartland Region tele-conference call last night (Tuesday, 3/08/2011).  It was a question and answer session to share ideas with our counterparts in other areas of our region.  Some of the questions pertained to invoicing and database programs, internet advertising on popular social network pages, what kind of promotional giveaways are other consultants using, how many clients are handled on a monthly basis, and do you give your clients-to-be a deadline to sign a contract with you.

I felt it was very beneficial to be able to ask seasoned Consultants what they do, as well as the different ideas and opinions from various areas.  They also mentioned the ABC/Heartland Regional workshop that is happening later this month in Kansas City.  I would so love to go, but will probably have to miss this one.

I've marked my calendar for April's tele-conference call already and am looking forward to networking and learning more!!!

ABC Heartland Meeting

Just returned from training this weekend at Chateau on the Lake, Branson, MO.  Met some great Event and Wedding Planners and received good ideas and tips.  I am currently Taking the Bridal Consultant course through Penn Foster, which includes a 3-month Novice level membership to Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).  I should complete the course before the holidays and very excited that I am pursuing a dream.

At the meeting we became Certified Sandals Specialists and I definitely will be promoting this partnership with clients.  Honeymoons should be just as memorable as the wedding.   And I found out that Sandals (for couples only) and Beaches (for everyone, including kids) have special promotions and are luxury resorts affordable for all.    ;)   This Penny-Pinching Planner creating Party Pizzazz loves a fantastic value!!