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!!!

RSVP Event Planning by Kathy

RSVP Event Planning by Kathy

Springfield MO 2010 Jingle Bail: Kathy Nolder

Springfield MO 2010 Jingle Bail: Kathy Nolder . I am going to JAIL 12/09/2010 and YOU can HELP BAIL ME OUT!! MDA is sponsoring their 3rd annual Lock-Up and someone(wait until I find out!!) turned me in for having a "big heart." Thank you for checking out the webpage. Kathy

Radio Spot.....Take Two

11/17/2010 - Extremely excited when I received a second request from Fotsch and McClain to "appear" on a local radio station (Power 96.5) to discuss Thank You note etiquette and after-wedding information later this week!!!!   http://www.power965.com/

11/19/2010 - Once again, I groggily shut off my alarm clock at 5:00 a.m. so I could be at the radio station by 7:00 a.m.  Fotsch had married in September and was asking when Thank You notes should be mailed out, since theirs were not sent out at the time of the broadcast (right before Thanksgiving).  He was betting his new wife she should already have them out, and so we talked about an appropriate amount of time as well as the fact that HE should also feel free to help her write the notes.  He said, he had written... three...and did that count as doing his share.  LOLOLOL!  I told him, no that wasn't enough!!! 

Some after-wedding reminders shared included having the wedding dress cleaned and making sure names are changed and new information has been given to insurance companies, doctors, social security, etc.    We also mentioned that sometimes post wedding blues can be a problem.  After all that focus on "the bride and her day" and all the shopping and doing fun exciting things in preparation, that now it's over some women (more than men) feel a bit disappointed or down, which is a natural feeling.  We did determine that Fotsch was NOT suffering from post-wedding blues.   ;)

One last thing we talked about was the fact that many couples get engaged at Christmas time and they should be thinking about hiring a consultant.  It isn't just for large budget brides and even a DIY bride could use the services of an exceptional consultant to help keep her on track.  I was able to put a plug in for my business, as well as mention there are several other great wedding consultant/planners in Springfield, MO.   :)

McClain asked if it would be appropriate for her to have a wedding reception even if she wasn't getting married; buy a fancy dress, invite a bunch of friends and have them bring her gifts..... isn't that a birthday party???!!!


Fotsch and McClain are such a hoot!  It was such a fun show to do, and I appreciate them thinking of me.  I look forward to being on their show again next year.

SHOW ME the Bridal Shows....

Went to Joplin this past weekend to check out the MetBride Show there.  It was a bit smaller than anticipated, but was able to come away with a few ideas and information.  This weekend I am headed to Overland Park to check out the Perfect Wedding Guide show....they are advertising over 250 booths...WOW!!!
http://kansas-city.perfectweddingguide.com/events/bridal-shows/8208/

Even though I can't take pictures I should be able to come across some ideas I can use in the future as well as obtaining some valuable information.  Next weekend it's the "All About Weddings" show in Springfield, MO.  Looking forward to being able to talk with local vendors and other local consultants.

 http://www.allaboutweddingsmissouri.com/weddingshows

Networking is soooo important in making those all important working relationships.   ;)

it's in the mail.....

I spoke with Membership Services at ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) Friday and was told my Novice trial membership packet was in the mail to me!!!!  My free membership is for 6 months!!  Originally it was for only 3 months, but thanks to some changes I now will receive 6 months... Woohooo!

I also will have ALL the same benefits as a paid membership, except being at the Novice level I
I won't receive referrals of brides from ABC and I cannot use the ABC logo on my website, business cards or any literature (although I can use the words, a proud member of ABC).  Once I advance to Consultant level both restrictions will be lifted.  In the meantime I can search out internships with other consultants to earn experience and take full advantage of my trial membership.  I am THRILLED and hoping the packet will arrive soon.