Why Is It Important to Find a Certified Wedding Planner?

The below email was sent to me this evening from a potential Bride. I find it a sad state of affairs that the Planner / Consultant / Coordinator, whatever her title was...just left this bride (and all of her other brides) without a suitable replacement, giving the rest of us who work very hard for our Clients--A BAD NAME. I am unaware of this Coordinator's circumstances but there isn't any excuse in my book for not giving her Brides a full or partial refund of their monies for services that were not performed. So I would like to take the opportunity to share this email and warn all Brides and Grooms that is very important to find someone that is a certified professional in their industry and a member in good standing of a legitimate association such as the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). True professional Wedding Planners/Consultants/Coordinators that are here for the long-haul invest a good fortune in their industry certifications.

Some DOs:

- Ask and Verify their Certification with their educational institution they claim to have attended (an online certificate-mill does not count).
- Inquire on their professional associations, their "current" standing with them, and Verify with the Association (don't just take someones word on it).
- Ask to see their portfolio (preferably with them in action, not just photos that could be anyones).
- Ask for a reference-- Request to speak to at least one former Client.
- READ your contract thoroughly--a good Contract not only protects the Professional but would also protect the Client!!!
- Remember that even in the best circumstances of due diligence, unfortunate incidents such as these can still take place, follow-up by filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau...so that the next "potential" Client can avoid a costly situation.

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Hi,

I'm trying to get some information about a day of coordinator for May XX, 2009 for a wedding at the (Name of Place Removed) in Leesburg, Va. I know this is short notice, but I had a planner and she just recently moved to Kuwait without telling any of her clients, so now I'm out my deposit and have no planner. Please let me know pricing information as we are on a budget.

Thank you!
M. A. (Bride's Name Removed)
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A Certified Wedding Planner is a professionally trained wedding consultant who knows exactly when to begin on each phase of your wedding, providing you with reliable quality service.