Professional Bridal Consultant

Become a Professional Bridal Consultant with at-home training from Penn Foster Workforce Development.

Students receive a novice membership in ABC while enrolled with Penn Foster. Penn Foster graduates can use designation of Prof. Bridal Consultant from ABC if they continue their membership.

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Instruction Set 1

Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our web site; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.

Doing It Right: The Proper Way to Act
The engagement period; wedding plans; costs; what to insert in a wedding invitation; what items should be monogrammed; what information to include in the newspaper; who should give showers; the supporting cast; remarriage.

Instruction Set 2

The Wedding
Role of a consultant on the wedding day; organizing and conducting various types of ceremonies; including home and military weddings; religious ceremonies; civil weddings; formation of the receiving line; the reception.

The Many Parts of the Wedding
The individual, small parts of a wedding, including clothes, flowers, jewelry, music, gifts, and photography; advising on the selection of an engagement ring; advising on wedding picture selections; who should wear boutonnieres.

Basics of a Bridal Business
Starting a business; marketing; merchandising; charging clients; setting up bookkeeping and maintaining records; effective advertising strategies.

Independent Project 1: Researching Careers

Learning Aid: Three-month novice membership in the Association of Bridal Consultants

Instruction Set 3

The Role of a Consultant
Becoming a professional bridal consultant and the importance of your image; who should make the appropriate decisions about a wedding; content of a wedding budget; importance of researching church rules; scheduling events leading to the wedding day; writing and executing a consulting agreement; setting your fee.

Negotiating with Clients
Determining how much to charge; using formulas to calculate your fees; calculating the amount of time it will take to complete a job; negotiating fees with prospective clients; handling mistakes in bids.

How to Participate in a Bridal Show
Initial planning considerations; choosing a show in which to participate; developing and designing a booth; marketing your participation; selling at a booth; following up on contacts.

Instruction Set 4

How to Organize a Bridal Show
Initial planning; contracting a facility; developing a fashion show; developing an advertising campaign; developing cost estimates; contacting and securing exhibitors and determining door prizes.

Ethnic and Specialty Weddings
Determining the correct etiquette for ethnic weddings; identifying the protocol for military weddings; finding sources of information on Victorian and Renaissance weddings; understanding the background of ethnic and military customs.

Independent Project 2: Bridal Show Booth Collage

Instruction Set 5

The Home-Based Business
Identifying the type of business that suits you best; evaluating your needs for your home business; time management and organization; balancing your work with your life; handling paperwork such as permits, licenses, insurance, and taxes; planning for the future.

The Business of Weddings, Part 1
Getting started; developing a business plan; getting organized; recording progress and taxes.

The Business of Weddings, Part 2
Image and advertising; how much to charge; developing a contract; marketing; understanding why brides buy; keeping clients; dealing with dissatisfied brides; vendors.

Independent Project 3: Wedding Research

Final Examination

Graduation Set
(Sent to you when all program requirements and financial obligations have been met.)

CD: Bride's Guide to Wedding Music

Book: Collin Cowie, Weddings

Book: Martha Stewart, Weddings

Eligibility for Professional Bridal ConsultantTM status and a free three-month consultant-level membership with ABC®

 

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

ABC is a trademark of the Association of Bridal Consultants registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Professional Bridal Consultant is a trademark of the Association of Bridal Consultants.

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Contact Penn Foster at 1-800-233-0259

Ordering Process

Organizations may order by telephone, mail, fax, or telex. For federal government clients, GSA discount terms are applied. Please click here for more information!


 

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