Association of Bridal Consultants

Association of Bridal Consultants

Offers/Discounts:
Because of the Association's buying power, members receive discounts on books, equipment, magazines and services.

Mail Order Bride lists those items available on a continuing basis. Members also benefit from special offers of selected items and services.
Insurance Services:
In cooperation with insurance companies, the Association offers members a total a la carte menu of insurance coverage, from life to health to liability to investment and retirement. Group rates save members money.
Corporate Members:
Members who need to purchase goods and services related to the wedding business can count on Corporate Members to provide the quality of service they need. Corporate Members are those marketing nationwide or worldwide, offering products and services ranging from invitations to travel to communications. Most Corporate Members, in addition to offering ABC-hallmark quality, also offer incentives (discounts and other special programs) that only Association members receive. Many Corporate Members also display at the trade show in conjunction with the Annual Conference.
Media Relations:
The Association has been quoted by all networks, major bridal magazines, TIME, Cosmopolitan, Paramount Pictures and newspapers from coast to coast.

In addition to this national publicity for the Association--which benefit members through increased name and logo recognition--we link members with the media. While the media likes comments from the national level, they prefer local opinions and we provide members' names to the media.

Members receive press releases to local media for significant activities--joining, renewing, participating in meetings and completing Professional Development Program phases. Novice members are not eligible for this benefit.
Advertising:
The Association advertises on the national level. This advertising promotes the Association and encourages the bride to use the services of Association members.

In addition, members benefit from co-op advertising in selected publications, sharing the cost with the Association.

Novice members are not entitled to this benefit.
Referrals:
As a result of advertising and publicity, as well as listings in various books, the Association receives requests from brides for the names of reputable wedding professionals in their area. The Association passes along members' names to the bride and the brides' names to members. Members select the ZIP codes for the areas in which they market. The match is done by the ZIP codes. The Association provides advice to both the bride and the member on how to benefit from this service.

Only Consultant and Bride Retailer members are eligible for this benefit; certain Corporate Members may select this benefit.
How To Join/Membership Costs:
Contact:
Jerry Monaghan
Association of Bridal Consultants
200 Chestnutland Road
New Milford, CT 06776-2521
Phone: (860) 355-0464
Fax: (860) 354-1404
Email: BridalAssn@aol.com.

Corporate Dues:
Gross annual income less than $2.5 million-$250
Gross annual income more than $2.5 million-$500

Individual Dues:
Novice $125
Consultant $195
Vendor $140
Corporate $295
Auxiliary $100

1 time application fee $25.