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How to become a

Certified Wedding Specialist

Since 1968, consultants worldwide have attained the title Certified Wedding Specialist by completing our course. Our 18-assignment course is designed to educate you on becoming a successful and professional wedding planner. It is a correspondence course that can be done at your own pace. Each assignment has a questionnaire that you complete and send to Weddings Beautiful for grading. Once it has been graded, it will be returned to you with comments and/or corrections. When you have completed and passed all assignments, you will receive a Certified Wedding Specialist certificate!

Online Option:

The online course is available for immediate download – No waiting. It’s that simple, enroll, download, save & print. Once you complete, simply email, fax or mail it in for grading. If you choose the “Pay in Full” option, the cost is only $695 $495 for all 18 assignments – a $200 SAVINGS! Or, you may pay $100 now for the enrollment and assignment #1. Additional assignments (#2-18) are $40 each. (The $200 discount only applies to online “pay in full” option. Discount does not apply to orders outside of the United States and Canada.)

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Workbook Option:

The workbook course will be mailed to you immediately upon receipt of your enrollment. Once you complete your assignment, remove the questionnaire from the workbook and email, fax or mail it in for grading. Purchase the entire 18-assignment course for $695 + $15 shipping. Or pay $100 now for enrollment and assignment #1. Additional assignments (#2-18) are $40 each + $2.50 for shipping & handling. (Sale price does not apply for the workbook option.)



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* In response to the current state of the economy, we are extending the reduction of our prices in the US and Canada through Feb. 15, 2012. This is our first reduction since 1968.

* Once you complete the Certified Wedding Specialist course and gain experience, we encourage all CWS graduates to apply for the Certified Wedding Planner title.


About our Certification . . .

The Certified Wedding Specialist course was first offered in 1954 as part of the National Bridal Service, America’s first national association of bridal consultants and wedding related businesses. In 1968, the course was adapted to the training of wedding planners and coordinators. Since then, we have been providing professional home study training, recognition and support to individuals that have or desire to have a successful wedding planning and coordinating business. Our students gain the know-how and receive the support they need to become successful business owners.


Refund Policy:

There are no refunds for online purchases. A refund of up to $595 can be requested for the full workbook course. No refunds will be given after 30 days.


Course Outline:

  1. •ASSIGNMENT 1 - DEVELOPING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN: All business begins with a plan. In addition to advice about getting started, there are detailed questionnaires for your wedding planning library and how to price and market your service.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 2 - TIME: Time is our most precious possession. This assignment helps you develop time consciousness.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 3 - YOUR BUSINESS FORMS AND CONTRACTS: Includes the forms you need to work with vendors and brides as well as sample contracts and brochures.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 4 - WEDDING INVITATIONS: This assignment prepares you to answer a bride's questions concerning wording and social correctness and to sell invitations if you choose to do so.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 5 - MENTAL POWER: The distance between the benefits of achievement and the level of mediocrity is entirely one of decision.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 6 - DEVELOPING WEDDING EXPERTISE: Covers vendors and weddings in general.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 7 - DIRECTING PROTESTANT AND MILITARY WEDDINGS: Includes charts and timetables for the wedding rehearsal and day of the wedding, plus instructions for all attendants.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 8 - DIRECTING CATHOLIC AND JEWISH WEDDINGS: Since both are quite different from a Protestant wedding, included is what you need to know to direct a wedding of these faiths.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 9 - DIRECTING AFRICAN-AMERICAN, HISPANIC AND ORTHODOX WEDDINGS: As people go back more and more to their "roots," wedding coordinators need to know some of the things to suggest for all types of weddings.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 10 - RECEPTIONS: Where? What kind? Food? Flowers? Decorating? All are covered in this chapter.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 11 - ALL ABOUT ETHNIC TRADITIONS AND THE HISTORY OF WEDDING TRADITIONS: Essential to know if you are serious about your business.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 12 - PHILOSOPHY OF SUCCESS: Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill reveals many of the secrets of the universe.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 13 - WEDDING FASHIONS: This chapter includes the five basic principles of fashion, plus illustrations, and a glossary of bridal gown and tuxedo details.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 14 - TABLETOP AND THE BRIDAL REGISTRY: A brief introduction to the three elements of table settings ­ dinnerware, stemware and flatware, plus a glossary of terms and illustrations for setting a table correctly.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 15 - TALK LESS, SAY MORE: Skill in communication is a must if your business is to grow. Learn the art of speaking effectively.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 16 - DEVELOPING MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS: Learn the six basic techniques for managerial skills in business.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 17 - THE ULTIMATE YOU - PERSONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS: Weddings are a people related business. This chapter helps you take an inward look and assess your strengths and weaknesses as you learn more about what makes you and others tick.


  1. •ASSIGNMENT 18 - FINAL EXAM


To enroll, scroll to top.