Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Certified Wedding Planner (CWP)

The WPIC Code of Ethics strictly prohibits accepting hidden kickbacks or commissions. Planners must either decline the commission or pass the savings directly to the client to maintain transparency and fiduciary duty.

A professional planner manages delays by seamlessly adjusting the itinerary, such as shifting speeches or dances, to prevent guests from noticing the gap. Announcing the delay or confronting vendors publicly creates unnecessary stress and disrupts the event’s flow.

A Force Majeure clause protects parties from liability when extraordinary events (like natural disasters or pandemics) make fulfilling the contract impossible. It does not cover voluntary cancellations, vendor damages, or standard working hours.

The Ketubah is the traditional Jewish marriage contract, typically signed before the main ceremony with the rabbi and witnesses. The Chuppah is the canopy, Yichud is the brief seclusion after the ceremony, and Mazel Tov is a congratulatory phrase.

In standard Protestant processional etiquette, the Maid of Honor is the last attendant to enter before the bride (and her escort). The Flower Girl and Ring Bearer usually precede the Maid of Honor, the Mother of the Bride is seated before the processional begins, and the Best Man enters with the groom.

Managing expectations through education is a core planner duty; a $30,000 budget for 150 guests generally cannot accommodate luxury catering and entertainment. Promising impossible discounts or securing the contract under false pretenses violates ethical business practices.

Fashion tape, safety pins, sewing kits, and clear nail polish (for stocking runs) are practical, portable essentials for quick wardrobe fixes. Full-size ironing boards or spare dresses are impractical and not standard emergency kit items.

The planner must balance the needs of all vendors while maintaining the event’s flow, so finding a brief compromise window is best. Delaying dinner by 45 minutes ruins the catering schedule and guest experience, while threatening payment is unprofessional.

Charging a percentage of the budget can make clients suspicious that the planner is driving up costs to increase their own fee, violating the planner’s fiduciary duty. Flat fees, hourly rates, and tiered packages are transparent and highly recommended models.

For outdoor/tented events at historic properties, infrastructure like power (for catering, band, lighting) and restrooms are critical to the event’s viability. Linens, suites, and sparklers are secondary details that do not dictate whether the space can safely host the event.

Standard etiquette dictates mailing invitations 6-8 weeks prior to a local wedding, allowing guests ample time to RSVP (usually 3-4 weeks before the date). Mailing them too early risks guests forgetting, while too late does not provide enough notice.

Safety is always the top priority in event management; securing the area prevents injuries to staff and guests. Informing the client immediately causes unnecessary stress, and attempting to fix shattered glass is dangerous and impractical.

Ushers are specifically tasked with ceremony logistics, primarily greeting guests, handing out programs, and seating them. The Best Man holds the rings, and the planner or transportation captain handles vehicle logistics.

Planners must act as a calming presence and problem-solver during emotional crises. Validating the client’s stress while offering a practical, actionable solution (managing the seating chart) de-escalates the situation without being dismissive or financially threatening.

The prelude is the background music played as guests arrive and are seated, typically lasting 20-30 minutes before the ceremony. The processional is for the entrance of the wedding party, the recessional is for the exit, and an interlude occurs during the ceremony.

A planner’s closing duties involve securing the couple’s personal belongings, ensuring gifts are with the trusted contact, and officially clearing the space with the venue. Planners do not do catering staff chores, act as couriers to hotels post-event, or send invoices on the wedding night.

In Canada, SOCAN and Re:Sound fees are legally required for playing recorded copyrighted music at events in public venues or rented halls. While the venue or DJ sometimes handles this, it is a specific copyright tariff, not a noise exemption, DJ fee, or liquor board tax.

Moving a ceremony requires significant logistical shifting for the venue, florist, and audio/visual teams. The call must be made at a pre-arranged deadline (typically 2-4 hours prior) to ensure a smooth, professional setup, rather than a chaotic last-minute scramble.

In hospitality and catering, ‘++’ (plus plus) denotes that taxes and a service charge (gratuity) will be added to the base price of the food and beverage. It does not refer to upgrades, extra courses, or extra portions.

The Baraat is the groom’s celebratory wedding procession involving live music and dancing. The Mandap is the ceremony structure, the Saptapadi is the seven steps taken around the fire, and the Mehndi is the pre-wedding henna ceremony.