Brides Beware – What “Awards” are REAL?

My mentor, friend and AMAZING Wedding Planner, Elise Enloe, MBC wrote this blog post that was actually very thought provoking and something that a lot of great wedding planners were thinking. Elise is one of the BEST in the business, she doesn't need any "awards" for her talent to show. Honestly, I don't feel I need any either to show off the hard work I have put in however nice they may be. Don't get me wrong, there are INCREDIBLE Vendors in the Wedding Industry that have won, deservedly so, but the stories like the one Elise shares is becoming all too popular and sad, leading an potentially unsuspecting Bride down a path where her vision may not be turned into reality due to a lack of experience. Here is her blog:

I had a call yesterday from a seasoned wedding professional who was quite concerned that a new wedding planner in her area (not in Florida – but it happens here too) received the Knot’s “Best Wedding Planner” for 2010 in her area.  This “planner” has never even planned or coordinated a complete wedding, just a reception for some friends. 

How can that happen?

Many of these so-called awards (The Knot, Wedding Wire, etc.) are determined by essentially “stuffing the ballot box” by rallying your friends, relatives, and even voting for yourself.  My colleague even contacted the Knot on this issue, and there’s really nothing they can do about it – it’s based on the “votes received,” and is slanted towards those who pay to advertise with the source of the “award.”  Yes, you can vote for others, but they are “write ins.”  I receive frequent requests from my wedding colleagues asking me to vote for them for some of these so-called awards that are based on popularity, not merit.  For the record, I believe in the old fashioned voting process of being able to cast ONE vote for the most qualified for an award, or awards that are based on merit.  So, for couples that are considering my services, you won’t see a “voted best” of anything banner on my website or marketing materials, but I am the only Better Business Bureau Accredited Wedding Consultant in the Orlando area and one of only two Master Bridal Consultants in Central Florida.  I am proud to share the Association of Bridal Consultants highest designation with Heather Snively, Weddings Unique, who achieved this designation in November, 2010.

Until Next Time,