About
The Independent Wedding Association gives professional wedding vendors an opportunity to meet colleagues, exchange ideas, share marketing tips and connect with customers. Unlike many wedding industry associations, the IWA accepts new members on a merit basis. By aggressively selecting artisans who concentrate on providing great service and an excellent value, we ensure that the IWA name stands for quality. We believe that when you are associated with people that share your values, vendors are colleagues and not just competitors.
CRITERIA
All prospective Independent Wedding Association members are screened by and ultimately voted on by the members of our board. The IWA assesses prospective members on four basic characteristics. First and foremost, we look for vendors who provide a high value of service or product to their customers. We value vendors who bring a creative or unconventional approach to their work. We also put a high premium on vendors for whom wedding-related work is “more than a job”; a passion for providing a great experience is a must. Finally, we look for vendors who are close to their product or service.
PERSONAL STAKE. Many larger wedding companies have investors who employ bosses who employ managers who employ help to handle your wedding. We want to find vendors who are close to the products and services they offer, and have a direct hand in making your day special.
VALUE. “Independent” doesn’t mean “high cost” or “low-cost,” it means a good cost for the level of service and experience they provide. We look for local people who are determined to give a lot of bang for a buck, often by not having the infrastructure that larger businesses might have. Our association features vendors who are a good value at many levels of price, from entry level to high end.
CREATIVE FLAIR. We don’t think there’s any one “right” way to do a wedding. Some brides might value vintage flair, or gothic chic, or want to spend all of their money on cake. That’s okay. We embrace vendors who do things out of the ordinary, and brides and grooms who aren’t content to have their day determined by the wedding industry’s current whims.
WARMTH. We believe that a wedding is an incredibly special and joyous occasion, and we seek vendors who will feel the same way. We work to find members who are excited to be in this business, and who will treat a wedding day with a level of respect and personal warmth that reflects the importance of the occasion.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
• Contributing to the website
As a member, you will have the opportunity to post to the IWA blog several times per year. This post could be a tip for bride, highlight your philosophy on weddings, or generally showcase your skills. Posts are subject to posting guidelines as outlined in your membership contract and may be edited by administrators for length or content.
• The fair
Members are eligible to enter the Independent Wedding Fair. The fair is a low-pressure and unique opportunity to meet the sort of customer that appreciates local vendors who offer creative services and personalized attention. Only IWA members are eligible to register for the fair. Unlike large, corporate wedding events, the IWA fair allows your product will stand out, and you’ll benefit from associating with other vendors who share your values.
• Web listing
As a member of the IWA, your business is listed on the IWA website within your vendor category. Brides looking for vendors can search through our listings with the assurance that membership is only given to qualified businesses. Because we keep our membership selective, most categories will contain fewer than 10 vendors, giving you a real opportunity to connect with brides looking for services.
• Networking
Membership comes with the opportunity to be associated with other vendors that share your commitment to creativity, value, and warmth. The IWA organizes coffee and cocktail meet-up events several times a year for members and occasionally their invited guests.
For more information about the fair or applying for membership, please contact us: info (at) independentwedding.com
