Ashworth College is a nationally-accredited on-line education institution with more than 100 programs that confer associate, bachelor and master's degrees. Ashworth has developed a 14-lesson diploma course in bridal consulting that gives students the training needed to begin a career. Each lesson starts with a subject matter preview, objectives and an introductory note from the instructor who discusses new terms to be covered. Students then complete a reading assignment with practice exercises and take an open-book exam. The lessons include subjects such as making dreams come true, etiquette, ceremonies, wedding budget, dressing the part and marketing your business. As of 2011, tuition for the diploma program is $438 and interest-free financing is available.
Penn Foster, an accredited on-line school for independent study that confers high school diplomas and professional certificates, offers a five-set instruction, certified wedding planner program. Students are trained to take the professional certification exam given by the Association of Bridal Consultants, and qualify for a free three-month membership. The instruction sets cover topics such as introduction to planning, role of a consultant, wedding ceremonies, customs and traditions, the business of weddings and how to participate in a bridal show. Tuition for the program is $698 as of 2011, and financing is available for qualified students.
Stratford Career Institute, a private correspondence school founded in 1991, provides distance learning courses in a number of fields such as accounting, computer programming and forensic science. Stratford has developed a four-module on-line wedding consultant diploma course that trains students in all aspects of bridal consultancy. Classes include an introduction to the business of the bridal consultant, types of ceremonies, ethnic wedding traditions, legal responsibilities of the bridal consultant, music and photography, planning and budgeting and venue requirements. For 2011, tuition is $589 and interest-free monthly payments are available.
U.S. Career Institute provides accredited distance-learning education that allows students to enroll in on-line courses. The institute's wedding and event planner certificate is a self-paced program that provides five instruction packs to educate students in all areas needed to become bridal consultants. Included in all instruction packs are study organizers, wedding event planning interviews on CD, assistance forms, wedding event planner forms, quiz answer sheets and photography sampler kits. For 2011, tuition is $887 with interest-free monthly payments available.