The UK wedding industry is incredible, but it can be messy behind the scenes. Standards vary widely, expectations don't always line up and couples often struggle to work out which businesses are genuinely professional and which ones are cutting corners.
The UK Wedding Association (UKWA) was created to raise standards across the industry. Its mission is clear: to champion professionalism, promote sustainability and build genuine trust. By doing so, it helps great businesses get recognised and shine, while making it harder for those who fall short to thrive.
Who is behind the UK Wedding Association
The Association was founded by Alison Hargreaves, the founder of Guides for Brides, who has been championing transparency and consumer trust in weddings for more than 25 years. The idea came from seeing the gaps in the industry first hand and wanting to create a structure that supports every type of wedding business, not just a select few.
Want to hear Alison explain why the Association matters? Check out her conversation with Becca Pountney on the Wedding Pros Who Are Ready to Grow podcast:
It is run as a not for profit, so every penny goes straight back into supporting members, improving benchmarking and delivering education. No profit targets, just industry improvement.
The UKWA is backed by a strong Advisory Board made up of respected professionals across the sector including Nikita Thorne, Head of Strategy at Guides for Brides, who sits on the board as the Consumer Insights, Media and Digital Advisor. Her role is to ensure the Association stays in touch with what modern couples actually want and expect, and that members get clear, data-backed insights to help them grow.
What the UK Wedding Association actually does
Benchmarking and badges
Members complete a benchmarking process that looks at how the business operates day to day, covering things like inclusivity, sustainability, safety, customer handling and collaboration.
Businesses that meet the criteria receive an industry recognised badge. It is a visible signal to couples, venues and planners that you operate professionally and take your responsibilities seriously.
Proper education and support
UKWA runs training sessions, webinars and events covering everything from legal basics to inclusivity, sustainability, neurodiversity, profit management, PR, cultural weddings and more. It is practical education for real-world problems, helping businesses level up regardless of their size.
Genuine industry networking
Because the Association includes venues, planners and suppliers, networking finally feels joined up. Members can collaborate across sectors and get introductions to experts who can actually help them.
Clear credibility for couples
Couples can follow a dynamic link from a member's badge to check the business's trust profile. It gives them reassurance that the business meets a transparent standard and is accountable for the service they offer.
How every venue, planner and supplier can benefit
The UKWA gives great businesses a way to stand out for the right reasons.
- A clear, trusted badge that instantly builds credibility.
- Access to education that helps you run a stronger, more sustainable business.
- A network of professionals who share your values.
- A structure that protects your reputation and helps couples make confident choices.
For start ups, the educational side is priceless. For established businesses, the benchmarking reinforces the standards they have already committed to.
How Guides for Brides fits into this
Guides for Brides is a strategic partner and plays a key supporting role in promoting the Association to both couples and businesses.
With Alison as the founder and Nikita on the Advisory Board, there is a strong connection between the organisations, and we share the same values around promoting the most professional and trusted venues and suppliers, but the UK Wedding Association itself is a completely independent and not-for-profit organisation.
This partnership means members get the best of both worlds. Credibility from UKWA's benchmarking, and visibility through one of the most trusted consumer platforms in the wedding sector.
Why you should join
The wedding sector is ready for a unified standard that reflects how passionate, skilled and committed its professionals really are. The UK Wedding Association is building that standard right now, and the businesses who join early will be the ones shaping the future of the industry.
Membership costs just £300 per year, which can be paid monthly or annually, giving you full access to benchmarking, badges, educational events, networking and expert guidance. For a relatively small investment, you're showing couples and peers alike that your business is professional, credible and committed to excellence.
We would really encourage our clients and connections to join today, and start reaping the rewards.