The 2nd Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Regional Conference (China & Hong Kong)

Hosted by the Association of Bridal Consultants (China & Hong Kong) cooperated with the Open University of Hong Kong, The 2nd annual Conference “Get High: Get Hired” had taken place on 12 September 2010 at Serena Yang Lecture Theatre of the Open University of Hong Kong (Ho Man Tin campus). We shared a good time and had wonderful moment.

We honourably invited ABC Director of Asian Market, Mr. Kevin Kohara to be our Guest of Honour , Co-organiser LiPACE OUHK, Deputy Director, Dr. Benjamin Chan and Guest speakers included Hong Kong’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awardee 2006, Mr. Sean Lin, Founder of Wedding Theme Song Co., Mr. Clayton Cheung, CEO of Darizi Limited, Mr. Andy Ann and Master of Health Science Sexual Health, Ms. Vanessa Chow. There were more than 100 candidates attended the event.

While tying the knot with loved one is often considered as arriving at the summit of a relationship, wedding in itself is one of the most important sublimations of a couple’s affection to each other into a lasting relationship.
On top of this, the implementation of Civil Celebrants of Marriage Scheme in 2006 has helped to breed all kinds of wedding related product and services, leading to unlimited possibilities as to how a wedding can be planned and conducted. In recent years, modern couples have become increasingly demanding when it comes to organizing their wedding ceremonies. From wedding photography and videography, wedding favors and many more…… products and/ or services once regarded as luxurious arrangement have become simply the basic necessity.

”We believe that, with our continued effort and commitment to make couples happy and climactic, professional standards in the wedding industry can be raised!” According ABC Country Director, China & Hong Kong, Ms. Katemagg Chau.

Because of these, wedding planners must reinforce the fundamental elements pertaining to a climactic experience before they are able to deliver a remarkable climactic moment at the wedding. From the prerequisite stimulating factors, intensification of climax, to the dealing of post-climactic syndrome, we extremely pleased and honored to invite the Highest and Hottest experts in the wedding industry related fields to share their practical techniques and skills that are essential to inducing climactic milestones in lives.

American Belly Dance Association dance performances demonstrated incredible dancing which is usually used in wedding ceremony. After, ABC Country Director, KateMagg, Guest of Honour, Mr. Kevin Kohara, our guest speaker, Mr. Joseph Mak and other 10 attendants were invited to join the dancing. The event was brought to a climax.

On the event, 38 members were accredited with international standard. Certificates.were presented to 27 members with Assistant Bridal Planner (ABP) and 11 members with Professional Bridal Consultant (PBC). All guests were invited to come to the stage for a group photo. The 2nd Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Regional Conference (China and Hong Kong) was fully completed and see you next year!

第二屆ABC國際婚禮統籌協會(中國及香港)研討會︰「高潮︰高峰」

由國際婚禮統籌協會(中國及香港)與香港公開大學合辦的第二屆ABC國際婚禮統籌協會(中國及香港)研討會「高潮︰高峰」已於2010年9月12日假香港公開大學何文田校舍楊雪姬演講廳圓滿舉行，氣氛熱鬧。

是次活動得以順利舉行有賴各界的支持及參與。出席是項活動的主禮嘉賓ABC國際婚禮統籌協會亞洲區總監小原義之先生, 香港公開大學院長呂汝漢教授及嘉賓講者包括:醫療科學(情性健康)碩士周潔心小姐、宇宙大爆炸音樂有限公司的始創人張佳添先生、2006年香港十大傑出青年林景昇先生及《大日子darizi》創辦人及行政總裁安宇昭先生。當天活動共超過一百位來賓出席參與。

高潮與人生的里程碑是不能分割的。與愛人共諧連理，行至人生的高峰，而婚禮更成為一對男女關係昇華的一個重要的時刻，有如「高潮」。
隨著婚姻監禮人條例於2006年實施，形形色色的婚禮工作應運而生，婚禮形式亦日趨創新。現在的新人對婚禮的要求愈來愈高。近年，除婚宴外，婚紗照、短片、贈予親友禮物的製作等都成了結婚不可劃缺的環節。

ABC總幹事Kate-Magg女士致辭時表示：「我們相信，只有堅守不斷帶給新人驚喜，婚禮行業才能走向高峰！」

婚禮統籌師必須掌握引至高潮的要素才能成功幫助新人打造一個完美難忘的浪漫婚禮，締造生命的「高潮」。我們感到非常榮幸能夠邀請多位行內炙手可熱婚禮專家，透過他們的分享及探討他們對「婚禮高潮」的意見及認識，使來賓更了解推動生命高潮的方法。

美國肚皮舞協會在會場上示範了婚宴中常用作婚慶的肚皮舞表演，舞技精湛。此後，本會總監Kate-Magg，嘉賓大日子營運總監，副出版人及主編麥超傑先生先生與主禮嘉賓小原義之先生，以及10多位來賓更被邀請到台上翩翩起舞，與在場來賓打成一片，隨即把整個會場的氣氛推至最高峰。

大會在當日頒發了獲評核持有國際水平的認可證書給予共38位會員，其中27位會員成為國際認可的助理婚禮策劃師（ABP），另外11位會員成為國際認可的專業婚禮顧問（PBC）。最後，主禮人及眾嘉賓一起上台拍攝大合照，為今屆研討會劃上圓滿的句號。

活動協辦機構：香港公開大學
特別鳴謝：FANCL無添加、DARIZI大日子、INNOVATION LTD.、美國肚皮舞協會

傳媒查詢:
鄺詠嫻小姐 (Gloria Kwong)
總幹事助理
電話：(852) 3667 9018 電郵：office@abc-hk.org

國際婚禮統籌協會(簡稱“ABC”)
國際婚禮統籌協會(簡稱“ABC”)創立於1955年，總部位於美國康涅狄格。ABC在美國的婚禮市場高踞領導地位，為全球最具規模及權威性的婚禮統籌組織。ABC擁有超過50 年歷史的專業婚禮協會，在遍佈全球40多個國家擁有逾4,500名活躍會員，而在包括日本、南韓、新加坡、馬來西亞、菲律賓、中國大陸、台灣和香港等亞洲地區的會員人數達到超過700名，為準新人提供專業的婚慶服務。

透過建立婚慶網絡資源平台，提升婚慶服務行業的專業地位及專業水準；提供跨文化的專業繼續教育，促進會員的專業發展；鼓勵資源共享、維護及尊重多元的文化，包容不同的文化及意見。

ABC Annual conference poste

ABC CHINA/HK 2nd Annual Conference - 12 Sep 2010, Sunay 1:00pm to 5:30pm

第二屆ABC國際婚禮統籌協會-中國香港區-研討會

「高潮︰高峰」

有人說，人活著，是為了追求高潮；亦有人說，人因為追求高潮，才知道活著。高潮與人生的里程碑似乎是不可或割的。與愛人共諧連理就如行至人生的高峰，而婚禮往往是男女關係昇華的一個重要的高潮。如何協助新人在婚禮中創造高潮時刻從而打造一個完美難忘的浪漫回憶，絕對是婚禮統籌師需要面對的挑戰。

現在的新人對婚禮的要求愈來愈高。除婚宴外，近年拍婚照、短片、製作禮物贈親友等都成了結婚缺不可少的環節。隨著婚姻監禮人條例於2006年實施，形形色色的婚禮工作應運而生，婚禮形式亦日趨創新。婚禮統籌師必須重申高潮的基本要素才能成功助新人締造生命的「高潮」。

有見及此，Association of Bridal Consultants CHINA & HK（ABC）將2010年度第二屆ABC國際婚禮統籌師中國香港區研討會的主題定為「高潮︰高峰」。我們相信，只有堅守不斷帶給新人驚喜，婚禮行業才能走向高峰！作為擁有超過50年歷史的專業婚禮協會，全球多達4,000名會員，ABC致力推行這個理念。因此，ABC非常榮幸能夠邀請多位行內炙手可熱婚禮專家，分享他們對「婚禮高潮」的意見及認識。從激發高潮的先決條件、到如何強化高潮、以及處理高潮過後的情緒，嘉賓將於研討會上逐一探討。務求與行內人士分享替新人創造生命高潮的方法。除此之外，當日大會將安排婚禮音樂、舞蹈表演及茶點招待。

我謹代表國際婚禮統籌協會中國香港區誠邀閣下出席，詳情如下︰

日期︰二零一零年九月十二日（星期日）

時間︰下午一時至下午五時三十分

地點︰九龍何文田牧愛街三十號 - 香港公開大學何文田校舍C座一樓楊雪姬演講廳

合辨機構: 香港公開大學

特別鳴謝: FANCL無添加 、DARIZI 大日子、 INNOVATION LTD. 、美國肚皮舞協會

聯絡 : 張幗文小姐（電話︰(852) 9143 3429）或袁琪茵小姐（電話︰(852) 9301 1164）。

主禮人: 麥周露嬋女士 –ABC國際婚禮統籌協會中國香港區總監，資深註冊婚禮統籌師，香港公開大學李嘉誠專業進修學院婚禮統籌管理專業證書課程總監及主講，香港特別行政區政府勞工處青年就業起點 - 培訓課程婚禮統籌師入門課程總監及主講，香港學術及職業資歷評審局評委。

主禮嘉賓: 小原義之先生 –ABC國際婚禮統籌協會亞洲區總監，多年為瑞士信貸銀行和富士銀行進行外幣匯率及貨幣交易，現任Sophia Trading Co., Ltd的總裁，主要業務包括在日本的婚紗禮服進口和批發，酒店或網站顧問和為婚禮統籌師進行訓練。

嘉賓講師︰

曾德源博士 - 李嘉誠專業進修學院副院長，持有香港理工大學生理學哲學碩士學位及英國德倫大學（University of Durham）成人教育博士學位，同時擁有科學和社會科學的學術背景。曾博士主要研究藥物科學和成人教育，曾長時間於香港大學專業進修學院擔任教學、課程發展和課程管理等職務，於2010年加入李嘉誠專業進修學院，主要擔任學院的發展工作，並為學院開發和強化健康科學和語言方面的課程。

周潔心小姐 –醫療科學(情性健康)碩士、工商管理碩士，行為管理研究深造及教育學士，3P 親子正策課程認可導師及專業調解員。曾任幼兒教師，香港情性健康中心情性治療師；現任凝動訓練及輔導組織培訓導師，循道衛理延伸教育服務培訓導師及明愛家長資源中心客席導師。曾參與不同的社區及志願團體的義務工作，並為北京清華大學繼續教育學院及多個非牟利團體提供講座。

張佳添先生 –畢業於夏威夷大學新聞系，出生於電影家庭，現職歌曲創作，音樂制作人及發行人，宇宙大爆炸音樂有限公司的始創人，12年來曾替無數中、港、台、新加坡、馬來西亞及日本歌手創作音樂，作品及製作歌曲接近三百首，為唱片公司及紅歌手出品無數，代表作包括：第二最愛、天才與白癡、第一類接觸等等。

林景昇先生 –2006年香港十大傑出青年，國際演講會中國區市場副總監及前香港區總監、香港市務學會企業傳訊委員會主席、傑出青年協會秘書長、香港科技大學校友會前會長、以及多個專業團體的核心幹事。擁有MBA及MSc雙碩士學位、多項國際專業資格，於公開演講、活動司儀、即興對答、營銷簡報、策略談判、危機應變擁有多年實戰、評判及培訓經驗。

安宇昭先生 –《大日子darizi》首個以大中華區高消費準新人為目標群的一站式互動的結婚資訊平台的創辦人及行政總裁。畢業于卑詩大學並擁有香港中文大學碩士學位; 曾獲得DHL/SCMP 香港年青企業家獎。市場觸角敏銳，看準潛力龐大的高級婚慶巿場，為目標會員提供的高級婚慶及生活時尚資訊，建立準新人們及婚慶商的交流平台。近數年，從事數位化商業上多方面的開發和推廣。亦為多個不同的團體機構提供講座。

2010 2nd ABC Annual Regional Conference- China & Hong Kong
“Get High: Get Hired”

Some people say we live to pursue climax; others say it is the pursuit of climax that makes us realize we are living. Either way, the pursuit of climax and life’s milestones appear to be indivisible. While tying the knot with loved one is often considered as arriving at the summit of a relationship, wedding in itself is one of the most important sublimations of a couple’s affection to each other into a lasting relationship. Consequently, the ability to induce a stage of climax in wedding and thereby orchestrate an once in a life time memory that the couple can recall upon for years to come is a challenge which wedding planners need to face and conquer. In recent years, modern couples have become increasingly demanding when it comes to organizing their weddings. From wedding photography and videography, wedding favors and many more…… products and/ or services once regarded as luxurious have become simply the basic necessity. On top of this, the implementation of Civil Celebrants of Marriage Scheme in 2006 has helped to breed all kinds of wedding related product and services, leading to unlimited possibilities as to how a wedding can be planned and conducted. Because of these, wedding planners must reinforce the fundamental elements pertaining to a climactic experience before they are able to deliver a remarkable climactic moment at the wedding. In view of
this, the 2nd Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Regional Conference (China & Hong Kong) will focus on the concept of “Get High: Get Hired”. We believe it is only through continued effort and commitment to make couples happy and climactic that professional standards in the wedding industry can be raised! Being the oldest and largest training organization for wedding professionals in the world, ABC currently have over 4,000 members located in all 50 states and in 27 countries. Since 1955, our goals have been to raise professional standards in the wedding industry. We extremely pleased and honored to invite the Highest and Hottest experts in the wedding industry related fields to share their notions and knowledge in "wedding climax". From the prerequisite stimulating factors, intensification of climax, to the dealing of post-climactic syndrome, our guest speakers will one-by-one share the practical techniques and skills that are essential to inducing climactic milestones in lives. In addition, wedding music demonstration and dance performances arranged. Special Speakers included: Dr. Benjamin Chan, Ms. Vanessa Chow, Mr. Clayton Cheung, Mr. Sean Lin, Mr. Andy Ann.

Katemagg Chau- Association of Bridal Consultants, China & HK Country Director cordially invited you to join this special event.
Date: September 12th, 2010 (Sunday)
Time: 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Venue: The Open University of Hong Kong, Ho Man Tin campus C Block, Serena Yang Lecture Theatre
30 Good Shepherd Street, Homantin, Kowloon.
Co-Organizer: THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
Special thanks to: FANCL, DARIZI, INNOVATION LTD. & AMERICAN BELLY DANCE ASSOCIATION
RSVP &

ABC Annual Conference 7 to 9 Nov 2010 at Phoenix

I will be sharing "Chinese Wedding" with Wedding Professional Worldwide at the 29th Annual Business of Brides Conference. Welcome to join and share knowledge with WPS from around the world.

Get ready to get Hot, HOTT, Haute!!! Your HOTT (High Octane Twenty Ten) AZ Conference committee is elated to welcome you to the Valley of the Sun for the 29^th Annual Business of Brides Conference. Bring your family and plan to arrive early and stay late for conference to enjoy the incredible weather and multitude of activities at your fingertips when you visit the scenic Sonoran Desert! Phoenix, AZ averages over 300 sun-filled days a year with average temperatures in November ranging from 47 – 74 degrees.

Starting with a selection of optional sessions on Sunday, we guarantee a haute time with Sasha Souza, MBC our Monday design presenter, and a HOTT finale with world renowned designer, David Tutera on Tuesday. From sunrise to sunset, there will be lots of hot educational topics beginning Sunday afternoon through our closing session on Tuesday.

The trade show will be adjacent to the registration area, and will be open Sunday and Monday with ABC Corporate members to help you build your business. Visit the trade show on both Sunday and Monday to be eligible for a chance to win haute table seating for featured speakers, and more drawings will be offered on site!

At Sunday night’s Red Haute Couture Chic Opening Cocktail Reception, you will experience various degrees of Hot, HOTT, Haute at each upcoming HOTT event! Dress “HOTT” Hip, Opulent, Timeless, Trendsetting for this chic cocktail lounge reception held outdoors amidst towering lit palm trees, lush foliage, bubbling fountains, and crackling fireplaces.

Monday night you will be wined and dined Tuscany style for Haute Romance at The Castle. Tuesday night your taste buds will sizzle with our optional evening on-site event, Hot and Spicy Sunset inspired by local and popular favorite cuisine! Wednesday afternoon find out why Arizona has much more to offer in our Mountain (Arizona Biltmore Resort), Lake (Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch) and Desert (Desert Botanical Garden) tour showing why Phoenix and Scottsdale are two cities which are hot in the desert!

Can’t wait to see you in Arizona in November – don’t miss this HOTT conference!

Last year conference

Weaver of Dreams - inMagazine

April 2010 by Maureen NG


具多年婚禮統籌經驗的K a t e m a g g曾於時裝品牌Balenciaga工作，2003年開辦木馬會，現在除了貴為公開大學講師外，更是美國婚禮統籌協會(ABC)的香港總監。ABC成立逾50年，在歐美及亞洲等40個國家有接近4,500名會員，分別來自婚紗禮服、花藝、婚禮攝影錄影及新娘化妝等不同的婚嫁行業。ABC已於去年登陸新加坡及香港，其後會將業務拓展至中國。專業機制獲國際認可，研討會助拓闊視野ABC的主要職責就是因應會員的專業程度及經驗，頒授不同級別的證書。國際認可助理婚禮策劃師(ABP)乃頒發予少於兩年婚禮顧問或婚禮策劃經驗的會員。國際認可專業婚禮顧問 (PBC) 是頒發予為準新人或市場作顧問或策劃業務的婚禮顧問；Katemagg現在擁有的亦為PBC資格。國際認可專業婚禮商戶 (PWV) 是頒發予經營相關產品或服務的商戶如婚紗禮服、新婚攝影、花藝、美容、媒體、餐飲業等；PWV並可選出兩名員工接受PBC訓練及名銜，員工在離職後不能帶走該名銜。至於最高榮譽會籍－國際認可榮譽學位及國際認可碩士學位－則頒發予擁有超過3年專業認可資格的會員。去年9月27日，Katemagg為ABC於陽明山莊舉行了香港區首屆區域研討會，共有150人參加。研討會請來ABC亞洲市場總監Yoshi Kohara、「摩登大妗姐」羅勤芳、藝穗會舞蹈導師Frankie Wong、心理治療師尹婉萍以及Greenmyplanet的Yolanda Che客席演講，分別談及日式婚禮、中式婚禮、First dance、Bridezilla(婚前燥狂新娘)及環保婚禮。雖然節目豐富，但Katemagg認為仍有改良的餘地。她解釋道：「日本ABC的研討會為期兩至四日，有bridal show和gala dinner，由會員親自設計各種表演的娛樂活動，大大增加了研討會的互動性。」ABC暫定於7月舉辦第二屆區域研討會。



心理質素為婚禮統籌員的成功關鍵
現時本港的婚禮統籌生意大多是靠熟人轉介而來，未見有獲國際認可的認證制度，加上傳統從業員有時不免各持己見，故Katemagg認為教育對本港婚禮統籌業尤其重要。2008年9月，Katemagg與香港公開大學李嘉誠專業進修學院合辦「婚禮統籌管理專業證書」課程，由資深婚禮統籌師及婚慶從業員親自教授婚禮統籌的專業知識及技巧。課程每年開辦三屆，本月將開辦第六屆，其後將於6月及9月開辦相同課程。課程內容所涉範疇甚廣，包括結婚禮儀及習俗、活動策劃管理技巧、新娘個人形象設計及司儀技巧等，每屆收生人數約為30人。學員在修畢90小時的課程後，可考取ABC的ABP資格。事實上除了從事婚禮統籌員外，不少學員畢業後會從事其他與婚嫁相關的專業如婚紗、化妝及花藝等。也有不少學生為已退休人事，因希望能為子女籌備完美婚禮而專誠報讀此課程！但這又是否代表婚禮統籌員無須擁有專業資格呢？KateMagg解釋道：「總括來說，婚禮統籌員的職責是引導新人定下整場婚禮的主題，然後與各位緊密合作，以獲得所預期的理想效果。婚禮統籌涵括的範圍眾多，除了場地、膳食等，溝通技巧及心理質素更是尤關重要。結婚是人生大事，因此新人均希望有一名專業而有經驗的婚禮統籌，協助他們克服心理上的困惑。不是每個人都適合當婚禮統籌員。一名成功的婚禮統籌員需懂得面對壓力，即使同一時間應付多項工作仍能處變不驚。」婚禮統籌管理課程的其中一個作用，就是要糾正從業員這方面的思想。KateMagg續說：「心理治療師尹婉萍曾對婚禮統籌員作出了一個我認為頗切實的定義。她說：『婚禮統籌員是準新人的好友，但同時亦是婚事的統籌者，得將零碎的念頭作出分析、評估及整合，並於婚禮當日表現出專業操守，締造完美婚禮。』她這個解釋，已包含作為婚禮統籌員所要求的創意及管理技巧。」


稱號不一，只因專業不同
KateMagg又謂：「雖然婚禮統籌員的專業制度在香港還未完善，此專業於外國早已十分盛行。在外國，婚禮統籌員(wedding planner)有時會細分為婚禮設計師(wedding designer)及婚禮輔導員(wedding consultant)；有些則被稱為婚禮總監(wedding director)。婚禮輔導員與婚禮統籌員性質相若；而婚禮設計師則可能會較著重設計方面的元素。需知道這裡所指的『設計』不限於裝飾設計，主題、流程、新娘形象、佈景及用品設計都可歸類於婚禮設計之列。婚禮總監着重的是協調和整合。因此縱然稱號不一，這些婚禮統籌員並無高低之分，只是範疇及所針對的專業不同而已。」此外，內地婚慶市場的興起亦不容忽視。KateMagg對此作出了一些補充：「內地的婚禮統籌市場雖然較本港遲起步，但原來不少外國的婚禮統籌員早已開始發展內地業務，而我自己的學生中亦有部分前往上海發展。內地的婚慶從業員願意接受新事物，汲取優點用以改良自己的服務。目前ABC已於香港、南韓及新加坡累積會員人數，若然內地之門得以開啟，舉辦亞洲大型研討會的機會便指日可待。」

ABC - PROFESSIONS
Having worked in the fashion house of Balenciaga and had the experience of running her own restaurant Le Manege, Katemagg is now both a lecturer at the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) and representative of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) in Hong Kong. With over 50 years of history, ABC currently has more than 4,500 members spanning across 40 European and Asian countries. All of its members are in wedding-related businesses such as wedding attire, florists, wedding photography/videography and wedding make-up. The association has recently set up its offices in Singapore and Hong Kong. Its next target will be mainland China.

World Recognition and Global Vision
The main responsibility of ABC is to award its members with different levels of internationally recognized certificates based on their degree of skills and experiences. The Assistant Bridal Planner (ABP) Certificate is for members who have less than two years of experience as a wedding consultant or a wedding planner. Professional
Bridal Consultant (PBC), the title that Katemagg currently holds, refers to those who have more than two years of experience. Professional Wedding Vendor (PWV) is given to vendors with at least three years of working experience in wedding-related fields such as wedding attire, photography, floral decorations, media and catering. A PWV can nominate two employees for PBC training, but these nominees will not be able to carry their PBC title
when they leave the company. Finally, the most prestigious titles – the Accredited Degrees and the Master Degrees - are presented to PBC/PWV certificate holders with over three years of professional membership.

The key to success is to think logically
To date, internationally recognised authentication for wedding planners does not seem to be available yet, and here are diversified opinions on the definition of a ‘wedding planner’. Katemagg soon realised the importance of education in the wedding industry, so in September 2008, she teamed up with OUHK’s Li Ka Shing
Institute of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE) in launching the Professional Certificate in Wedding Planning Management Programme. Under this programme, lectures are given by established bridal consultants, which equip students with the professional knowledge and skills needed to begin their career in the wedding planning industry. The programme runs three times a year, and this year’s pro-gramme will begin in April, June and September. Students are able to learn everything from wedding etiquette, event planning and management, personal styling to marshalling techniques, and graduates can attain the ABP certificate after 90 hours of lectures.
Around 30 applicants will be admitted per programme. Among the graduates, some become wedding planners, while others go onto different wedding related fields and some go on to prepare the perfect wedding for their sons and daughters. Is it necessary for wedding planners to attain a professional qualification? Katemagg explains, “A wedding planner does more than taking charge of the venue preparation and catering. They have to provide guidance to the couples in the theme set-up and coordinate with different parties as well. As such, the ability to communicate well and to think logically is very important. A wedding is a big step in life, and a professional and experienced wedding planner can help the couple ease their anxiety on their big day. A successful wedding planner should be able to sustain work pressure and to be able to multi-task. Not everyone is prepared for the complexity of this job.” One of the aims of OUHK’s programme is to rectify the attitude of wedding planners within the industry. Katemagg continues, “Psychotherapist Dr. Pauline Wan has once given a definition to the profession, which I think is quite precise. She says, ‘Not only is a wedding planner the couples’ confidant, but also the manager of the wedding who will analyze, evaluate and summaries raw ideas and deliver professionally on
the wedding day.’ Her interpretation aptly enveloped the creativity and management skills needed for the profession.”


Different Specialties leading to Different Titles
Katemagg continues, “Although an authenticating system has not yet been established in Hong Kong, the profession as a wedding planner is already very popular overseas. In Western countries, a ‘wedding planner’ can sometimes be further classified into a ‘wedding designer’ and a ‘wedding consultant’, while some may name themselves as a ‘wedding director.’ A ‘wedding planner’ and a ‘wedding consultant’ are actually similar in their job nature, whilst a ‘wedding designer’ may focus more on the design elements.
“However, one must be aware that ‘design’ here does not only refer to decor, but also the design on the wedding theme, the schedule, personal image, backdrop and stationery. Meanwhile, a ‘wedding director’ may emphasise on the coordination among different parties. These titles associated with the job of wedding planning
may sound different, but there is no hierarchy in the titling. The titles are mere reflections of the wedding planner’s specialties.” Mainland China is yet another continent that should not be neglected. Katemagg remarks, “Even though the wedding planning market in China seems to emerge later than Hong Kong, many
foreign wedding planners have already set their foot on the continent. Wedding planners in the Mainland are willing to accept new things and adapt them to their own services. As ABC is now accumulating members in Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore, it won’t be long for us to host a large-scale Asian conference once we gain access to the Mainland.”

ABC HK 1st Regional Seminar at Parkview Hong Kong 27 Sep 09

http://katemagg.blogspot.com/

Association of Bridal Consultants — Hong Kong Office has started its operation since September 2009 and successfully held the first regional seminar on 27 September 2009 with over 100 wedding planners and vendors from local HK, Mainland China and Taiwan attended. Special thanks to The Hong Kong Parkview for the venue and catering arrangement. Big thanks to Fiona & Francis for their great Flute and Guitar Duo performance; Mr. Yoshi Kohara, Director of Asia to give us a lecture on ABC international and Japanese wedding; and speakers included Dr. Pauline Wan, Ms. Lo Kan Fong, Mr. Franky Wong and Ms. Yolanda Che. Finally a big round of applause to all attendees, ABC members, Guests and our partners from China and Taiwan, who made the effort to join the captioned full day seminar. We are proud of your active passion in becoming the best Wedding Professionals in the market. ABC HK wishes you all the best.

多謝各中港台賓客，講者，朋友，ABC會員及準ABC會員來臨ABC香港分區第一次的區域研討會。ABC是目前全球最具規模及權威的婚禮統籌協會，至今已擁有超過５０多年的歷史。自1955年成立，ABC在39個國家上有會員超過四千人並成功地發展了有規模的教育系統。藉此機會感謝Mr. Yoshi對我們的信任及支持，協助ABC在香港中國的發展。

感謝Fiona & Francis的演奏，讓我們有機會去欣賞你美妙的音樂。Fiona和她的團員在現場音樂演奏，婚禮，私人聚會和活動上有豐富的經驗。 他們也會彈奏流行音樂，爵士樂，巴西，民俗和傳統季節性歌曲。Beautiful live music for weddings, private functions and events... Fiona at 9284 1926 Francis at 9711 0744 contact@franciswan.com www.franciswan.com

日本是世界上最有名的國家給新人舉行旅遊婚禮。日本人在世界各地上都是一個卓越的民族。我很幸運地去年認識到其中一個卓越的人士，他是一個非常和藹可親和英俊的男士。我們立刻產生了種快樂的化學作用...是在建立於亞洲香港區的專業婚禮教育上。 亞洲市場總監Mr Yoshi，是Sophia Trading Co., Ltd的總裁。Yoshi在1992年開始這個特別的交易業務行業，在日本有多年為瑞士信貸銀行和富士銀行進行外幣匯率及貨幣交易的經驗。Yoshi的主要業務包括在日本的婚紗禮服進口和批發，酒店或網站顧問和為婚禮統籌師進行訓練。Yoshi自2002年以來已代表協會參加日本的活動。在他的領導下，許多亞洲成員自2007年起迅速發展。

準備處理 “哥斯拉新娘’

婚前恐懼症是一個典型的婚禮部分，其中的一些新娘會瘋狂地緊張不安，害怕丈夫會喪失生命。在現實生活上，這種情緒可能意味著即將的關係是不適合你，或者你根本還沒有準備好...那麼當然有機會會取消婚禮...但重要的是我們作為一個婚禮策劃師意識到，大多數夫妻，即使是最好的新人已經經歷了熱情和幸福這麼多年，婚禮前的恐懼好可能令新娘成為一隻哥斯拉...她就會把你逼瘋狂和刺激你的腎上腺素..最終要接受心理輔導.

Ms. Pauline Wan 尹婉萍小姐

註冊社工（香港）認可催眠治療堷訓導師（美國）

醫學顧問（香港教育專業人員協會）臨床實習導師 (香港大學行為健康研究中心)

中華禮儀

三書，六禮...提親，時辰八字，聘金（聘禮），結婚禮物，安排婚禮和婚禮儀式...這些種種傳統儀式一直影響到我們在香港的現代中式婚禮。中國是第三大的國家，擁有超過13億人口，56個不同種族，中國有很多不同變化的婚禮習慣。他們之中，有些很有趣，而其中一些是正式的。這一點很重要，我們作為婚禮策劃師必須了解中式婚禮禮儀的重要性。

羅勤芳女士 羅勤芳中華禮儀

專業大妗有限公 司禮儀總監

婚禮舞蹈文化

舞蹈一直被認為是以合作拍檔的方式來選擇每個人，就像很多動物也一樣。在西方人的婚禮文化上，新娘和新郎的First Dance是一個很重要的環節。傳統上，First Dance是華爾茲舞。現在，ballroom dance不是一個普遍的技能，亦不是夫妻的“慢舞”...這是我們的榮幸今天有我們的下一個嘉賓與大家分享一些簡單的舞步，舞蹈。學會跳舞不單是在婚禮上，而是要學會如何享受跳舞，以改善情緒穩定和交友技能。 Frany Wong被描述為一個才華橫溢的年輕專業，他在南華早報是一名教師，編導，演員和活動推廣。他自1991-2在加拿大許多省份贏得了許多舞蹈比賽獎項。在加拿大大學畢業多年後，Franky進了一個非同尋常的職業生涯，而不是他的另外專長白領職業，他自1999年之後在藝穗會開始了他的興趣﹣舞蹈教學。 Franky at dance_frank@yahoo.com www.fun4u.com.hk

Eco Wedding

海洋表面溫度一直是全球最熱的紀錄，在過去3個月，根據美國國家海洋和大氣管理局。海洋溫度為62.5攝氏，平均每年6月至8月，會高於比正常1度。相比以前的估計，海洋溫度和海平面上升高於百分之五十。溫度的上升影響了很多動物，使他們無家可歸。我們可以做什麼，我們如何改變。Yolanda Che at 9010 2780

www.greenmyplanet.net

恭喜大家成為ABC的新會員，感謝參與ABC第一屆香港區域研討會。再次感謝Mr. Yoshi，各特別嘉賓，各位朋友。還特別感謝陽明山莊為我們提供那麼好的場地， Photographer Uncle Paul和團隊，Maria，Gewn，Elaine和Charlotte (來自University of Kent的學生)。再次充心多謝您，並希望在我們的下一屆研討會再見。

Association of Bridal Consultants ABC-HK

Association of Bridal Consultants is the largest and the most valuable Association over the world, having over 50-year history. Head Office of ABC is located in Connecticut, United States. It has almost 5,500 members in 32 countries ranging from United States, Europe to Asia. They are from business of Wedding Planning and business of related fields like Wedding Gown, Flower, Photo, Video, Make-up, Paper Items, etc.

Certification of ABC – HK
We designate members’ professionalism or experiences as different certifications. Assistant Bridal Planner (ABP) is issued to members who have less than 2 years experience of business in wedding consulting or wedding planning. Professional Bridal Consultant (PBC) is issued to bridal consultant who works for consulting or planning business for the couples or for the markets. Professional Wedding Vendor (PWV) is issued to vendors who work for related products or services such as wedding gown, photo, flower, video, beauty, media, catering, etc. Last but not least, Accredited and Master Degrees are issued to members who achieved continuous professional certification for more than 3 years.

Besides the above Certifications, we also provide Corporate Member and Schooling Member. Corporate Member is for business entities such as hotels, wedding sites, media, websites and the suppliers, etc. Professional Bridal Consultant (PBC) qualifications are eligible for two employees under training scheme so as to secure employees’ commitment to the provision of high quality wedding services. Schooling Member is for schooling institutions that provide ABC recognized educational curriculum to support ABC Bridal Planner Examinations.

ABC – HK First Regional Seminar
We are now having a seminar on the 27th September, 2009. We will have many professionals to share with you wedding information and knowledge. If you are interested in the above membership or seminar, please feel free to contact us by sending e-mails to info@abc-hk.org. We are glad to answer your enquiries or arrange a meeting to help you further understand the Association.