The Adirondack-Albany Wedding Association was originally formed in 2008, and we have been helping couples ensure the highest level of quality for their weddings, while also saving money, ever since. Many people ask us how the A-AWA program works. Well, we think it’s pretty simple! Here are the basics you need to know:
The wedding professionals that we allow into the A-AWA have to be high quality pros that we trust to execute the wedding of your dreams. Rest easy knowing that all our members have a proven track record of reliability and excellence.
You simply register, secure a minimum of 5 pros for anything wedding related, then our office will confirm with the pros and issue your A-AWA letter. You’re done!
What Counts?
To put it simply, everything related to your event counts toward your 5 pros. Some of those things are obvious: your banquet house, entertainment, photography, officiant, flowers, invitations, favors, dessert, etc. Less obvious are those things you might need for your wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, bachelor(ette) events, honeymoon, etc. And then there are some extreme examples (from some of our past couples) you would not normally think of: a couple from out of the area who was planning a destination wedding in the Adirondacks needed a hotel to come up for the weekend to meet with vendors (that counts). Another couple used one A-AWA cake baker for their shower and a different one for their wedding (that’s 2 right there). We even had a couple once do their Jack & Jill party weekend in Saratoga and booked one of our hotels for overnight rooms, one of our restaurants for dinner, and hired one of our limo companies to chauffeur them around all night (that was 3 total vendors alone).
What is the Benefit?
Easy enough to explain but understand the basics first: There are places that provide a facility and food (we call them resorts or houses). That’s one vendor. Alternately, there are rental facilities that do not provide food, so you would bring in a caterer. That’s 2 vendors. In both these examples, the benefit (if qualified), is a 5% pre-tax upgrade or discount (depending on what the pro and you agree on). For all other member pros, the benefit is a 10% upgrade or discount (some exceptions apply, such as third party vendors like travel/honeymoons). All pros generally only count one time, unless they allow it to count more. One example of this would be a bridal salon who you buy your gown from, and also rent tuxes from… that would only count as one pro, unless the salon allows it to count twice.
Testimonials
The A-AWA has offered assistance to couples all over the region for 10 years now, but don't take our word for it. Here's a small taste of proof:
Wrapping Up
You must contact us for your A-AWA discount letter no later than 30 days before your wedding date, otherwise we cannot issue the letter. We suggest that as soon as you book your 5th pro, you have us issue your letter. Then, as you add more pros, we can simply add them to the letter and ensure that you don’t miss out on your savings. And as an added bonus for all our qualifying couples, we also issue you a ‘lifetime discount card’ after your event which gives you savings with all applicable pros… forever! How cool is that???
Need MORE?
The A-AWA also offers full service planning and day of coordination for couples who want more extensive wedding help. Our event coordinators have a combined experience of over 20 years in the wedding industry, and we will make sure everything is exactly as you desire, to the best of our abilities! Check out our package options at a-awa.com or contact us at [email protected] for a quote for your day!
