Hi!

I?m trying to do some research on the wedding industry ? specifically
wedding consulting.  I?m looking for free and current resources in
several areas?

1)	Size the US wedding industry on an annual basis.  Including number
of weddings, average cost, cost breakouts.  I?ve found a lot of quotes
that have a few high level tidbits, but I?m looking for a more
comprehensive overview (one in which the numbers are likely to tie)

2)	Information on wedding consultants.  Specifically, I?m trying to
segment the wedding consultant market.  Are there different types of
wedding consultants ? full service, packaged, day of, etc.

3)	Wedding package information.  Are there any big companies that
currently sell wedding packages.  Something other than individual
venues.  I?m looking for something more then the destination type
program.

I know that this is pretty broad.  I?m shooting a little in the dark. 
I?ve found a ton of resources, but I feel that a lot of them are not
reputable.  Either they are trying to sell their services or
consulting or just have some ulterior motives.  I?m hoping to break
through some of the clutter.

Also happy to answer clarifying questions.

Thanks much!

I don't have any specific answers for you, but when I first started my
business as a wedding consultant I found the Association of Certified
Professional Wedding Consultants in the San Jose, CA area.  At the
time (mid-1990's) it was the only association in the industry that I
could find that offered in-person training (not correspondence or
web-based).  The 5-day intensive classes were in depth in every area
of the biz with homework assignments each night after class.  Plus
pre-class assignments helped get you geared up for the intensity of
the training.  Plus earning your 'certified professional' status
really gives you the creditability in the eyes of potential clients. I
haven't been in the industry in several years, but assume they are
still around and worth checking out.
~Pam