Announcing Law School for Wedding Professionals
I am so excited to announce the launch of Law School for Wedding Professionals — a new kind of workshop focusing on the legalities of owning, protecting and growing your wedding industry business. I’ll be hitting the road starting in September for a twelve-city workshop tour that includes: Washington, D.C., Atlanta, New York City, Boston, Chicago, Nashville, San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas, Seattle, Orlando and Los Angeles. Class sizes are limited in order to allow for more personal interaction and tailored instruction based on the specifics of your business. Each workshop runs from 9am to 6pm, and includes breakfast and lunch. We will cover a ton of material in the workshops, including structuring your business, protecting your brand through trademarks, social media law, copyrights and employment issues, and your admission fee also includes the review and revision of your client contract (or preparation of a new contract if you do not have one), with one-on-one attorney counseling and drafting specific to your business’s needs. Your new or revised contract will be completed within 14 days of your workshop attendance date, helping to ensure that you and your business are protected as you approach the busy engagement/booking season.
Head on over to the Law School for Wedding Professionals website for more details, dates, etc., and feel free to send any questions to hello@lawschoolforweddingpros.com. I am also excited to be offering one scholarship to your choice of workshop cities; to enter, leave a comment below explaining how Law School for Wedding Professionals would help your business, and one winner will be selected at random on September 6, 2011. If your city is not included in this leg of the Law School for Wedding Professionals tour, comment below, email hello@lawschoolforweddingpros.com or tweet @wedprolawschool, and we will work to make it happen!
UPDATE: Because the workshops are quickly filling up, if you want to secure your spot (and the early registration fee) now, you can go on and register for your city AND also enter to win the scholarship. If your name is selected on September 6th, your admission fee will be refunded.
UPDATE #2: Erin of Bustle is the winner of the Law School for Wedding Pros scholarship!
In June I became the new owner of an established boutique wedding planning and coordinating company. I immediately set about getting things in order based on what I’d been learning about the profession and industry over the last few years. But, before I knew it, my weekends were filling up and I haven’t had time to step back and make sure I’m doing what I need to be doing to make and keep my business legal. I’d love to set aside a day to do this with you, Katy! I’m also looking forward to getting to know the other wedding pros at the workshop in Dallas and beyond! I know that making sure my legal foundation is rock solid will help me be a better employer and vendor, as well as colleague and wife. I’m sure my husband will appreciate all the sleep I get thanks to knowing I’m taken care of!
Hi Katy! This such an awesome thing for the industry. I would love to attend one of you workshops. While I have had the opportunity to work with attorneys in trying to put together my contract and other documents, No one in our area specializes in this area such as you. I want to be on top of my game when working with clients and your workshop would definitely give me that edge! PS – If you could come to Jacksonville, Florida that would be even better.
Hi Katy,
I recently stumbled across your twitter page which then led me to your website.
You have incredible information and it’s so nice to see an attorney specialize in the wedding and event industry.
I’ve done hours upon hours of research on legal matters, policies, contracts, etc… I would be very grateful to be selected to attend your Phoenix conference. With your vast knowledge I am eager to learn more about the above-mentioned topics as well as figure out what insurance is right for my business and learn about the issues facing social media. I want to make sure that I am starting my business on the right foot!
Plus, I’d love to meet you!
You don’t need to ask twice for a comment and chance at your school.
Nevertheless, I am so excited to meet you in SLC.
I’m ready to go back to class! Law School for Wedding Professionals is a class that I have been waiting for all of my life! I would love to attend your class.
The law school for wedding professionals would help my business in so many ways. My attorney sister would especially appreciate my attendance of this event as I have so many questions that she can’t answer (trademarking, copyright infringement, employee legalities, contract details). I would also love to be able to appropriately handle any copyright infringement issues. Your blog has been very helpful, but I find myself afraid to take actions on the legal side of my business without more knowledge.
Thanks so much. There is no better joy than working for myself and I would be so grateful for the opportunity to grow as a business owner.
I have been WAITING for a workshop like this to come along! I’m over all the photography workshops out there and decided that this year, there were none that I wanted to attend. But, I really wanted a business/law workshop to help out my business – and, if one came along, I would hop on it and attend. So, when I saw your announcement this morning, I was more than excited! Perfect match. I would be attending your workshop in Phoenix in October.
I loved the twitter chat about getting images off blogs and content. People need to understand copyright laws. When you are in business you need so many hats. I think you are definitely hitting an area for sure that my husband and I need.
Katy! We are so excited that you have Law School for Wedding Professionals. It is going to make the industry have stronger contracts and will take everyone to new heights in their business. We cannot thank you enough!
Oh, there are so many reasons why this Law School for Wedding Professionals would help me. Mainly because I hate to say that I don’t know much about business law, but would like to know more. I’ve heard fabulous things about Katy Carrier and think she could help me run my business with lots more knowledge about the legalities of running a wedding planning business.
I would love to see if there is a way to protect a design… As in floral design
Looking forward to the Seattle stop on the workshop tour! Will be registering soon!
Katy! What a great idea! I would be honored to be able to attend the NYC workshop. I’m in the midst of starting a brand spankin’ new company doing wedding decorations and I need all the information I can possibly soak up.
Attending Law School for Wedding Professionals will allow me to establish a solid foundation in business, which has been my primary focus, before jumping into starting my own business. Being able to learn and gain valuable information from someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in the wedding industry is comforting. I’m confident that I would be well equipped and successful starting out in business, because of you (Katy) giving me the tools needed to succeed.
This is a fabulous idea. I am so happy to see that you are doing something like this. I think we all could use the education to better ourselves and our business. Brillant!
I was so excited when I got an email in my inbox about law school for wedding professionals! I have been a wedding planner for 3 years, and will lose my job as of January 1, 2012. Then it hit me, why not take over the company! I am so excited to transition the company into my name and continue with designing and coordinating weddings and events for my clients. With a new company I have no clue where to begin, and there are more costs than I can handle. I would absolutely love to attend your conference in Dallas (it is only 4 hours from me), but would only be able to afford the gas to get there. What an incredible concept and help you are to the entire wedding planning industry. For me, someone who has no clue to the first thing about the legalities of owning and operating a successful company, this workshop is heaven sent! I would absolutely love to receive your scholarship to a 2011 workshop! Thank you!
I am excited for the opportunity to attend The Law School for Wedding
Professionals event in Los Angeles. I have followed and read several of your blog
posts regarding contracts and employees, and both have proved to be beneficial
in furthering my wedding planning business. Having the opportunity to attend
and learn more would be vital to the continued growth of my business; more
specifically in revising and strengthening my current contract. I often worry about
the day when something goes wrong and find that the document is missing key
language to protect myself and the business. For example, your recent post about
Natural Disasters made me realize I need a “Force Majeure” clause; however, I
don’t know where to begin in preparing that paragraph. I’m sure I would benefit
in many other ways as well. Even if I am not awarded a scholarship to attend, I
will be scraping my pennies together so I can try to make it. Thank you for your
consideration.
Was so great to meet you & listen to you speak at Engage!. Your advice was extremely valuable and I REALLY look forward to hearing you speak when you come to NY! I think it is SO important for people to know how iron clad their contracts really are! Kudos to you Katy!!
Hi Katy!
The idea of Law School for Wedding Professional is so amazing! I know being able to attend an event like this would really help to cement my business and get me moving in the right direction!
Because I am a tiny start up (it is just me, my dreams, my goodies and the support of friends) I know that I won’t be able to afford to attend the seminar this year but I would like to apply for the scholarship! I know that I would absorb all of the information you give us and use it to the best of my ability!
Thank you for the chance and thank you for offering such an amazing class!
Nicole
Hi Katy,
Thank you for this great opportunity and the Law School for Wedding Professionals! This worksop will help to answer all my questions as well as make sure I feel protected.
I’m so glad I found your site. This blog is so helpful and I can only imagine how much I would learn in your workshop. I’m working hard at bringing my business to the next level and sometimes it’s hard to find answers. I know your workshop would be a huge step in the next direction!
*Fingers Crossed*
Katy, it was great meeting you in January at TSE. I loved your niche! An attorney for the creative professionals. Now, the Law School for Wedding Professionals….this is awesome! I have so many questions on branding, copyright, contracts, etc. I love your post and absolutely look forward to them. It would be great to win a spot at the Law School!
I started my business out of a random niche opportunity ton provide a service no one else has been able to do in the area at a time tonincrease cashbflow wile my husband was unemployed. in the past 16 months, we’ve been featured on major industry blogs, been heralded as the “best kept secret” in the region, and are increasing in booking inquiries. However, the local vendors, merchants, and clients still seem to be a little behind the times with regards to b usiness practices. I not onlybneed to make sure my business is protected, but also my family & assets, my clients, and my partners. This scholarship and workshop would undoubtedly make me more confident in the services I am able to offer, and the security I provide my family, clients, and business partners.
My contract has needed some attention for a little while now. I recently read a post that made me aware just how much it needs an overhaul! I would love a chance to attend either the Atlanta or Orlando Law School. I need advice on how to handle contract negotiations and revisions for each individual client. Who knew it could get so involved – I just do hair! Lol.
You have been of tremendous help already Katy- this workshop is genius! I am so there either at LA or San Fran… wouldn’t miss it!
I found your blog via a twitter suggestion and just love it! Now my fingers and toes are crossed hoping to win a scholarship to the Los Angeles date. As a fomer legal secretary turned wedding planner, I’ve always been hyper-aware of the fact that there are huge liability issues in owning a business. I’ve pretty much navigated on my own legal instincts thus far but, alas, I am not actually an attorney! I know there are probably quite a few crutial contract items and other legal points that I could be handling better so, suffice to say, I would soak this class up like a sponge!
I would love to attend your workshop! I need to change my business entity and I’m very confused about the right one for us. There are so many topics that are perfect for our business right now in order to help us grow. I’m crossing my fingers that I am able to attend here in San Francisco.
Dear Katy,
My name is Nicole, owner and Certified Wedding Consultant (www.acpwc.com,http://www.theweddingplanninginstitute.com/) of Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design (www.nicolelisanne.com).
Thank you for doing this workshop! The Wedding and Event Industry is full of really nice people-pleasers like myself and others who are amazing artists and consultants, photographers, hair and makeup artists… but we are not good at understanding the law that we need to protect us.
I am a huge supporter of continuing education for the Wedding and Event Industry and I think what you are doing is extraordinary!!!! Thank you!
I’d love to attend your workshop, unfortunately I can’t afford to, but I was told to leave a comment here for a chance to attend on scholarship, which I would appreciate very much if chossen.
Thank you so much,
Warmest Regards,
Nicole
Since September 6 just happens to be my birthday, it would be pretty darn awesome to win the scholarship!
Oh, how I would love to win this scholarship! I am currently starting a biz in the wedding industry, and I would love to make sure everything is legal and on the up-and-up before I officially launch. There are so many issues that I have questions about and I feel like this would be the answer to my prayers! I think the Chicago one is the closest to me…unless you could add one for Indianapolis or Detroit!
Thank you so much for offering this…it is going to be an amazing opportunity for the lucky winner.
Yep. I need this workshop for sure. And if I got the scholarship I would jump for joy, click my heels and tell EVERYONE about you. I came across your info on facebook and was a fan right after your first post! I read your entire website and would love to be a part of your “class” in Phoenix. What you are doing is such a breath of fresh air. Legal stuff, face to face interaction AND a fun environment. Couldn’t seem more attractive. And the timing couldn’t be better for me. I am in the midst of making some changes ’round here and would love to make sure I am doing it right. Thank you for doing what you are doing.
Katy- I have heard such amazing things about you and your work. I would love to be in contention for a scholarship in Los Angeles. DayOfGal just opened its doors and is (thankfully) loaded with clients. I have a basic contract but sure am adding clauses with every client as i learn
! Feeling a bit in uncharted territory and would love some help.
All my Best-
I would LOVE to attend the SF workshop! I have been burnt one too many times and I would love to find out how I can protect myself.
Oh my stars! Our quickly growing business NEEDS this!! Such an amazing idea, exactly what us “creative types” need. We’re crossing our fingers and saying our prayers
With A Smile,
Scott and Katie
I’m really excited for this class! I am always curious about the “legal-ese” of this business and this seems like a great way to learn it, with others in the industry (who will no doubt have great feedback and questions) which also focuses on our specific businesses.
Thanks for bringing this to DC!
My name is Jan McBee, owner of La Fete Weddings and Special Events in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Law School for Wedding Professionals is an excellent opportunity! I have recently transitioned my wedding and event planning company into a full-time business and it is extremely important to me and my family to make sure that we are protected and have the best structure for the business.
It’s very easy for us creative types to get caught up in the “fun” parts, but it is imperative for us not to neglect the things that will keep us in business for the long haul.
I would appreciate the opportunity to join you for this workshop!! Thank you!!
Katy- Thank you so much for finding me on twitter! This is such an amazing program and I could benefit very much from the opportunity to attend your New York session!
I am new to the industry and while I have the creativity to be succeed, I believe it is equality as important to understand the law to protect my business and ensure my success in the future. If I had the funds available I would sign up at this very moment but as with many start-up sole-proprietorship I am on a pretty tight budget at the moment and would not be able to afford this program but the opportunity to receive a scholarship would be a dream come true for me. I recently had a wedding which was cancelled due to Hurricane Irene and as a new wedding planner I did not have a clause in my contract regarding natural disasters and my clients basically took advantage and I did not get paid my final payment despite all the weeks of hard work I put into planning their event. I really believe that this course will teach me how to legally deal with these types of situations and I could greatly benefit from building a strong client contract to protect myself and my company. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and I wish all the applicants the best of luck!
This is a wonderful idea! I have been in business now over 11 years and I’m always open to learning more and gaining the knowledge to make my business better. I appreciate to opportunity to be considered for a scholarship and receiving the message on Twitter. Every wedding professional should want to learn the legalities behind this business!!!
Thanks,
Desiree
Chicago, IL
I was so excited when I discovered Law School for Wedding Professionals! I have worked with lawyers in the past when establishing my business but always felt they never really understood my industry and the specifics I required and contracts always seemed cookie cutter. Law School for Wedding Professionals would allow me to take my business to the next level and insure my business and clients are protected.
You are one smart cookie Katy for launching these workshops. It’s something that the wedding industry has lacked for a long time and I’m sure you will be very busy!
Courtney
This is just what our industry needs – a daring and fun creative, ready to arm the rest of us with the part of the “business” that we all shy away from (or even run and scream away from!) Katy is just amazing to work with, so instructive and informative, not to mention kind, and I am just beyond excited about the ways that P&P could grow and change in this workshop. Thank you so much for the scholarship opportunity, and I’m just thrilled for the chance to stop navigating these business seas alone, but with a more focused legal knowledge. I’m also excited about the group of business owners that I would meet, and that would become a support network as we all make awesome changes. Thank you! And Congrats on the launch! xo!
Hello Katy,
My name is Ebony Peoples-Wordlaw and I am the owner of Ebony Peoples Events & Design, a boutique event planning company based in Dallas, TX. I’ve spent the last few years learning the ins and outs of the wedding and event industry. I’ve worked with a mentor, obtained certification, and attended a few professional development courses for wedding professionals. As of this past June, I took a step out on faith to pursue my dream full time. I’ve really been focused on building a solid foundation for my company. I believe that the Law School for Wedding Professionals will definitely be beneficial to my growth in this industry. My goal is to ensure that I’m always putting my best foot forward creatively and legally when working with clients and other vendors. I would love the opportunity to be a part the of the Dallas workshop. Thanks so much for providing this opportunity and for the consideration. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Thank You,
~Ebony
I was so excited when I heard that you were going to be coming to Nashville with your workshop as I would love to learn more about the legal aspects of my business! It’s something often overlooked by small biz owners especially in the wedding industry and I think it’s fantasic that you specialize in this industry. Can’t wait to learn more from you especially about client contracts!
I am a member of iWed and just found out about the Law School tour! I am very excited to learn more about the legal side of things as I have always wanted to know more about this subject. The contract is THE most important thing when signing clients and your business should be protected. I wish there were a Houston stop on the tour but I would love to be entered into the drawing for a nearby city!
Katy, I’m super stoked you’re offering this workshop! Legal matters and contracts can be scary waters to cross, especially without professional help. I’d love to get advice for the best legal structure for my business as well as making sure all my contracts are solid. I’d love to attend your Dallas workshop. Thank you!
This is a great offering! I am looking to grow my business and have a education portion for brides and potential planners and I would love to learn more about trademarking, and franchaising. As well as the dreaded intern vs employee vs contractor triangle. I would love to attend your Seattle workshop! Thanks!
This is such a great idea and I would be so grateful to attend. I’m the owner of both a fairly established event planning firm and a newly established wedding photography business and I really need help and guidance to ensure that they are both in line on the legal and tax side of things. Also as the owner of 2 small businesses, time is at a premium and as I’m now looking to hire more help, this class would be so helpful in understanding subcontractors vs. part-time employees. I would be overjoyed to attend your DC workshop!!!!
No matter if you are a new person starting a business or if you’ve been in the business for a while, it’s always great to “check-in” with the legal department and get a tune-up on all things legal! Things always change so thank you for a great opportunity to educate ourselves better to be better business people for our clients.
Katy,
I am SO glad that you are conducting this awesome workshop. There are so many unknowns in the areas of starting your business…the best investment one can make is to set the right foundation to make sure that you cover all areas so that you are protected and your clients are as well.
Thanks for spear heading this awesome workshop.
Thank you so much for filling a hole that has been missing in the wedding industry. As most of us have start up businesses that have/are growing, it can be overwhelming and confusing to take on the legal aspects of the business and you are giving a respected legal voice. I was most excited to read that you will be covering social media law and trademarks – something we chatty creatives should know about!
Katy,
What a great idea and so glad it is coming to Chicago. This industry needs your advice, education, talent and support! Can’t wait to attend this!
Ali Phillips
I would love to be considered for the Atlanta workshop. I have spent hours upon hours researching contracts and even more hours feeling overwhelmed by what to include or not include in my contract. This workshop will help me tremendously. I’m very excited and interested in learning more about contracting, trademarking, and social media law. Thank you for creating this workshop, this is something I desperately need.
Katy, it was great meeting you at Engage! Everywhere I go, I hear from other industry professionals about how valuable your legal services are. I’m excited for the opportunity to attend your workshop in Nashville!
how fabulous. my business, indie wed, is a series of events that connects brides with independent wedding vendors. not only could I totally use this but would hope to gather information I could pass along to my vendors. this is much needed for those of us with small businesses.
- typed on tiny iPhone keys
Hi Katy! This workshop is such a brilliant idea! I would love to feel more competent in
This area and know that my contract is solid and I know how to handle my business and the legal details it involves. Great idea!
Sounds great- we’d love to attend!
This is such a great idea and I’m so excited you are coming to DC! Getting advice from a lawyer who specializes in the event industry is such a treat and very needed!
Sorry, I sent before I was finished commenting!
I own an established event planning company, but always strive to do better and know more. I need to not only be knowledgeable about the event side, but also about the legal side of my business. This workshop is a great opportunity to further educate myself about how I should safely be running my business.
I too would love to learn the legal side of my business. I have done research but love to be able to sit down with a lawyer and get some questions answered. I would love to have the opportunity to attend the Phoenix, AZ workshop.
I opened my own wedding design business 3 years ago and I am still in need of some legal help. I would love attend to make sure I am covering my clients and my own butt!
Brilliant! Hope to make it!
Hi Katy,
I was excited to get an email from you for this very informative and important business symposium that will be coming to Dallas in November. Being a recent small business owner (June 2011) it is very easy to get caught up and confused with all the decisions that need to be made for your business: contracts, copyright laws, advertising, marketing, social media, etc.- the list goes on and on. I love that your workshop will cover all these subjects and then some! It is imperative for any business that decides to open to make strategic and smart decisions regarding their operation to gain market share and stay in business for many years to come. I hope that I will be able to attend and meet you personally.
All my best,
Crystal Frasier
Crystal Frasier Weddings
I would LOVE to attend the Atlanta workshop! I just left my day job to pursue my planning business full time and I could definitely benefit from this workshop! Such a great idea! Thanks Katy for bringing such valuable, relevant knowledge to our industry!
I love this idea! Our business opened one year ago. We consulted a number of professionals (accounting, business, law) before opening and received some conflicting information. We’d love to get some facts straightened out! Last month we moved from being home based, into a commercial office space and want to make sure we’ve covered ourselves correctly.
Thank you!
What a great idea for a workshop! I’m lucky enough to have lawyers as family members and friends, but I’m always nervous to totally confide in them with questions about my business since it is in the creative field. I wonder if they will consider certain factors that might be overlooked if you aren’t immersed in the creative industry day-in & day-out. Therefore, I would be THRILLED to attend this workshop and really focus on refining my client contracts.
And congrats on developing this workshop, Katy! It is sure to be a success!
I am so excited for you and all you are doing for this industry. It is much needed and I would love to attend your scholarship. Thanks for all that you do!
Katy,
You are truly paving the way for a much needed area of education in our industry! I am currently a client of yours and would love an opportunity to meet you and learn more from you in person at the Atlanta workshop! Cheers to finding a niche and helping all of the creatives with your expertise!
Cheers! Lindsay
I LOVE that this type of workshop is being done. I wish it was around when I started 6 years ago!!! To learn about our specific industry and our needs/requirements that need to be met is something that a lot of traditional attorney’s aren’t as familiar with. I would LOVE to attend this workshop to brush up on my legal knowledge for our industry, as well as learn what tweaks I need to be making.
Katy!
This is SO exciting! I would LOVE to attend your workshop in Seattle! As a business owner, going into my 4th year! I would love for the opportunity to make sure I’m on the right track with contracts and everything LAW!
Thank You!
This is a much need service in our industry. Looking forward to following your blog. Thank you for providing a service to help wedding professionals in the “business of weddings”.
So glad we have such a great opportunity to learn the legal side of the business. As a new business it is tough to navigate the business landscape and still have to worry about the legal side of things. Looking forward to all we can learn from you. Thanks for the service to the industry.
This is an awesome idea for all of the wedding planner and to the soon be married couples. Would love to attend this king of event too.
Hi Katy! I’m back! My reasoning is still the same, so I’m reposting.
“Attending Law School for Wedding Professionals will allow me to establish a solid foundation in business, which has been my primary focus, before jumping into starting my own business. Being able to learn and gain valuable information from someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in the wedding industry is comforting. I’m confident that I would be well equipped and successful starting out in business, because of you (Katy) giving me the tools neeeded to succeed.”
I would like to attend while you are in Atlanta, Ga.