Statement of Purpose
This Code of Conduct, based on the collective vision of the UK Weddings Taskforce, outlines the core principles and standards of professionalism the UK Wedding Association supports and promotes. It sets out the values we believe will foster best practices, enhance trust, and safeguard the interests of our businesses, consumers, and the broader wedding industry.
Why Businesses will Benefit
Adherence to this voluntary Code demonstrates a shared commitment to excellence and integrity. It offers a way for other businesses and consumers to identify wedding professionals that operate to a clearly defined set of principles. To protect the integrity
How the Code of Conduct will be used
The Code of Practice will be used in two ways:
- Members of the UK Wedding Association will be invited to commit to the Code of Conduct, and will then be entitled to display the Association’s official badge.
- Additionally, detailed questions based on the Code of Conduct will form part of the Benchmarking process, helping to assess whether businesses are operating to a universally accepted professional standard.
It is a voluntary Code of Conduct; we are not seeking to regulate the industry, but instead to establish a universally accepted benchmark for professionalism, recognised in the UK and internationally.
Upholding our Standards
We expect our members to be open-minded when giving or receiving feedback. This commitment to honest communication helps us all uphold the integrity of the Code of Conduct and maintain the high standards of the UK Wedding Association.
To maintain these high standards, the UK Wedding Association reserves the right to withdraw the use of the Association’s badge if a member is not operating within the spirit of the Code, or is found to have seriously breached any element of this Code of Conduct.
The Code of Conduct:
Our Commitments
To the Law & Regulations
For our business operations within the UK, we commit to full adherence to all applicable UK laws and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, consumer protection, health & safety, advertising standards, data protection, and financial regulations. We ensure our business operations are always legal and transparent. When working outside of the UK, we commit to full adherence of relevant local laws and regulations, and to respect the culture and customs of the country in which we are operating.
To Our Ethical Standards
Beyond legal compliance, we commit to upholding the highest ethical standards that strengthen the reputation of the entire wedding industry:
- Honest Representation: Ensuring our marketing, portfolios, and testimonials accurately reflect our work and capabilities, without misrepresentation or plagiarism.
- Respectful Competition: Engaging with fellow wedding professionals and suppliers respectfully, avoiding disparaging remarks, unethical practices, or unauthorised use of their intellectual property.
- Industry Collaboration: Fostering a supportive industry environment, honouring agreements, and contributing positively to the collective growth and professionalism of our sector.
- Confidentiality & Privacy: Protecting sensitive client and business information, adhering to data protection principles and obtaining consent for any promotional use of client likeness or details.
- Professional Conduct: Maintaining respectful communication in all interactions, upholding the dignity of our profession.
- Financial Integrity: Managing all business finances responsibly and transparently, to protect clients, suppliers and the reputation of our industry.
- Environmental Responsibility: Incorporating sustainable practices to reduce our environmental impact and encourage ethical choices within the wedding industry.
To Our Clients
We prioritise the unique needs and satisfaction of our clients by:
- Clear Communication: Providing accurate, timely, and comprehensive information regarding services, contracts, and pricing, free from hidden fees or misleading claims.
- Client Best Interests: Guiding clients with solutions that genuinely serve their vision and needs, managing expectations realistically.
- Service Delivery: Honouring all contractual agreements, delivering services as promised, and addressing any concerns or complaints promptly, fairly, and constructively.
- Inclusivity & Respect: Treating all clients with empathy, dignity, and respect, embracing diverse cultures and clients, to ensure an inclusive and positive industry, free from discrimination.
By committing to this Code of Conduct, we publicly affirm our dedication to integrity, excellence, and the continuous improvement of standards within the wedding industry, benefiting businesses, clients, and our community as a whole.
