Course Overview:
This prestigious certification program is designed for two distinct but connected groups of wedding professionals:
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Italian planners who want to successfully attract, understand, and serve North American couples choosing Italy for their wedding.
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North American planners who wish to seamlessly guide their clients in creating unforgettable celebrations in Italy.
Created by WPIC Inc., in collaboration with renowned Italian wedding expert Camelia Lambru, this masterclass delivers an in-depth understanding of the cultural nuances, service expectations, communication styles, and legal requirements that shape the experience for Canadian and American couples marrying in Italy.
Through a blend of practical tools, insider expertise, and real-world case studies, you will gain the skills, confidence, and global perspective needed to:
- Elevate your client experience to luxury standards.
- Navigate international collaborations with grace and professionalism.
- Build a trusted reputation as a destination wedding authority in the Italy–North America market.
By the end of this program, you will be fully equipped to craft extraordinary weddings that honor Italian charm while meeting North American expectations, positioning yourself among the most sought-after professionals in the destination wedding industry.
Did you know? More than 1/3 of all Destination Weddings in Italy were couples from North America, with the average budget of 61,500 Euros ($70,600 USD). Source: The Globe and Mail Aug 1, 2025
Course Format & Duration:
- Length: 6 Weeks (20–24 hours total)
- Format: Online learning –Live and pre-recorded video lectures, downloadable resources, quizzes, and assignments
- Language: English
- Final Assessment: Multiple-choice and short-answer online proctored exam (in English)
- Certificate Awarded: WPIC Certified Italian Wedding Professional (North American Client Focus)
Course Modules:
Module 1: Welcome to the North American Market vs Italy
- Lesson 1.1: What North American Couples Value
- Canadian vs. American wedding culture: similarities and key distinctions
- Popular styles and trends in North America (luxury, boho, elopements, multicultural weddings, etc.)
- Personalization, storytelling, and the experience-first approach
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Cultural values: inclusivity, individuality, efficiency, transparency
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Lesson 1.2: The Italian Perspective – Culture, Beauty, and La Dolce Vita
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To effectively bridge cultures, it’s important to understand what makes Italian weddings unique and attractive—and how that differs from North American norms.
- Italian Wedding Culture & Values
- Rooted in family traditions, faith, and strong regional identities.
- Celebrations are often lavish but relaxed, blending timeless elegance with natural beauty.
- Importance placed on authentic cuisine, historical venues, and the emotional connection of “la famiglia.”
- What Makes Italy So Desirable to North Americans?
- Romantic settings (Tuscany, Amalfi, Lake Como)
- World-class food and wine
- Art, history, architecture
- The effortless elegance of Italian lifestyle
- Italian Style vs. North American Trends
- Italian weddings focus on natural beauty and classical elegance, with less emphasis on trends.
- Less rigid structure: Italian timelines and vendor relationships can feel more relaxed, which may feel disorganized to North Americans without communication.
- Italian planners often work intuitively, while North American clients expect detailed timelines, structured calls, and digital tools.
- What North Americans May Misunderstand
- “Italian time” vs. strict timelines—North American clients may see delays as a lack of professionalism.
- Language and tone: What feels friendly and casual in Italy may be interpreted as vague or unprofessional in North America.
- Negotiations and payments: Expectation of upfront costs, clear packages, and formal contracts.
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Key Takeaway: North American couples are not just booking a location—they’re investing in an experience, and they expect destination professionals to deliver the same standards of clarity, service, and personalization they’d receive at home. At the same time, Italian charm and authenticity are part of the magic—they just need to be communicated and executed in a way that builds trust across cultures.
- Lesson 1.3: The Role of the Wedding Planner
- Planner vs. Coordinator vs. Designer: Different models in North America
- How North American planners collaborate (vendor management, timelines, etiquette)
- Communication preferences (expect fast responses, polite tone, clear steps)
- Relationship-building and expectations from destination partners
- Lesson 1.4: About WPIC Inc.
- Introduction to WPIC, its history and international scope
- WPIC’s Code of Ethics, educational standards, and global reputation
- The value of certification when working with North American planners and couples
Module 2: Serving North American Clients in Italy
- Lesson 2.1: Understanding Their Mindset
- What Canadian and American couples look for in a destination planner
- Common concerns (budget, legality, language barriers, trust)
- Cultural expectations around hospitality, transparency, and professionalism
- The power of reviews and referrals (Google, The Knot, WeddingWire, etc.)
- Lesson 2.2: Communication and Service Standards
- Tone, timing, and formatting for emails and proposals
- Working with LGBTQIA2S+ clients and guests
- How to provide confidence in your services (professionalism, clarity, structure)
- Handling pressure, urgency, and decision fatigue
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving with grace
Module 3: Legal, Financial & Professional Considerations
- Lesson 3.1: Legal Requirements for North Americans Getting Married in Italy
- Marriage legality, documents, consulate protocols
- Religious, civil, and symbolic ceremonies
- How to clearly communicate legal limitations to clients
- Lesson 3.2: Contracts, Payments & Protections
- What North American clients expect in contracts (cancellations, contingencies, service lists)
- Standard invoicing and payment plans (including credit card and PayPal options)
- Insurance (liability, cancellation) and financial transparency
- Lesson 3.3: Working with North American Wedding Professionals
- How to seamlessly collaborate with planners traveling with clients
- Setting expectations and boundaries with outside vendors
- Cultural respect and mutual professionalism
Module 4: Client Experience & Business Practices
- Lesson 4.1: Building a Client Journey
- How to create an intentional and reassuring onboarding process
- What North American clients want to see in a proposal and timeline
- Digital tools North Americans use (CRMs, Zoom, shared documents)
- Lesson 4.2: Writing for Impact & Trust
- Email templates for lead responses, updates, and booking
- Proposals that speak the North American language: clear, emotional, and results-oriented
- Social proof: using testimonials and past weddings to build credibility
- Lesson 4.3: Pricing and Positioning Your Services
- Pricing strategies that match expectations (transparency, package tiers, a la carte services)
- The value of education and how to communicate it
- Understanding budgets and perceived value
Module 5: Real-Life Scenarios and Best Practices
- Lesson 5.1: Case Studies & Lessons Learned
- The Italian Planner Who Thrived by Partnering with a Canadian Planner
- A Breakdown in Communication: How One Email Almost Lost a Dream Client
- The Photographer Who Saved the Day (and the wedding)
- Lesson 5.2: Tools, Templates & Resources
- Planning checklists tailored for North American needs
- Contract and communication templates
- Vendor spreadsheets, timelines, and budget calculators
- Lesson 5.3: Long-Term Growth
- How to maintain relationships after the wedding
- Building a referral-worthy experience
- Partnering with international colleagues for destination excellence
Module 6: Final Exam & Certification
- Exam Format:
- Multiple-choice and short-answer questions
- Tests knowledge of North American market, communication skills, legal understanding, and cultural awareness
- Conducted in English
- Certification:
- WPIC Certification specifically for weddings in Italy
- Recognition as a WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner with specialization in North American client services
- Downloadable Templates (Proposals, Email Responses, Planning Tools)
- Resource Library: Planning Apps, CRM Platforms, Legal Tools
- Reading Materials: Industry blogs, cultural guides, and wedding trend reports
- Private Facebook group and/or WhatsApp channel for networking
Conclusion:
This WPIC x Camelia Lambru course goes beyond logistics. It builds trust, promotes international professionalism, and bridges cultural gaps between Italian wedding planners and North American clients. Upon completion, participants will feel confident serving Canadian and American couples with excellence, empathy, and efficiency, making Italy a seamless and unforgettable destination for their wedding.
Investment:
1250 EUR / 1999 CAD / 1450 USD
(base rate is $1999 CAD and the final conversion will be determined by PayPal)
Early Bird Discount!! Register and pay before August 30, 2025 and receive a 200 EUR discount!!
Early bride prices: 1050 EUR / 1685 CAD / 1215 USD
All fees are due before the course start date.
