WIPA Member Code of Ethics

The Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA) is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, equity, inclusivity, and fairness within the wedding industry. This Code of Ethics provides guidance to our members in achieving these ideals. As members of the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA), we commit ourselves to the following principles and practices:

1. Professionalism, Credibility, and Integrity

We pledge to foster a positive image of our industry through our professional conduct, high-quality service delivery, and adherence to best business practices. We promise to always act with integrity in all our professional interactions, prioritizing the best interests of our clients and the industry. We commit to protecting our clients, creative partners, and other WIPA members against fraud and unfair practices, and to always conduct ourselves in ways that bring honor to our industry.

2. Transparency, Honesty, and Responsible Marketing

We will ensure all business transactions, engagements, and marketing practices are characterized by accuracy, clarity, and fairness. This includes providing comprehensive contracts to clients that clearly outline all charges, services, products, and expectations. We pledge to disclose all relevant information and avoid misleading or deceptive practices around pricing, services offered, performance of said services, and public communications.

3. Confidentiality and Digital Ethic:

We vow to safeguard all privileged information, whether physical or digital, concerning other members, sponsors, partners, our clients, and colleagues. We understand our responsibility to uphold confidentiality in all professional interactions, and commit to respecting digital copyright, protecting client data, not using contact information gained by WIPA membership for unsolicited marketing purposes and avoiding online behaviors that could harm others or reflect negatively on the profession.

4. Insurance and Financial Responsibility

We commit to maintaining appropriate insurance coverage for all business activities. This safeguards our ability to honor contracts and obligations and ensures our financial resilience and business continuity.

5. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

We agree to comply with all relevant local, state, and national laws and regulations. We understand that compliance with these rules is essential for maintaining professional standards and the reputation of WIPA.

6. Continual Learning and Knowledge Sharing

We commit to lifelong learning, professional development, and the improvement of our knowledge base. We will willingly share this expertise with other WIPA members to strengthen the capabilities of our industry.

7. Intellectual Property Respect

We promise to acknowledge the work and contributions of others, to respect intellectual property rights, and to refrain from plagiarism. We understand that creativity and innovation are to be celebrated and protected.

8. Transparent Relationships

We are committed to fostering transparent relationships with our clients and creative partners and will place their best interests above our own personal and/or financial gains. We understand that some vendors may require a commission or payment for inclusion on a preferred vendor list, for referral business, etc. Such arrangements are permissible provided they are transparent and in alignment with the clients’ best interests. We will not accept undisclosed kickbacks, gifts, or favors which may appear to influence our decisions, or actions, or recommendations to our clients.

9. Mutual Respect, Cooperation, and Inclusivity

We commit to engaging with our professional colleagues, clients, and all individuals with kindness, cooperation, and respect, ensuring there is no discrimination based on race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, age, or any other characteristic. We staunchly oppose any form of prejudice or bias. Our mission is to cultivate a collaborative and inclusive environment within the industry that not only values diversity but actively promotes it, fostering a genuine sense of belonging for everyone.

10. Fair and Equitable Treatment of Employees and Contractors

We commit to treating all our employees and contractors with respect and fairness regardless of their race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, age, or any other characteristic, with kindness, cooperation, and respect. We promote employment conditions that respect their rights, enhance their welfare, and provide opportunities for their professional growth.

11. Environmental Responsibility

We strive to operate in an environmentally responsible manner, considering sustainable practices whenever possible and minimizing the environmental impact of our operations and events.

12. Community Involvement

We encourage members to contribute to their communities and promote social responsibility. This could be through volunteering, sponsorship, or other forms of community service.

13. Dispute Resolution

We promote the resolution of disputes in a professional and constructive manner. We aim to handle all conflicts, whether with clients, vendors, or other members, with dignity, respect, and a commitment to fairness.

Violation of any part of this Code of Ethics may lead to a review by the WIPA ethics committee, removal from board or committee positions and potential removal from WIPA membership. By agreeing to this Code of Ethics, WIPA members acknowledge their responsibility to uphold these standards and accept the accountability measures outlined.

 

If you have any feedback or questions about our code of ethics,
please contact us at info@wipa.org.