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Wedding Planner
I am a 10th grader having a life crisis and it came across me about the idea of becoming a wedding planner. I talked briefly to my counselor and I want to know what degree would be helpful for me to pursue this career and what other things would ensure my successfulness, if I decide to follow this idea. Thank You! #weddingplanner #eventplanner
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6 answers
Updated
Cherie’s Answer
Wedding planning, and events planning in general -- will require hands-on experience. Similar to answers I see here, getting internship or part-time work experience will give you a better feel of whether the industry is a good fit for you. (I remember wanting to be a wedding planner growing up too!) As a professional in the hotel/hospitality industry now, I can testify that working with corporate clients are very different than working with social clients (weddings, catering, birthdays, showers, etc) :)
I would look into colleges w/ Hospitality majors (if you're in Anaheim, Cal Poly Pomona is a great and local start, San Diego State University is another close option in SoCal). I think Hospitality is the best fit for an events planner, as that major typically requires an X amount of work hours experience, and therefore many hotel or events related companies will often hire for part-time or interns, allowing you to get the experience you need. But, I for one, studied Business Admin. and was able to navigate myself into a very similar industry. Good luck! :)
I would look into colleges w/ Hospitality majors (if you're in Anaheim, Cal Poly Pomona is a great and local start, San Diego State University is another close option in SoCal). I think Hospitality is the best fit for an events planner, as that major typically requires an X amount of work hours experience, and therefore many hotel or events related companies will often hire for part-time or interns, allowing you to get the experience you need. But, I for one, studied Business Admin. and was able to navigate myself into a very similar industry. Good luck! :)
Thank you so much! I'll keep this in mind when I'm doing my research!
Vivian
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Vivian. Thanks for your question. There isn't a specific major that is required to be a wedding planner. There actually isn't even a degree requirement for this career. However, I would suggest a major in business, marketing, or hospitality.
Since you are in 10th grade, your needs and wants in life will likely shift significantly when you are in your 2nd/3rd year in college. With that said, the previously mentioned majors will not only leave the wedding planning doors open as a career, but it will also open up a variety of different opportunities to you in the event that you change your mind.
It is best to go to choose a university that is highly regarded in either business, marketing, or hospitality. In the first two years focus on meeting the general education (GE) required courses. During this time you will solidify if you want to continue to achieve your career goal as a wedding planner. If so, you should focus on marketing and business courses, with some additional creative courses (e.g. designing, hospitality, etc.).
I hope this helps!
Since you are in 10th grade, your needs and wants in life will likely shift significantly when you are in your 2nd/3rd year in college. With that said, the previously mentioned majors will not only leave the wedding planning doors open as a career, but it will also open up a variety of different opportunities to you in the event that you change your mind.
It is best to go to choose a university that is highly regarded in either business, marketing, or hospitality. In the first two years focus on meeting the general education (GE) required courses. During this time you will solidify if you want to continue to achieve your career goal as a wedding planner. If so, you should focus on marketing and business courses, with some additional creative courses (e.g. designing, hospitality, etc.).
I hope this helps!
Thank you for replying with your answer! I'll keep what you said in mind!
Vivian
Updated
Robert’s Answer
I'd consider getting an entry level job in this field sooner rather than later and see it from the inside. That'll be really useful context that will inform what you would need to do to run a business in that field. Look up people who do that on linkedin and look at their backgrounds. Best of luck!
Thank you so much! I'll keep this in mind when I do some deeper research!
Vivian
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
I wanted to be a wedding planner when I was younger! I received my degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations. I now work at public relations agency where I support and publicize their brand messaging, and I sometimes get to plan events. When I was looking into being a wedding planner, I reached out to planners in my area and held informational interviews to get a better idea of how they got their business going and what it entails. I recommend looking into wedding planners in your area and asking if they'd be interested in answering your questions. You can even ask if there would be an opportunity for you to shadow a planner while they begin planning a wedding or during the day-of coordination. This will give you a better idea if you enjoy planning weddings and may open up the door to a job after high school or college. Good luck!
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Advertising and business would certainly help within this career. It all depends on the program you decide to apply to in college. There is not one specific major/degree for a career but those would certainly help. It's ok not to be sure about what you want to do, there's still time don't feel so pressured to have everything figured out.
Thank you for your reply! I'm going to keep what you say in mind as well as open myself to other ideas!
Vivian
Updated
Ray’s Answer
The advice I would give is that while you're in high school and college, become a part of the clubs and organizations that put on school events: a dance, a carnival, even a simple get-together at school. Your future university will likely hold really large events, like the Open House weekends when prospective students visit. When you're able to work, find a good catering company in your area, especially one that specializes in weddings.
I studied filmmaking, but when I graduated college, I started working for a catering company and I discovered that my favorite part of the job was Event Managing weddings. For me, organizing a film set and organizing a team of caterers required the exact same skillset.
I studied filmmaking, but when I graduated college, I started working for a catering company and I discovered that my favorite part of the job was Event Managing weddings. For me, organizing a film set and organizing a team of caterers required the exact same skillset.