4 answers
Lillian
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
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What should I major in to be a wedding planner?
Is business a good thing to major in for event/wedding planning? What about minoring in arts?
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4 answers
Tyrone Dobson, PHR
Human Resources professional specializing in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB)
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Tyrone’s Answer
Great question, Lillian!
I believe that business would be a great major for event planning. Event planning is very closely aligned with project management, so you will find many of the business courses helpful. On top of this, you will learn a lot about management, budget management, marketing...etc. that will be helpful when you think about the various aspects of event planning.
As for a minor, you have a lot of options. I could see a lot of value in a communications minor as you would be able to consult on developing flyers, press releases and similar items for events that you would be producing.
Outside of your major/minor, I would strongly suggest getting experience in this space as a day-of assistant or coordinator. Experience is VERY valuable in this space, so you would be benefited to have this type of experience post college.
Good luck!
I believe that business would be a great major for event planning. Event planning is very closely aligned with project management, so you will find many of the business courses helpful. On top of this, you will learn a lot about management, budget management, marketing...etc. that will be helpful when you think about the various aspects of event planning.
As for a minor, you have a lot of options. I could see a lot of value in a communications minor as you would be able to consult on developing flyers, press releases and similar items for events that you would be producing.
Outside of your major/minor, I would strongly suggest getting experience in this space as a day-of assistant or coordinator. Experience is VERY valuable in this space, so you would be benefited to have this type of experience post college.
Good luck!
Jill Esposito
Writer
2
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Jill’s Answer
Hi Lillian,
What an exciting and much-needed profession! Business courses will give you a good foundation. Marketing courses will also be valuable, as they'll help you think of ways to keep your business noticeable and profitable. When you are in college, go to the alumni association office and see if there are any graduates in the field of event/wedding planning who are willing to connect with students (most colleges/universities offer this). You may be able to find someone who will take you under their wing as a part-time "junior" assistant or intern. You may also find connections by going to bridal shows and speaking with vendors there.
What an exciting and much-needed profession! Business courses will give you a good foundation. Marketing courses will also be valuable, as they'll help you think of ways to keep your business noticeable and profitable. When you are in college, go to the alumni association office and see if there are any graduates in the field of event/wedding planning who are willing to connect with students (most colleges/universities offer this). You may be able to find someone who will take you under their wing as a part-time "junior" assistant or intern. You may also find connections by going to bridal shows and speaking with vendors there.
Jessica Morgan, CIR
Senior Recruiter
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
I am a recruiter now but just out of college I was an event planner for a semi-private golf club. My degree is in Criminal Justice but I had spent years in the restaurant/food and beverage industry while working through school. While I don't think a specific degree is required I would look into a hotel/restaurant management/hospitality degree/track as that will usually include business classes. Business would be a good major too if you are looking into opening your own business and entrepreneurial courses are usually part of the business degree. I found that working in the hospitality field was the best for gaining knowledge of events and customer service.
Alex Quintana
Product Manager
2
Answers
Greenwich, Connecticut
Updated
Alex’s Answer
1. Relationships are key. Whether you're working with a DJ or another vendor (such as the wedding venue), your experience with that person will follow you. For instance it may lead to future business referrals. For instance, my colleague works as a wedding DJ and once when he worked with a wedding planner he really clicked with, that wedding planner has continued to recommend him. It has worked the other way around as well.
2. Be organized. To be successful you'll be leading and managing multiple events. If you're not organized you will not inspire confidence in your customers. Remember this is a highly stressful time for your customers (even though weddings are fun, they stress people out). Your role as a wedding planner is to reduce that stress, take to-dos off people's plates and let them focus on the joy.
3. Weddingwire.com Go check out this website. It's like the TripAdvisor of the wedding industry.
2. Be organized. To be successful you'll be leading and managing multiple events. If you're not organized you will not inspire confidence in your customers. Remember this is a highly stressful time for your customers (even though weddings are fun, they stress people out). Your role as a wedding planner is to reduce that stress, take to-dos off people's plates and let them focus on the joy.
3. Weddingwire.com Go check out this website. It's like the TripAdvisor of the wedding industry.