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How to become a wedding planner?
Share your journey & guide aspiring Wedding Planners on their path!
Note: Given the growing interest in the wedding planning field, we're inviting our experienced professionals to share their knowledge.
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4 answers
Mable Tsang
2
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Mable’s Answer
Hey there!
If the world of wedding planning sparks your interest, why not dive into the hospitality industry? Especially consider those hotels that are renowned for being perfect wedding venues. These places often offer on-the-job training, giving you a real taste of the field.
Alternatively, you might want to explore hospitality management or event management courses. These can provide you with a solid foundation and open up a world of opportunities. So, go ahead and chase your dreams!
If the world of wedding planning sparks your interest, why not dive into the hospitality industry? Especially consider those hotels that are renowned for being perfect wedding venues. These places often offer on-the-job training, giving you a real taste of the field.
Alternatively, you might want to explore hospitality management or event management courses. These can provide you with a solid foundation and open up a world of opportunities. So, go ahead and chase your dreams!
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
There’s no specific path to become a wedding planner and no formal education is required. While a college degree isn’t required, majors like business, communications, public relations, hospitality management, marketing and event planning provide a helpful foundation. In addition certifications aren’t required either, but they can help you look more appealing to potential clients and provide useful information on how to become a wedding planner.
Organizations like the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners, the Wedding Academy and Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning Institute all offer courses for certified wedding planners. These courses typically last two to three months. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate, a letter of recommendation and a professional designation. It’s also smart to join a professional wedding planner organization, like the Association of Bridal Consultants or the Association for Wedding Professionals International. Networking is essential if you want to become a wedding planner. Professional organizations are a great way to meet vendors that you can enlist for upcoming events while fostering relationships with other wedding planners in your area.
Research what it takes to become a wedding planner. Learn about training and education requirements, certification options and job duties to find out if this is the career for you.
A good start might be securing an unpaid internship within a wedding coordination company or wedding venue. This will allow you to start from the bottom up in terms of gaining valuable experience while executing assorted tasks. Before you can plan and run your own weddings, it would be a valuable experience for you to have examined and assisted with ten or more weddings. During this time, you will witness how the wedding planner liaises with service providers, manages the timeline, overcomes any last-minute challenges and most importantly, exceeds the client’s expectations.
Organizations like the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners, the Wedding Academy and Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning Institute all offer courses for certified wedding planners. These courses typically last two to three months. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate, a letter of recommendation and a professional designation. It’s also smart to join a professional wedding planner organization, like the Association of Bridal Consultants or the Association for Wedding Professionals International. Networking is essential if you want to become a wedding planner. Professional organizations are a great way to meet vendors that you can enlist for upcoming events while fostering relationships with other wedding planners in your area.
Research what it takes to become a wedding planner. Learn about training and education requirements, certification options and job duties to find out if this is the career for you.
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Rob Beers
I am operations and production manager of a brewpub
14
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Rob’s Answer
Degrees and certifications related to Event Planning and Hospitality are widely available. My wife, who is an active player in this industry, frequently collaborates with numerous Wedding Planners. During the bustling "wedding season," they often recruit extra help to ensure smooth operations. My advice to you is to reach out to the top venues in your vicinity, inquire about the planners they associate with, and then contact these planners. Ask them if they require help for the season, or if they could suggest a suitable path for you. Make it clear that your aim is to work under an experienced planner, and that their name was recommended by the venue.
Consider volunteering at places like schools, churches, retirement communities, or residential facilities where event organization is a regular activity. Be it bars and restaurants, retirement homes and hospitals, or businesses and hotels, event planning has become an integral component of their business and marketing plans. As a brewpub owner, I've seen the impact of event planning firsthand. Through hosting monthly events and other special occasions, we've established our reputation as a preferred venue for parties and social gatherings. We've hosted a variety of events, from retirement parties and birthdays to wedding receptions, tasting events, pairing dinners, and meet-up groups. Event planning is a thriving industry, offering ample opportunities for those who wish to freelance or become part of a team.
Best of luck to you!
Consider volunteering at places like schools, churches, retirement communities, or residential facilities where event organization is a regular activity. Be it bars and restaurants, retirement homes and hospitals, or businesses and hotels, event planning has become an integral component of their business and marketing plans. As a brewpub owner, I've seen the impact of event planning firsthand. Through hosting monthly events and other special occasions, we've established our reputation as a preferred venue for parties and social gatherings. We've hosted a variety of events, from retirement parties and birthdays to wedding receptions, tasting events, pairing dinners, and meet-up groups. Event planning is a thriving industry, offering ample opportunities for those who wish to freelance or become part of a team.
Best of luck to you!
Annie Booth
Event Planner
5
Answers
Walnut Creek, California
Updated
Annie’s Answer
Understand the Role
Wedding planning involves organizing and coordinating all aspects of a wedding, from venue selection to vendor management and day-of coordination. It's essential to have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.
Education and Training
Formal Education: While a degree is not mandatory, courses in hospitality, event management, or business can be beneficial.
Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications from recognized organizations like the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) or the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).
Gain Experience
Internships: Look for internships or assistant roles with established wedding planners to gain hands-on experience.
Volunteering: Offer to help plan weddings for friends or family to build your portfolio and gain practical experience.
Build a Portfolio
Document Your Work: Create a portfolio showcasing your work, including photos, testimonials, and detailed descriptions of weddings you've planned or assisted with.
Online Presence: Develop a professional website or social media profiles to display your portfolio and attract potential clients.
Networking
Industry Events: Attend bridal shows, networking events, and workshops to meet vendors and other professionals in the wedding industry.
Professional Associations: Join associations like the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA) to connect with peers and stay updated on industry trends.
Develop Vendor Relationships
Vendor Network: Build relationships with venues, florists, caterers, photographers, and other vendors to ensure you have reliable partners for your clients' weddings.
Marketing and Branding
Brand Identity: Develop a unique brand identity that reflects your style and services.
Marketing Strategy: Utilize social media, online advertising, and word-of-mouth referrals to market your services.
Stay Updated
Trends and Innovations: Stay informed about the latest wedding trends, styles, and technologies to offer fresh ideas to your clients.
Persistence and Passion
Passion for Planning: A genuine passion for event planning and helping couples create their dream weddings is crucial for success.
Persistence: Building a successful wedding planning business takes time and dedication, so remain persistent and committed to your goals.
By following these steps, you can establish yourself as a wedding planner and build a rewarding career in the industry. Good luck!
Wedding planning involves organizing and coordinating all aspects of a wedding, from venue selection to vendor management and day-of coordination. It's essential to have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.
Education and Training
Formal Education: While a degree is not mandatory, courses in hospitality, event management, or business can be beneficial.
Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications from recognized organizations like the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) or the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).
Gain Experience
Internships: Look for internships or assistant roles with established wedding planners to gain hands-on experience.
Volunteering: Offer to help plan weddings for friends or family to build your portfolio and gain practical experience.
Build a Portfolio
Document Your Work: Create a portfolio showcasing your work, including photos, testimonials, and detailed descriptions of weddings you've planned or assisted with.
Online Presence: Develop a professional website or social media profiles to display your portfolio and attract potential clients.
Networking
Industry Events: Attend bridal shows, networking events, and workshops to meet vendors and other professionals in the wedding industry.
Professional Associations: Join associations like the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA) to connect with peers and stay updated on industry trends.
Develop Vendor Relationships
Vendor Network: Build relationships with venues, florists, caterers, photographers, and other vendors to ensure you have reliable partners for your clients' weddings.
Marketing and Branding
Brand Identity: Develop a unique brand identity that reflects your style and services.
Marketing Strategy: Utilize social media, online advertising, and word-of-mouth referrals to market your services.
Stay Updated
Trends and Innovations: Stay informed about the latest wedding trends, styles, and technologies to offer fresh ideas to your clients.
Persistence and Passion
Passion for Planning: A genuine passion for event planning and helping couples create their dream weddings is crucial for success.
Persistence: Building a successful wedding planning business takes time and dedication, so remain persistent and committed to your goals.
By following these steps, you can establish yourself as a wedding planner and build a rewarding career in the industry. Good luck!