How to Become a Wedding Planner
The idea of how to become a wedding planner may come to mind if you have gone to someone else’s event and been taken with how all the elements come together to make an enjoyable event. Working with people who are planning a celebration can be uplifting, but there can be some bumps along the way to wedded bliss as well.
Putting all the pieces in place for a wedding is a time-consuming process. Many brides to be simply do not have the time to take on the full responsibility of planning the wedding themselves. Family members may not live close by to provide help and support with the planning, or they may have other demands on their time which means they’re not available to take on a large portion of making arrangements.
Wedding Planner Job Description
Wedding planners work with engaged couples to take their vision of the Big Day and turn it into a reality. The wedding planner is responsible for offering choices and making suggestions to the couple, while keeping an eye on their budget for the event. Some of the major elements which a wedding planner would typically help with include:
• Finding a venue for the ceremony and the reception
• Wedding theme
• Invitations
• Flowers
• Food and drink
• Music
• Clothing for the and bridal party
• Photography
Education Required to Become a Wedding Planner
Some people who become wedding planners have a background in a related job. Working as a caterer, florist, travel agent or photographer can lead to offering more services to engaged couples and eventually expanding into a full wedding planner business.
Some community colleges offer programs in Wedding and Event Planning. Courses may be offered on campus or online. The curriculum would include instruction in the following:
• Role of the Wedding Planner
• Running a Business
• Vendor and Venue Selection
• Contracts and Negotiations
• Wedding Cultures and Traditions
• Wedding Gown Selection
• Wedding Music
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Destination Weddings
• Wedding Day Itinerary
Find Clients for a Wedding Planning Business
After completing the course, the next step is to find clients for your wedding planning business. Start by having business cards printed and hand them out to everyone you meet. Find out whether your city hosts a bridal fair and set up a booth where you can advertise your services. These types of events are also a good opportunity for you to get to know local vendors and service providers and learn about what they have to offer. You may be able to get some referrals from vendors who are meeting with engaged couples.
Keep in mind that word-of-mouth can be a very powerful means of advertising. Ask brides you have worked with to mention your name to anyone they know who is engaged applying to become engaged soon.
There are a few different ways that you can become a wedding planner. If you don’t have experience in the industry, a community college program will provide the education needed for success. With this information on how to become a wedding planner, you’re well on your way to a successful career.
