How To Embrace Your Wedding Planner Identity

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and many couples choose to hire a professional wedding planner to help them create their dream wedding. However, it is not necessary to hire a wedding planner, and some couples prefer to plan their own weddings. This can be a more affordable option, and it can also allow couples to have more control over the planning process.

If you are considering planning your own wedding, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to start the planning process early and to give yourself enough time to plan. It is also crucial to stay organized and to create a detailed plan, including a budget, a timeline, and a list of tasks that need to be completed. In addition, don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or a professional planner if you need it.

Another important consideration is whether you have the time and energy to plan your own wedding. Planning a wedding can be a lot of work, and it may not be the best option if you are already feeling stressed or overwhelmed. In this case, hiring a wedding planner or coordinator can take some of the burdens off your shoulders.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to hire a wedding planner or plan your own wedding comes down to personal preference and budget. If you have the time and energy to plan your own wedding, it can be a rewarding experience that allows you to add personal touches and stay within your budget. On the other hand, if you feel overwhelmed by the planning process or want to enjoy a stress-free engagement, hiring a professional wedding planner may be the best option for you.

Do I need a degree to become a wedding planner?

While a degree is not strictly necessary to become a wedding planner, it can be helpful. The most common degrees for wedding planners are bachelor's degrees, with 71% of wedding planners holding one. The second and third most common degrees are associate degrees, at 13% and 5% respectively. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, meeting, convention, and event planners typically need a bachelor's degree, with common fields of study including business, communications, and social science.

If you don't have a degree, you can gain experience through internships, entry-level roles, or working in related industries such as event planning. You can also take online courses to learn the "ins and outs" of wedding planning.

In addition to experience and/or a degree, there are several other steps you can take to become a wedding planner:

• Build a network of clients and vendors through networking and joining professional associations
• Pursue a certification to expand your knowledge and let future clients know you're capable and knowledgeable
• Create business and marketing plans, including a website and social media presence
• Continue learning about the latest trends in wedding planning through seminars, classes, and industry publications

What are the pros and cons of being a wedding planner?

Wedding planning can be a rewarding career choice, but it also has its challenges. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if becoming a wedding planner is the right path for you:

Pros of Being a Wedding Planner:

• Self-employment potential: You can choose to work for an event planning company or be an independent contractor. As your own boss, you decide on your salary, hours, services offered, and the types of clients you want to work with.
• Travel and free food: Destination weddings mean you get to travel to exotic locations, and even local weddings allow you to sample gourmet foods and cakes during menu planning, all covered as operating expenses.
• Growing field: With more brides choosing to outsource wedding planning, the field is expected to grow by 33% by 2022, offering job security.
• Little training required: While some planners have degrees in communication or business, many only have a high school diploma. Success depends more on organisational and social skills and experience.
• Personally rewarding: Aside from the perks of travel and food, it's fulfilling to know you've helped create memorable experiences for couples on one of the most important days of their lives.

Cons of Being a Wedding Planner:

• Long and irregular hours: Wedding planning isn't a typical 9-5 job. You'll often work weekends and long nights, especially as the wedding date approaches, and be on your feet for at least 15 hours on the big day.
• Intense competition: It can be challenging to get clients, especially when starting, as couples usually want an experienced planner.
• High-pressure atmosphere: Wedding planners are often the first point of contact for solving problems, from a ripped dress to an unhappy family member. You'll be responsible for ensuring everyone's wishes are met and that things run smoothly.
• Dealing with difficult clients: You will encounter demanding clients, including the occasional "Bridezilla," and must communicate and plan with them in a friendly manner, even when they're being controlling.
• Juggling responsibilities: You're responsible not just for your duties but also for ensuring other vendors do their jobs well. You'll also need to keep the wedding party calm and focused during planning and the event.
• Emotions and high stakes: Weddings are emotional, high-stakes events, and you'll need to manage the expectations and emotions of not just the couple but also their families.

What are the key skills needed to be a wedding planner?

Wedding planners require a diverse set of skills to plan and execute successful weddings. Here are some key skills needed to be a wedding planner:

Organisation and Time Management

A wedding planner must be highly organised and have excellent time-management skills. They need to juggle multiple tasks, vendors, and deadlines simultaneously, ensuring that the wedding stays on deadline and within budget. This includes creating event timelines, managing guest lists, and coordinating with vendors and other professionals involved.

Communication

Communication skills are critical in the wedding planning industry. A wedding planner must be able to communicate effectively with clients, vendors, and other professionals. They need to convey their ideas and vision clearly and adapt their communication style to various situations. Planners also need to be good listeners to understand their clients' needs and help them express their vision.

Creativity

Wedding planning requires creative thinking to come up with unique ideas that will make the couple's day memorable. Planners need to be able to blend wedding trends, timeless traditions, and the couple's personal touches. They should also be familiar with websites like Pinterest to create cohesive mood boards and help their clients visualise their dream day.

Calmness Under Pressure

A good wedding planner should remain calm and resourceful under pressure. Weddings can be unpredictable, and planners need to handle unexpected situations without panicking their clients. They should be able to "handle" any situation that arises, even when dealing with difficult family members or friends of the couple.

Attention to Detail

A keen eye for detail is essential to ensure that all aspects of the wedding are executed flawlessly. Planners should pay close attention to the needs of each particular couple and event, ensuring that every detail, from the colour of the decor to the type of flowers, aligns with their vision.

Budget Management

Wedding planners must be able to create and manage a budget, ensuring that all expenses are accounted for and kept within the allocated funds. They need to negotiate with vendors to get the best deals for their clients and allocate funds to high-priority items first.

Knowledge of the Wedding Industry

A solid understanding of the wedding industry, including etiquette, trends, and traditions, is crucial for a wedding planner. This knowledge will help them plan events, build relationships with venues and vendors, and guide their clients through the wedding planning process.

How do I get started as a wedding planner?

So, you want to be a wedding planner? Congratulations! Welcome to the party.

Step 1: Establish clear-cut wedding planning goals

It's important to head into any endeavour with a plan. Do you dream of planning celebrity weddings? Or do you want to work with venues in your hometown? Would you like to travel the world and throw destination weddings?

Step 2: Conduct industry research

Once you have your goals, start researching how you’re going to reach them. You might want to look for reliable blogs and publications to follow that offer tips and career insights, compile a list of potential employers, and learn about the demand for the types of weddings you want to plan.

Step 3: Seek out learning opportunities

While a college degree isn't required, you can consider taking a diploma or certification course in wedding planning. During these courses, you'll learn about contract negotiations, vendor relations, budget management, marketing strategies, and bridal registries, as well as the different kinds of wedding ceremonies, attire, and stationery.

Step 4: Get hands-on experience

Gaining practical experience is key to becoming a wedding planner. You can get this experience by participating in an internship at an event planning agency or wedding venue, or by helping people you know to plan their weddings.

Step 5: Build a network

Networking is a great way to get your foot in the door and meet vendors that you can enlist for upcoming events. Joining a professional association for wedding planners can help you meet like-minded individuals and move forward in your career.

Step 6: Decide on business structure

After gaining some experience, you'll need to decide if you want to own a wedding planning business or work for someone else. If you plan to start your own business, you'll need to prepare a business plan and a marketing plan.

Step 7: Continue learning

Stay familiar with the latest trends in wedding planning by attending seminars, enrolling in classes, and regularly reading industry publications.

Remember, becoming a wedding planner takes hard work and dedication, but it can be a rewarding career that brings you joy. Good luck!

How do I build a network as a wedding planner?

Building a network as a wedding planner is crucial for growing your business and creating a great vendor list to refer your clients to. Here are some strategies to help you build a solid network in the wedding planning industry:

• Attend Networking Events: Keep an eye out for local industry events, such as open houses, wedding professional organizations, and chambers. Choose a few that seem like a good fit and attend their meetings to decide which organization aligns best with your goals. Larger wedding industry organizations include WNUSA, ILEA, WIPA, ABC, and NACE. These events provide opportunities to connect with other wedding vendors, planners, and event professionals in your area.
• Read Online Reviews and Blogs: Check online reviews on websites like theknot.com, weddingwire.com, yelp.com, and Google to find highly-rated local industry professionals. Reading blogs from other wedding planners can also give you insights into the vendors they consistently use and recommend. This information can help you identify reliable vendors and build relationships with them.
• Utilize Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are great for networking. Follow and connect with florists, caterers, musicians, photographers, and other wedding professionals. Engage with their content by sharing, commenting, and reacting. Don't be afraid to reach out and build relationships. You can also use social media to search for and join local Facebook groups specifically for wedding and event professionals. These groups provide opportunities to connect with vendors, learn about networking events, and even give and receive leads for weddings and events.
• Join Online Communities: In addition to local Facebook groups, there are other online communities and forums dedicated to wedding professionals. These communities offer opportunities to widen your connections, collaborate with others in the industry, and stay updated on wedding trends and events.
• Attend Trade Shows: Wedding trade shows are excellent venues for networking with professionals from all sectors of the wedding industry. Plan your calendar to attend trade shows like The National Wedding Show, The Suffolk Wedding Show, and PMN Wedding Fayres. These events allow you to browse wedding vendors and their services while also providing networking opportunities.
• Be Proactive: When attending networking events or trade shows, be proactive in reaching out to specific vendors you want to connect with. Send them a message beforehand, expressing your admiration for their work and your excitement to meet them. Briefly introduce yourself and what you do, and explain what you're looking for and why you think they would be a great fit.
• Ask for Referrals: If you're unsure where to start or are looking for reliable vendors, don't hesitate to ask fellow wedding planners or industry professionals for referrals. A referral can give you confidence in the vendor's expertise and quality.
• Offer Help: When attending networking events, approach other wedding professionals with a mindset of how you can help them rather than what they can do for you. Volunteering your time and skills, such as offering to help style an open house or plan a trunk show, is a great way to build trust and foster referrals.
• Follow Up: After meeting potential vendors or connections, follow up with helpful information or a personal invitation to meet one-on-one. If you've established a strong connection, consider sending a small gift as a token of your appreciation.
• Create a Vendor List: As you build your network, create a spreadsheet or document to organize your vendor contacts. Include details such as their business information, pricing, services, and any notes about their work and personality. This will make it easier to refer vendors to your clients and make informed recommendations.

Frequently asked questions