Disney Wedding Planner: Your Dream Job Guide

Planning a wedding can be a magical experience, and for those who want to take it to the next level, Disney offers a chance to make it a fairy tale come true. Disney weddings are growing in popularity, with ceremonies taking place every day at their famous resorts. Disney wedding planners are in high demand, and while no formal training is required, certain skills and experience can help you become one. So, if you're wondering how to become a Disney wedding planner, here's a brief overview.

No formal education is required, but classes are available

While no formal education is required to become a wedding planner, taking classes can be a great way to gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field. There are many online courses and schools that offer wedding planning programs, such as The QC Event School, which can provide valuable training and experience. These courses can teach you the ins and outs of wedding planning, from design and coordination to logistics and scheduling.

Gaining experience is crucial for becoming a successful wedding planner. This can be achieved through internships with wedding planning companies or venues, which can provide hands-on experience and a realistic understanding of the job. It is important to note that wedding planning can be very different from what is portrayed in movies, so interning can help determine if this career is a good fit for you.

Building a strong network within the industry is also beneficial. Connecting with other wedding planners, venues, and vendors can provide valuable insights and potential collaboration opportunities. Additionally, developing good interpersonal skills and organisational skills is essential for effective communication and managing the various aspects of wedding planning.

To specialise or not is also a consideration. While wedding planners provide a range of services, some choose to focus on specific areas such as consultation or day-of preparations. Developing a specialty can help set you apart and establish expertise in a particular area of wedding planning.

Lastly, joining the Disney wedding planning team as a consultant is a great way to combine your passion for Disney and wedding planning. Keep an eye out for openings on their career page and don't be afraid to reach out and express your interest, even if there are no current vacancies.

Gain experience by attending weddings and helping with planning

Gaining experience by attending weddings and helping with planning is a crucial step in becoming a Disney wedding planner. Here are some detailed tips to help you in this process:

Offer Your Help

First, start by offering to help plan weddings and other events for your friends and family. This is a great way to build your experience and skills in event planning. You can also volunteer to plan events at your workplace or church, such as picnics, lunches, dinners, holiday parties, meetings, and conferences. By doing so, you will gain valuable experience in organisation, event timing, event design, logistics, and working with clients.

Work in Catering or at a Venue

Consider working for a local catering company, hotel, or event venue. This will give you first-hand experience in the logistics involved in managing weddings and events. Working in catering can be hard work, but it will give you a realistic view of what it's like to be a wedding planner. You will also get to connect with local event vendors, learn about food service, and understand the intricacies of how events work.

Create Table Designs

Practise your creative skills by designing tablescapes at home. Use tablecloths, napkins, plates, glassware, candles, stationery, and flowers to create beautiful table settings. During holidays or special occasions, you can design tables for family dinners or create a cute dessert bar for your children. This will help you refine your aesthetic skills and understand the importance of attention to detail.

Volunteer for Non-Profit Organisations

Inquire about volunteer opportunities with local non-profit organisations. Offer to help plan their events, galas, and meetings. Not only will you gain valuable event planning experience, but you will also be contributing to a good cause and making connections that could benefit your future career.

Develop Transferable Skills

Remember that transferable skills are also important. Learn how to act professionally, communicate respectfully, and interact effectively with colleagues and clients. Being a strong writer is also beneficial, as you will be writing many proposals, emails, blogs, and social media posts. If writing is a challenge, consider using dictation software or grammar editing tools to improve your skills.

Build a Portfolio

As you gain experience, start building your portfolio. Take photos of the events you work on and collect testimonials from clients and coworkers. This portfolio will showcase your skills and give you an advantage when applying for wedding planning roles, especially when applying for a role as a Disney wedding planner.

Be Proactive

Lastly, be proactive and persistent in your pursuit of experience. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Update your CV, highlighting any relevant skills and experiences. Reach out to small wedding planning companies, as they may be more likely to take on extra help during busy periods. Approach employers or colleagues at your current workplace and express your interest in event planning—they may give you the opportunity to organise a work event.

By following these steps, you will gain valuable experience and skills that will help you become a successful Disney wedding planner.

Develop interpersonal and organisational skills

Developing strong interpersonal and organisational skills is key to becoming a Disney wedding planner. Interpersonal skills are those that you use when interacting with other people, and they are essential for building strong relationships with clients and vendors. Organisational skills, on the other hand, are crucial for managing the many details and logistics involved in planning a wedding.

To develop your interpersonal skills, focus on improving your communication and active listening abilities. Effective communication involves clearly conveying your ideas and vision to clients and vendors, adapting your tone and language to different situations, and being patient and flexible. Active listening, meanwhile, will help you better understand your clients' needs and wishes, allowing you to create a wedding that aligns with their unique vision.

Additionally, strong organisational skills will enable you to manage the numerous details and logistics involved in wedding planning. This includes creating checklists, maintaining a binder or portfolio for each couple, and staying on top of paperwork. Organisational skills also encompass budgeting and financial management, as well as the ability to negotiate and secure the best deals for your clients.

To enhance your interpersonal skills, consider taking courses or workshops that focus on communication and people skills. Practicing active listening in your daily interactions can also improve your ability to connect with and understand others. For organisational skills, create systems and processes that help you stay organised, such as using project management tools or creating templates for common tasks. Additionally, gaining experience through internships or volunteer work will provide valuable hands-on practice in applying these skills in a real-world setting.

Join the Disney wedding planning team as a consultant by checking for openings online

Join the Disney Wedding Planning Team as a Consultant

If you're interested in joining the Disney wedding planning team as a consultant, the first step is to check for openings online. You can do this by visiting the Disney Careers website at disney.go.com/DisneyCareers/. Here, you can search for available positions and find out more information about the role and requirements.

Even if there are no current openings listed, it is worth contacting the wedding services team to inquire about any upcoming vacancies. Showing initiative and enthusiasm for the role can be beneficial, and you can send in your resume even if there are no positions currently available. This way, your application will be on file, and you may be considered for future opportunities.

Disney's wedding planning team is dedicated to creating magical experiences for couples, and as a consultant, you will play a crucial role in making their fairy-tale weddings come true. Disney weddings take place across various destinations, including Disneyland, Walt Disney World, the Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Disneyland Paris. Each wedding is customized to the couple's preferences, and consultants work closely with them to identify key details such as the wedding date, venue, and budget.

Disney wedding consultants collaborate with a diverse team of experts, including florists, chefs, photographers, and entertainment specialists, to bring each couple's unique vision to life. Consultants also assist in recommending venues and experiences that align with the couple's budget and guest count.

So, if you're passionate about weddings and all things Disney, be sure to keep an eye out for openings on the Disney Careers website and take the first step towards making your own career dreams come true!

Establish your goals and conduct research

Establishing your goals and conducting research is an important first step in becoming a Disney wedding planner. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Determine your niche: Consider what type of weddings you want to plan, such as small, large, or destination weddings. Disney weddings can vary greatly in scale and location, so it's important to think about what kind of events you'd like to specialize in.
• Set your career goals: Decide whether you aspire to hold an advanced position in a wedding planning agency or own your own business. This will help guide your job search and the type of experience you seek.
• Research the industry: Look for reliable blogs and publications that offer tips and career insights for wedding planners. Learn about the latest trends, demand for different types of weddings, and the companies that are leading the way in the industry.
• Identify potential employers: Compile a list of potential employers, including Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, which offers weddings at various Disney destinations around the world. Research their specific requirements and application processes.
• Understand the qualifications: While no formal training or education is required to become a wedding planner, gaining relevant experience and certifications can set you apart. Consider taking classes or online courses in wedding planning to build your knowledge and skills.
• Study Disney weddings: Familiarize yourself with the unique aspects of Disney weddings, such as the variety of venues, services offered, and the overall fairy tale experience they provide. This will help you tailor your skills and pitch yourself as a Disney wedding planner.

By clearly defining your goals and conducting thorough research, you will be well on your way to becoming a Disney wedding planner, bringing magic and happiness to couples on their special day.

Frequently asked questions