Breaking Into Wedding Planning: A Guide To Getting Started

Wedding planning is a career that demands strong business acumen, as you’ll be responsible for everything from marketing and budgeting to client relations and vendor management. Before diving headfirst into the world of wedding planning, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the role and how it differs from similar roles such as wedding designers and venue managers. Starting a wedding planning business does not have to be a huge expense, but it's important to educate yourself from the beginning so you know what you are doing. You should also open a business bank account and network with local vendors.

Understanding the role

Wedding planning is a varied role that demands strong business acumen. You will be responsible for everything from marketing and budgeting to client relations and vendor management. It's important to understand the role and how it differs from similar roles, such as wedding designers and venue managers.

To get started, you should educate yourself on the industry. Many new planners choose to figure it out as they go, but this can be a huge waste of time. You should also open a business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate.

Networking is key. Look for networking events in your area and join local groups, such as a Rising Tide Society group. Tour local venues so you are familiar with them and introduce yourself to vendors in your town. You could also plan a styled shoot with local vendors to get your name out there and give yourself the opportunity to work with them.

Joining an established wedding planning firm can provide a stable environment packed with learning opportunities. Alternatively, you could start your own business, but be aware that this will require strong organisational skills and the ability to master your inbox.

Business acumen

Wedding planning requires strong business acumen. You will be responsible for marketing, budgeting, client relations and vendor management. You will also need to be highly organised, and able to master your email inbox.

Before starting out, it is important to understand the role of a wedding planner and how it differs from similar roles such as wedding designers and venue managers. You should also familiarise yourself with local venues and vendors, and attend networking events.

It is also important to educate yourself so that you know what you are doing. This will save time in the long run. You should also open a business bank account, so that you can keep your personal and business finances separate.

Starting a wedding planning business does not have to be expensive, but there are a few things you should invest in from the start to get your business set up properly.

Education

While there are no specific educational requirements to become a wedding planner, educating yourself is important. You need to understand the role and how it differs from similar roles, such as wedding designers and venue managers. You will also need to master organisation, as well as business acumen, as you will be responsible for marketing, budgeting, client relations and vendor management.

Joining an established wedding planning firm can provide a stable environment with learning opportunities. You can also look for networking events in your area and join a Rising Tide Society group.

Networking

To get your name out there, you could plan a styled shoot with local vendors. This will give you the opportunity to work with them and show off your skills. It's also a good idea to tour local venues so you are familiar with them and can make informed suggestions to your clients.

Joining an established wedding planning firm can provide a stable environment with lots of learning opportunities. This could be a great way to get your foot in the door and learn the ropes of the industry.

Before you begin networking, it's important to have a clear understanding of the role of a wedding planner and how it differs from similar roles, such as wedding designers and venue managers. This will help you communicate your skills and services effectively to potential clients and partners.

Finally, don't forget the power of your email inbox! Wedding planning demands strong business acumen, as you'll be responsible for marketing, budgeting, client relations, and vendor management. A well-organised email inbox can be a great tool for staying on top of these various responsibilities.

Organisation

To get started, open a business bank account. You don't want to use your personal account for anything business-related. Network with local vendors and look for networking events in your area. Join a Rising Tide Society group if there is one locally, or start one if not. Tour local venues so you're familiar with them and introduce yourself to vendors in your town in person or by email.

It's also important to educate yourself from the beginning so you know what you're doing. Many new planners choose to figure it out as they go, but this is a huge waste of time. Understand the role and how it differs from similar roles such as wedding designers and venue managers. Joining an established wedding planning firm can provide a stable environment packed with learning opportunities.

Frequently asked questions