George Boyle
While there is no required certification or license to become a wedding planner in the United States, many wedding planners choose to pursue a college education. Wedding planners often obtain degrees in business, communication, hospitality management, or event planning. The length of time spent in college depends on the type of degree pursued, with some wedding planners holding associate degrees and others holding bachelor's or even master's degrees. The most common colleges for wedding planners in the US include the University of Phoenix, the University of Nevada - Las Vegas, and the University of Central Florida.
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What You'll Learn
College degree vs. certification
While a college degree or certification is not a requirement to become a wedding planner, having one can give you a competitive advantage and help you develop the skills needed to succeed in the industry. Wedding planning requires a diverse set of skills, and a college education can provide a solid foundation in areas such as business, marketing, communications, strategic planning, and customer relations.
A college degree in a related field, such as hospitality management, event planning, business, or marketing, can provide valuable knowledge and skills that can be directly applied to wedding planning. For example, a degree in hospitality management will not only prepare you for wedding planning but also for working in various settings, including hotels, catering, and event centres. Similarly, a degree in business or marketing can provide a strong foundation for the entrepreneurial aspects of wedding planning, such as bookkeeping, strategic planning, and customer relations.
On the other hand, certifications can also be a great way to enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise in wedding planning. Organisations like the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners, the Wedding Academy, and Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute offer certified wedding planner courses. These certifications can provide specialised knowledge and skills in wedding planning and event management, making you more appealing to potential clients.
The decision between pursuing a college degree or a certification depends on your personal goals, preferences, and financial situation. A college degree typically takes longer to obtain and may be more expensive, but it provides a well-rounded education and can lead to higher-paying jobs. In contrast, certifications are usually shorter and more affordable, allowing you to enter the industry more quickly.
Ultimately, the most important factor for success in wedding planning is hands-on experience. Whether you choose to pursue a college degree, a certification, or no formal education at all, gaining real-world experience through internships, freelance work, or personal projects will be crucial for developing your skills and building a strong portfolio.
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Online courses
While it is not mandatory to go to college to become a wedding planner, it is beneficial to educate yourself as much as possible. Online courses are a great way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a wedding planner. These courses are often flexible, allowing you to study at your own pace and schedule.
There are several online courses available for aspiring wedding planners, each offering different benefits and features. For instance, the New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD) offers an online training course that is certified by the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). This course covers everything from business skills to working with clients and includes hands-on projects. It is taught by professional wedding planners and you have 18 months to complete it.
Another option is the online course offered by Penn Foster, which provides an ABC® Certified Wedding Planner Career Diploma. This course covers foundational wedding planning skills such as wedding etiquette, working with vendors, and negotiating with clients. Students enrolled in the program also receive a six-month novice membership to the ABC at no additional cost.
IAP Career College, also known as the International Association of Professions Career College, offers a part-time online Wedding Planner Certificate Course. This course has a recommended completion date of 6 weeks, but it can be completed in as little as 4 weeks or as long as 12 weeks, depending on your schedule. It is a self-directed course, but students can seek assistance from faculty members if needed.
Additionally, Udemy offers a popular online wedding planner course that combines four of their other classes into one discounted offering. This course includes six hours of video, 29 downloadable resources, and lifetime access. It is designed for beginners and covers foundational elements such as wedding design and business plan creation.
These are just a few examples of the many online courses available for aspiring wedding planners. Each course offers unique features, so it is important to research and choose the one that best aligns with your goals, schedule, and budget.
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College major options
While there is no required certification or license to become a wedding planner in the United States, a college degree can provide a helpful foundation for those looking to enter the industry. Wedding planning requires a diverse set of skills, and a college education can help develop these skills and make you more appealing to potential clients.
- Business or Hospitality Management: Understanding business principles, such as marketing, strategic planning, and customer relations, is crucial for wedding planners, especially if they are running their own business. Hospitality management degrees often include event planning courses and can provide a well-rounded education applicable to various settings, including hotels, catering, and event centres.
- Communications or Public Relations: Effective communication is essential in wedding planning, as it involves constant interaction with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders. A degree in communications or public relations can enhance your interpersonal skills and help you build strong relationships, which are vital for success in the wedding planning business.
- Event Planning: This major directly relates to the skills needed for wedding planning. It can provide you with the organisational and logistical skills required to plan and execute events. Courses in event planning can cover topics such as venue management, budgeting, and vendor coordination, all of which are directly applicable to wedding planning.
- Marketing: Marketing is an important aspect of wedding planning, both for promoting your own business and for understanding how to market the weddings you plan effectively. A degree in marketing can provide valuable insights into branding, advertising, and creating memorable experiences.
- Catering: Food and beverage play a significant role in weddings, and a degree in catering can give you valuable knowledge about food preparation, presentation, and service. It can also help you develop the skills needed to manage catering staff and ensure food quality and safety at events.
While a college degree is not mandatory, pursuing one of these majors can provide a strong foundation for a career in wedding planning. It is worth noting that hands-on experience and industry connections are also highly valuable in this industry, so consider internships, networking opportunities, and mentorships alongside your academic pursuits.
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College affordability
Wedding planning is a relatively new profession, emerging as weddings grew in size and complexity in the decades following World War II. The role of a wedding planner is to work with clients to plan ceremonies, receptions, and other events. They may be self-employed or work for a company.
There are several routes to becoming a wedding planner. Some sources suggest that a college program can provide a foundation for the skills required to be a wedding planner, such as business, marketing, and communications. However, it is not necessary to have a college degree to become a wedding planner. There are many online wedding and event planner programs that offer affordable, flexible, and self-paced training. These programs can provide an introduction to the world of wedding planning, covering topics such as client management, fees and contracts, marketing, and budget management.
For example, the U.S. Career Institute offers an online Wedding and Event Planner program that teaches everything needed to start working as a wedding and event planner. The program is flexible and affordable, with low monthly payment options. Similarly, MSU Denver offers a Fundamentals of Wedding Planning course for $450, with a $35 transaction fee per payment. This course includes insights from professional vendors and covers topics such as venue choice, catering, and budget management. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of completion and a digital badge that can be included on a resume or LinkedIn page.
Another option is to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Event Planning and Marketing, followed by a Wedding Planning Certificate. This route may offer more comprehensive training and additional credentials that could be beneficial for career development. For example, Bri Coleman, a successful wedding planner, graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Wedding Planning Certificate from the New York Academy of Art & Design.
Overall, there are a variety of affordable options available for those interested in becoming a wedding planner, ranging from online training programs to college degrees. The choice depends on individual preferences, budget, and career goals.
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College admissions
While there is no required certification or license to become a wedding planner in the United States, a college education can provide a helpful foundation. Wedding planning requires a diverse set of skills, and a college program can give you the opportunity to develop these skills and build a strong resume.
When considering college admissions for a career in wedding planning, it is important to note that most accredited educational institutions do not offer a specific degree or certificate in wedding planning. Instead, they offer a comprehensive degree or diploma in hospitality management, which includes event planning. This type of degree can provide you with the flexibility to work in a wide range of settings, including hotels, catering, convention and conference centers, and sports venues.
When researching potential colleges, it is beneficial to look for institutions that offer degrees in fields such as business, communications, public relations, hospitality management, marketing, or event planning. These majors will provide you with a solid foundation for a career in wedding planning. Additionally, consider colleges that offer certifications in wedding planning, such as the Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP) or Certified Master Wedding Planner credentials.
It is also worth noting that some of the top colleges for wedding planners, including Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Cornell University, are highly selective and may have rigorous admissions requirements. However, there are also more affordable options, such as SUNY Farmingdale, Baruch College of the City University of New York, and California State University - Bakersfield.
While a college degree is not mandatory for wedding planning, it can enhance your skills, knowledge, and employability. It is important to carefully consider your career goals, financial situation, and the admissions requirements of your desired colleges before making a decision.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a college degree to become a wedding planner. However, a degree or certification in a related field such as event planning, business, sales, catering, or hospitality management can help you develop the skills needed and make you more appealing to potential clients.
Some colleges in the US that offer relevant degrees for wedding planning include the University of Phoenix, the University of Nevada - Las Vegas, the University of Central Florida, Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Cornell University.
The duration of a degree in wedding planning or a related field will vary depending on the specific program and institution. Some community colleges offer certification classes that can be completed in 3 months, while a bachelor's degree typically takes 4 years to complete and a master's degree may take longer.
