Do I Need A College Degree To Become A Wedding Planner?

Although there is no standard education requirement for wedding planners, they often attend education programs to build their wedding planning skills. Some wedding planners are completely self-taught, while others have multiple college degrees. The most common degree for wedding planners is a bachelor's degree, with 71% of wedding planners earning that qualification. However, a two-year associate degree can also provide opportunities to learn specialised skills related to event planning. Certificate programs are another option, typically taking a few weeks to a few months to complete.

College majors for wedding planners

Although there is no standard education requirement for wedding planners, they often attend education programs to build their wedding planning skills. Some wedding planners are self-taught, while others have multiple college degrees.

Business

Knowing the basics of sales, negotiation, pricing, and client contracts will improve your ability to manage client accounts for a wedding business. A business degree will also help you start your own wedding planning business, as you will learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

Communication

Taking classes in public speaking, interpersonal communication, public relations, and social media through a communications major will develop your ability to find clients and manage wedding projects. Effective communication is a critical skill for wedding planners, who have to juggle many different parties and keep everything on schedule.

Hospitality Management

Hospitality management teaches you about interacting with vendors, serving customers, and coordinating complex operations. This experience directly applies to planning large-scale events like weddings. You will also learn about food and beverage management, which is an important aspect of wedding planning.

Marketing

Wedding planners need to know how to advertise their services to clients and attract interest from a target audience, making marketing a highly relevant area of study. With a marketing degree, you will learn how to promote your business and keep your clients engaged.

Fine Art

A fine art major will teach you about design, color theory, and other artistic aspects of planning weddings. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing events and understand the aesthetic vision of your clients.

In addition to these majors, wedding planners can benefit from classes or experience in floral design, cake decorating, food-wine pairing, and interior design. Internships or mentorships with experienced wedding planners can also provide valuable hands-on learning.

Certification and training courses

While there is no standard education requirement for wedding planners, certification can give you an edge in the industry. Certification is not a requirement to do business, but it can help you stand out in the marketplace. The American Association of Certified Wedding Planners offers a certification that can be earned online or in-house. To earn this designation, you'll take courses in vendor relations, sales, workflow, and budgeting.

In addition to this, there are many online and in-person courses that can help you build the skills needed to become a wedding planner. Local community colleges often offer classes in event planning, business, sales, catering, and hospitality management. These courses will not only help you learn the skills you need but also add to your resume, impress potential employers, and enable you to do a great job for your clients.

Specialized schools for wedding and event planning offer certificate programs that can be completed in a few weeks to a few months. These programs are often self-paced and provide educational materials and guidance from experienced wedding planning professionals. You may also complete projects that can be used to build a portfolio to show to clients.

Another option is to take an online course that will teach you the "ins and outs" of wedding planning. Candice Coppola, a wedding pro expert, recommends The QC Event School, where you can explore a variety of wedding planner-related courses such as Wedding & Event Planning and Destination Wedding Planning.

If you're interested in pursuing a degree, a two-year associate degree related to wedding planning can provide you with specialized skills. A four-year bachelor's degree is also a popular option due to its intensive coursework and networking opportunities. Common majors for aspiring wedding planners include business, communication, hospitality management, marketing, and psychology.

Remember, hands-on experience is just as important as certification and education. Consider interning with a wedding planning company or wedding venue to get a feel for the job and gain valuable experience.

Internships and mentorships

While there are no required certifications or licenses to become a wedding planner in the United States, internships and mentorships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and build a professional portfolio.

Benefits of Internships and Mentorships

• Gaining Experience: Internships allow aspiring wedding planners to gain first-hand experience in the wedding planning industry, providing an understanding of the day-to-day tasks and challenges.
• Building a Portfolio: Through internships, individuals can collect letters of recommendation, testimonials, event photos, and other materials to showcase their skills and experiences to potential clients or employers.
• Networking: Working closely with experienced planners or mentors helps build valuable connections in the industry, which can lead to future job opportunities or references.
• Customized Learning: Some internship programs, like Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute, offer customized internships that align with the intern's career goals and local market opportunities, ensuring a tailored educational journey.
• Skill Development: Interns have the opportunity to develop essential skills, such as communication, problem-solving, organization, and attention to detail, which are crucial for successful wedding planning.
• Confidence and Confirmation: For those considering a career in wedding planning, internships provide an opportunity to confirm their interest and build confidence in their abilities.

Examples of Internship Programs

• Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute: Offers internships that provide hands-on experience, including shadowing and working on real weddings and events. Interns can also participate in high-profile events like New York Fashion Week.
• Chancey Charm Weddings: Provides interns with hands-on experience, allowing them to work alongside lead planners and understand the ins and outs of the business.
• Natalia Ortiz Events: Offers a wedding planning internship in Madrid, Spain, where interns assist in organizing weddings and events, including client meetings, venue viewings, budget preparation, and marketing tasks.

Tips for Aspiring Interns

• Flexibility: Be prepared to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with flexible hours and availability to accommodate the needs of the wedding planning process.
• Communication Skills: Develop strong verbal and written communication skills, as interns may be tasked with client communications, email drafting, and other forms of correspondence.
• Willingness to Learn: Demonstrate a passion for learning and a positive attitude towards acquiring new skills and knowledge.
• Attention to Detail: Pay close attention to details, as wedding planning requires meticulous organization and coordination of multiple aspects.
• Initiative: Take initiative and be proactive in seeking out tasks and responsibilities during the internship to make the most of the opportunity and contribute to the team.

In conclusion, internships and mentorships are invaluable steps for aspiring wedding planners, offering practical experience, industry connections, and a solid foundation for a successful career in wedding planning.

Starting your own business

Starting your own wedding planning business can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and mindset, you can set yourself up for success. Here are some essential steps to help you get started:

Education and Experience:

While a college degree is not necessarily required to become a wedding planner, certain degrees can be beneficial. According to Dr. Jokima Hiller, Assistant Professor at Missouri State University, popular majors for aspiring wedding planners include Business, Communication, Hospitality Management, Marketing, and Psychology. Obtaining a degree in these fields can provide a strong foundation for your wedding planning business. Additionally, you may consider seeking out learning opportunities specifically in event planning to gain the skills needed. This can include online courses, local college courses, or even internships with experienced wedding planners.

Choose a Business Structure and Register Your Business:

It is important to choose a business structure that protects you legally and financially. Consider forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Limited Liability Partnership if you plan on having a business partner. Consult with a business attorney to determine the best structure for your specific circumstances. Once you have decided on a structure, register your business with your state to make it official.

Develop a Comprehensive Business Plan:

Creating a detailed business plan is crucial for the success of your wedding planning venture. This plan should include a summary of your business, a market analysis, a list of products and services offered, marketing and sales strategies, and financial projections. Think of this plan as a roadmap to guide you through the initial stages of building your business.

Understand Your Target Market and Ideal Clients:

Knowing your target market and ideal clients is essential for the success of your business. Identify the specific type of clients you want to work with and understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. This will allow you to create tailored solutions and packages that appeal directly to them.

Branding and Marketing:

Developing a strong brand and marketing strategy is key to standing out in the competitive wedding planning industry. Create a visual brand that captures the attention of your ideal clients and sets you apart from your competitors. Utilize social media and networking opportunities to get in front of the right people and build connections.

Funding and Finances:

Determine the startup costs for your business and assess whether you have sufficient savings or if you need external funding. Consider approaching investors or lenders with your business plan to secure the necessary capital. Additionally, a business credit card with a 0% introductory APR can be a useful tool for short-term interest-free funding.

Operations and Logistics:

As your business takes off, focus on developing strong relationships with vendors and other businesses in the wedding industry. These connections will be invaluable as you plan weddings and coordinate the various aspects of each event. Create detailed processes and systems to ensure smooth operations and efficient delivery of your services.

Remember, starting a wedding planning business requires dedication, organization, and a passion for creating memorable experiences for your clients. By following these steps and continuously learning and adapting, you'll be well on your way to building a successful and rewarding wedding planning business.

Networking

Attend Industry Events

Bridal shows, trade fairs, workshops, seminars, and conferences are great places to meet potential clients, partners, and suppliers, as well as showcase your work and expertise. Prepare an elevator pitch, business cards, a portfolio, and testimonials, and be sure to follow up with your contacts after the event.

Join Online Communities

Online forums, blogs, social media groups, and podcasts are a great way to connect with other wedding planners, share ideas, ask questions, give feedback, and learn from experts. To establish credibility, contribute valuable content, comment on posts, answer queries, and always engage in a respectful and professional manner.

Seek Referrals and Testimonials

Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful. Ask your existing clients, vendors, venues, and colleagues for referrals and testimonials. To encourage this, deliver excellent service, exceed expectations, follow up with your clients, and ask for feedback. You can also offer incentives or rewards for referrals.

Collaborate with Other Professionals

Collaborating with photographers, florists, caterers, DJs, and officiants can help you create unique weddings and expand your reach and exposure. Communicate clearly, respect boundaries, share goals, and acknowledge contributions to foster successful collaborations.

Join Professional Associations

Associations such as the Association of Bridal Consultants, the Wedding Industry Professionals Association, or the International Live Events Association offer access to educational resources, certification programs, networking events, industry news, and advocacy initiatives. Participate actively, volunteer, and abide by their code of ethics to benefit from these associations.

Keep in Touch

Maintain regular contact with your network, not just when you need something. Use email, phone, social media, or handwritten notes to stay in touch, and personalize your messages with birthday wishes, congratulations, or sharing useful information. This will help you strengthen your relationships and show appreciation.

Frequently asked questions