Planning Dream Weddings: A Profitable Side Gig

If you're a people person with a knack for organisation and visual design, becoming a wedding planner could be your dream job. Wedding planners are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a couple's wedding day, from answering calls and emails to negotiating contracts and creating schedules. It's a demanding job, both physically and mentally, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

There is no specific path to becoming a wedding planner, and no formal education is required. However, certain qualifications, such as a degree in business, communications, or event planning, can provide a helpful foundation. Networking and hands-on experience are also key to landing this role.

If you're thinking of becoming a wedding planner, there are a few steps you can take to get started. First, establish your goals and conduct research to understand the different types of wedding planning jobs available. Then, seek out learning opportunities, whether through internships, entry-level roles, or online courses. Building a network of connections in the industry is also crucial, as is creating a strong online presence through a professional website and social media platforms.

So, if you're ready to take on the challenge of turning couples' wedding visions into reality, read on to find out more about how to become a wedding planner!

Building a client base

• Networking: Networking is a great way to build a solid client base. When people get to know you and your services, they are more likely to recommend you or hire you. Attend industry events, wedding expos, and meetups in your area to connect with other professionals in the wedding industry. You can also network with hotels, caterers, florists, photographers, and other vendors to promote your services and build relationships.
• Business Cards and Brochures: A well-designed business card and brochure can help solidify your reputation as a capable wedding planner. Include your company's name, your name, your specialisation, your logo, and testimonials from past clients on your business card. Leave stacks of business cards and brochures with vendors you work with, such as caterers, florists, and photographers.
• Online Presence: Create an active online presence by maintaining a professional website and utilising social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Share photos from events you've planned, testimonials from couples, and trending wedding-related news. Use targeted hashtags and wedding-related keywords to reach your target audience.
• Advertising: Consider advertising in local newspapers, magazines, or the Yellow Pages. If you plan both business and social events, advertising in regional publications can be beneficial. You can also reach out to local shops about leaving flyers or business cards at their stores.
• Connect with Vendors: Establishing connections with well-established wedding vendors, such as florists, bridal shops, event rental companies, event venues, caterers, and photographers, can help expand your network and gain referrals. These vendors often interact with newly engaged couples and can recommend your services.
• Join Wedding Planning Communities: Participate in online wedding planning forums and communities like Wedding Wire and The Knot. These platforms can expose your business to a wider audience of newly engaged couples in your area.
• Blogging and Content Creation: Create blog posts and content that will interest your target audience, such as advice on why a wedding planner is useful or suggestions for the perfect honeymoon. You can also offer consulting services and share your expertise through blog posts or guest posts on other wedding websites.
• Referrals and Word-of-Mouth: Providing exceptional service and building solid relationships are crucial in the wedding industry. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients and other vendors can be invaluable for growing your client base.

Networking

Identify Networking Opportunities

Research networking events, groups, and organizations in your area. Look for open houses, wedding professional organizations, and chambers. Larger wedding industry organizations include WNUSA, ILEA, WIPA, ABC, and NACE. You can also attend local industry events, photo shoots, and join local Facebook groups for wedding and event professionals. These are great ways to meet vendors and other planners, and to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and opportunities.

Decide Who You Want to Connect With

Before attending a networking event, identify a few people you would like to connect with. It could be event professionals you've interacted with on social media, in private groups, or at previous events. Reach out to them beforehand and let them know you'll be attending. This will help you step out of your comfort zone and make meaningful connections.

Think About How You Can Help Others

Approach networking events with a mindset of how you can help others, rather than what you can gain from them. Volunteering your time and skills is a great way to build trust and establish relationships with vendors. For example, you can offer to help with styling an open house or planning a trunk show. Following up with helpful information or a small gift can also leave a lasting impression.

Build Your Online Presence

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are powerful tools for networking. Search for and follow wedding professionals and venues in your area, engage with their content, and reach out to them via email or direct message. You can also use social media to showcase your work, gain exposure, and establish yourself as an expert. Additionally, consider joining professional groups on social media platforms to connect with like-minded individuals and stay informed about the industry.

Join Professional Associations

Joining a professional association for wedding planners, such as the Association of Bridal Consultants or the Association for Wedding Professionals International, offers numerous benefits. These groups provide opportunities to meet and exchange resources with other planners, and you may also learn about job opportunities. They can also provide valuable education, training, and certification programs to enhance your skills and credibility.

Attend Workshops and Conferences

In addition to networking events, workshops, conferences, and seminars can be great places to connect with others in the industry. These events often attract a wide range of vendors, planners, and industry experts, providing a perfect setting to expand your network. They also demonstrate your commitment to continued learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

Online courses

The Wedding Planner Institute, for example, offers a 12-week online course that promises to train, educate, inspire, and prepare you for a career in the wedding industry. The course includes online tutorials, course materials, work experience opportunities, student forums, and support from industry professionals.

The American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) also offers online training with videos, course materials, and direct interaction with their Training Course Director. The course is offered over a four-week period, with one week to go through the videos and information, and the remaining three weeks are dedicated to completing course requirements and assignments.

Other online courses are available through organisations like Ultimate Academy, which offers a dual certification course in wedding and event planning, and the Wedding Academy and Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute, which offer courses for certified wedding planners. These courses can vary in length, typically lasting between two and three months, and in cost, ranging from $700 to $2,500 and up.

Internships

For example, The Tiffany Effect: Event Coordination & Design in Houston, TX, offers a social media internship where you'll manage day-to-day social media postings and create content for their wedding planning company.

If you're looking for a more general wedding planning internship, you could consider applying to companies like High Spirits Hospitality in Greenville, SC, or The Ridley House in Holmes, PA. These internships will give you experience in planning and executing events, including weddings.

When applying for internships, be sure to highlight any relevant skills and your passion for the industry. Many internships prefer candidates with a hospitality background or a positive, flexible attitude.

Remember, internships are a great way to build your network, gain practical experience, and decide if wedding planning is the right career path for you.

Business planning

Services Offered:

First, decide on the specific services you want to offer your clients. Will you provide full-service packages, day-of coordination, or consulting services? Understanding the needs of your target market will help you tailor your services accordingly.

Niche:

Consider your unique selling point. What sets you apart from other wedding planners? Do you specialise in small, intimate weddings, or large, lavish events? Perhaps you want to focus on destination weddings. Finding your niche will help you establish a strong brand identity.

Target Audience:

Identify your ideal clients. Understanding their preferences, budget, and expectations will help you tailor your services and create appealing packages.

Organisational Structure:

If you plan on hiring employees, outline your organisational structure. Define the roles and responsibilities within your team, including any external vendors or partners you intend to work with.

Sales and Marketing Strategy:

Develop a comprehensive marketing plan to promote your business. Utilise social media platforms, create a user-friendly website, and consider collaborating with publications and blogs to reach a wider audience.

Financial Plan:

Create a detailed financial plan that includes estimated profits, expenses, and taxes. Consider the costs of starting a business, such as registration fees, marketing expenses, and equipment. Determine your pricing strategy by researching what other wedding planners in your area charge for similar services.

Legal Compliance:

Ensure you understand the legal requirements for running a wedding planning business. This includes deciding on the appropriate business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, limited liability company), registering your business, and obtaining any necessary licenses or permits.

Frequently asked questions