Get Certified: Become A Wedding Planner In California

Wedding planning is a tough but rewarding job. Wedding planners are responsible for almost every aspect of a couple's big day, from finding and hiring vendors to creating schedules and ensuring the event follows the correct timeline. While it's not a requirement to have a degree or certification to become a wedding planner, earning credentials can help you stand out in the marketplace. If you're interested in becoming a certified wedding planner in California, here's what you need to know.

Research and set goals

The first step in your journey to becoming a certified wedding planner in California is to establish clear-cut goals. Ask yourself: What is your dream scenario as a wedding planner? Do you want to plan celebrity weddings? Or do you want to work with venues and couples in your hometown? Perhaps you want to travel the world and plan destination weddings. The options are endless, so it's important to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve.

Once you have set your goals, start researching how to reach them. Form a list of questions to guide your research. How much can you earn as a wedding planner? Are wedding planners in high demand? How can you get your first client? Researching the market and the industry is crucial before taking the next steps. Check out industry studies such as WeddingWire's Newlywed Report and Brides.com's American Wedding Study.

In addition to market research, it is important to understand the skills and qualifications needed to become a wedding planner. Wedding planners need to be highly organized, have excellent communication skills, and pay attention to detail. They also need to be able to make decisions and guide couples in a high-pressure atmosphere. Research the job requirements and explore wedding planners' websites and social media platforms to understand the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks involved in the role.

Another aspect to consider during your research is the different paths to becoming a certified wedding planner. In California, there is no requirement for wedding planners to complete post-secondary studies or hold special licenses. However, relevant training, experience, or a certification can enhance your credibility and gain the trust of potential clients. Explore the various options for formal wedding planner training, such as the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) or the Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute, which offer online and in-person courses.

Finally, as part of your research and goal-setting process, consider creating a business plan. This will help you define your target audience, financial plan, marketing strategy, and the products and services you plan to offer. A well-thought-out business plan will provide a clear roadmap for establishing and growing your wedding planning business.

Gain experience

Gaining experience is a crucial step in becoming a certified wedding planner. Here are some ways to build your expertise and knowledge in the field:

• Internships and Volunteering: Seek out internships or volunteer opportunities with wedding planning companies or venues. This will allow you to gain hands-on experience and learn the ins and outs of the industry. You'll also be able to determine if this career path is truly for you. Approach local wedding planning businesses or venues and express your interest in interning or volunteering.
• Online Courses: Enrol in online courses specifically designed for wedding planning, such as the one offered by The QC Event School. These courses will provide you with the necessary training and knowledge to become a successful wedding planner. You'll learn about various aspects of wedding planning, including destination weddings, wedding design, and more.
• Work with Professional Wedding Planners: Collaborate with multiple professional wedding planners to gain diverse experiences and perspectives. Each planner will have their own unique approach, and you can learn a lot by observing and assisting them.
• Network within the Industry: Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with other wedding planners, vendors, and venues. Building a strong network will not only help you gain valuable connections and referrals but will also provide you with mentorship and learning opportunities.
• Start Small: If you're just starting, consider offering your services to friends or family members who are planning weddings. This will give you a chance to apply your skills and build a portfolio. You can also reach out to local venues and vendors to introduce yourself and express your interest in collaborating on future events.
• Continue Learning: The wedding planning industry is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay updated with the latest trends and practices. Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to refine your skills and gain new insights. Read industry publications, follow wedding planners on social media, and listen to wedding podcasts to stay informed about the latest developments in the field.

Remember, gaining experience is an ongoing process, and it's essential to stay proactive in your pursuit of knowledge and growth in the wedding planning industry.

Build a network

Building a network is an essential step in becoming a wedding planner. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Attend Networking Events

Keep an eye out for local industry events and meetings where you can meet and connect with other wedding and event vendors in your area. This is a great way to get to know people in the industry and learn about the business. You can also attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to gain more knowledge and build connections.

Utilize Social Media

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn are excellent tools for networking. Follow and connect with other wedding professionals, including florists, caterers, musicians, photographers, and more. Engage with their content by sharing, commenting, and reacting. You can also join Facebook groups and online communities specifically for wedding professionals, which often advertise events and provide opportunities for collaboration.

Read Online Reviews and Blogs

Check out online review websites such as theknot.com, weddingwire.com, yelp.com, and Google to find highly-rated local industry professionals. Reading blogs from other event planners can also help you identify vendors that are consistently recommended. Reach out to these vendors and set up a time to meet and get to know them and their business.

Join a Local Facebook Group

Facebook groups can be a great way to connect with vendors and other wedding professionals in your market. These groups often share information about networking events, photo shoot opportunities, and lead generation. They can also be a place to give and receive recommendations and referrals.

Think Beyond the Wedding Industry

While industry-specific networking is important, don't shy away from attending networking events outside of the wedding industry. This can help you connect with a wider range of people and potentially find new clients or collaborators.

Be Helpful

When attending networking events or reaching out to people, focus on how you can be of help to others. Offer your assistance to venues or dress shops, for example, by helping with styling or planning. Volunteering your time and skills is a great way to build trust and foster relationships with vendors, who may then be more inclined to refer you to their clients.

Follow Up

After meeting someone at a networking event or reaching out online, be sure to follow up. Send a helpful resource related to a topic you discussed, or invite them to meet one-on-one to continue the conversation. A small gift can also be a thoughtful way to follow up if you feel you've made a strong connection.

Get certified

Although certification is not a requirement to become a wedding planner in California, it is a great way to gain authority in the wedding industry and market yourself as a trusted and knowledgeable source.

The American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) offers a two-month certification course to become a Trained Wedding Planner. The course is available in-person or online, and covers vendor relations, sales, workflow, and budgeting. After completing the course, you are eligible to apply for a membership as a Trained Wedding Planner.

Another option is the Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute, which offers an 8-12 week course for those interested in becoming a Certified Wedding and Event Planner. Graduates receive a certificate, letter of recommendation, and the professional Certified Wedding and Event Planning designation.

If you are considering pursuing a degree, California State Polytechnic, Collins College of Hospitality Management, offers a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Hospitality Management, as well as a certificate program in Wedding Consultant Professional Development.

California State University, East Bay, offers a unique Event Planning certificate with the option of a ten-week online course or a 5-month in-person program.

Create a business plan

Creating a business plan is an essential step in starting a wedding planning business. This document will serve as a roadmap to guide you through the early stages of building your business and making it profitable. Here are the key components to include in your business plan:

Executive Summary

Begin your business plan with an executive summary, outlining your goals and mission statement. Clearly state why you believe your business will succeed and how you plan to achieve success.

Company Summary

Provide an overview of your company, including whether you will be the sole wedding planner or if you intend to have a team. Share your backstory, location, and any other information typically found on an "About" page on a website.

Products and Services

Go into detail about the specific products and services you will offer as a wedding planner. Will you offer full-service planning, day-of coordination, or customized packages? Be clear about what you can and cannot provide. Also, consider your pricing strategy and how it compares to the competition.

Market Analysis

Conduct a thorough analysis of your target market. Identify your ideal clients and develop a strategy to reach them effectively. Understand their needs, preferences, and pain points to tailor your services accordingly.

Strategy and Implementation

Outline your sales and marketing strategies, including any partnerships or affiliate relationships you plan to establish with other vendors in the industry. Detail the steps you will take to attract clients and build a strong reputation in the wedding planning market.

Management Summary

If you plan to have a team, include an organizational structure and personnel plan in this section. Outline the roles and responsibilities of each team member, including yourself. If you are the sole proprietor, you can briefly describe your qualifications and experience.

Financial Plan

Create a comprehensive financial plan that includes anticipated fixed and variable expenses, marketing costs, taxes, and any other relevant financial projections. Be realistic and provide a breakdown of expected costs and potential revenue streams.

Remember, your business plan should be detailed and well-thought-out. It will be a living document that you can refer back to and adjust as your business grows and evolves.

Frequently asked questions