Wedding Planner's Guide: Las Vegas Edition

Planning a wedding can be stressful, so it's no surprise that many couples opt to hire a wedding planner to help them create their dream day. Las Vegas, known for its quickie weddings and Elvis impersonators, is also a great place for a full-on wedding celebration. The city has some of the best wedding planners in the country, who are well-versed in pulling together unique and meaningful events of all sizes. So, what does it take to join their ranks and become a wedding planner in Las Vegas?

According to Las Vegas-based wedding planner Andrea Eppolito, while all you need to start your own wedding planning company is a business license, insurance, and a website, this won't make you successful. Eppolito argues that to be truly great at wedding planning, a combination of real-world experience and continuous learning is key. This could include getting a job in the industry, interning, reading books about business, and taking advantage of free content and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

So, if you're thinking about becoming a wedding planner in Las Vegas, be prepared to put in the work, both in terms of hands-on experience and continuous education, to ensure you're offering your clients the best possible service.

Get hands-on experience in the industry

Gaining hands-on experience in the wedding planning industry is key to becoming a successful wedding planner. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Internships and Volunteering: Consider interning or volunteering with a wedding planning company or a wedding venue. This will give you first-hand experience in the industry and help you understand the ins and outs of wedding planning. It will also allow you to build connections and learn from veteran wedding planners.
• Networking: Building industry connections is crucial. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and utilise social media to connect with other wedding planners, venues, and vendors. These connections can lead to future collaborations, referrals, and mentorship opportunities.
• Online Courses: Enrol in online courses or workshops specifically designed for wedding planning. For example, the QC Event School offers a variety of wedding planner-related courses, such as Wedding & Event Planning and Destination Wedding Planning. These courses can provide you with valuable knowledge and a certificate upon completion.
• Work with Multiple Planners: Working with multiple professional wedding planners can expose you to different styles and approaches. This will help you develop your own planning style and allow you to learn from a range of experienced planners.
• Start Small: If you're just starting, consider offering your services for smaller events or weddings within your network. This could include birthday parties, bridal showers, or even offering to plan a friend's wedding. Every event is an opportunity to gain experience and build your portfolio.
• Shadow an Experienced Planner: Find a mentor in the industry who is willing to let you shadow them during the planning process and on the day of the wedding. This will give you invaluable insight into the day-to-day tasks and challenges of a wedding planner.
• Research and Study: Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, and new ideas. Follow wedding planners and industry leaders on social media, read blogs and magazines, and consider subscribing to industry publications. The more knowledge you have, the more prepared you'll be to tackle any planning challenge.

Read about business

Reading about business is an important step in your journey to becoming a wedding planner. While it is not necessary to have a college degree, reading business books and autobiographies can help you learn from others' experiences and avoid common mistakes. For example, you could read "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, or inspirational guides by Tim Ferris and Gary Vee. Setting a goal of reading 2 to 3 business books per month can help you stay focused and committed to continuous learning. If you are not a fan of reading, audiobooks are a great alternative.

In addition to books, there is a lot of free content available online, such as YouTube videos, podcasts, blogs, and digital downloads. Following and studying successful wedding professionals and downloading their content can provide valuable insights and help you develop your own set of skills.

Conferences, associations, and online courses are also excellent sources of peer-to-peer education. Organisations like WIPA, ILEA, and NACE offer opportunities for networking and learning from industry peers. Attending conferences and educational events, such as those produced by The Knot Pro, Wedding MBA, and Engage, can provide valuable insights and help you connect with others in the industry.

By combining reading with other forms of learning, such as internships and real-world experience, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful and knowledgeable wedding planner in Las Vegas.

Take up internships

Taking up internships is a great way to gain experience in the field of wedding party planning in Las Vegas. By interning, you'll get a chance to learn from established professionals, build your network, and enhance your resume. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Research wedding planning companies in Las Vegas: Look for companies that specialise in weddings and events, and reach out to them to inquire about internship opportunities. You can use online resources and directories to find potential companies to apply to.
• Prepare your resume and cover letter: Highlight any relevant skills and experiences that could make you a strong candidate for an internship. Emphasise your passion for wedding planning and your eagerness to learn.
• Be proactive and persistent: Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back from companies right away. Follow up on your applications and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. You can also try cold-calling or visiting companies in person to inquire about internships.
• Utilise your network: Tap into your personal and professional connections to see if anyone has insights into potential internship opportunities. You can also attend industry events and join relevant online communities to expand your network.
• Be flexible and adaptable: The events industry is dynamic, and internship duties can vary. Show your willingness to take on different tasks and be a team player. This will help you gain a well-rounded understanding of the wedding planning business.
• Showcase your creativity: Wedding planning requires creativity and an eye for detail. During your internship, look for opportunities to contribute unique ideas and showcase your ability to think outside the box.

Remember, internships are a great way to get your foot in the door and make valuable connections in the industry. Be proactive, eager to learn, and willing to go the extra mile, and you'll be on your way to becoming a successful wedding party planner in Las Vegas!

Consume free content online

There are a variety of free online courses, webinars, and tools available to help you become a wedding planner.

Free Online Courses

The Wedding Planning (Short Course) by Oxford Home Study Centre is a great option to learn the fundamentals of wedding planning. The course covers topics such as the general responsibilities of a wedding planner and the characteristics needed to succeed in the field. It also covers wedding traditions in various countries and the concept of marriage in different religions. The course is self-paced and completely free of charge, with no enrolment fee.

Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute offers online courses, college classes, a masterclass, and even internship opportunities. Their online wedding and event planning course includes 8-12 weeks of classes, a virtual student center, test prep, and more. After graduating, students receive a certificate, a letter of recommendation, and the Certified Wedding Planner and Event Designer (CWEP) designation.

QC Event School's Wedding Planning Course teaches students how to plan weddings, start their own business, or work for an established company. The course covers various aspects of wedding planning, including timelines, budgeting, project management, and marketing tactics. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and become certified as an International Wedding Planning Professional (IWPP).

Udemy's Wedding Planner MBA is a popular option with six hours of video lessons, 29 downloadable resources, and lifetime access. It is designed for beginners and covers foundational elements of wedding planning, business planning, and software suggestions.

Webinars

Webinars are a great way to gain insights and advice from experienced wedding planners. Social Tables offers a free webinar, "Meet the Unsung Heroes for Easier Events," which can provide valuable information for aspiring wedding planners.

Online Tools

Online wedding planning tools can be extremely helpful in streamlining the wedding planning process. Websites like Planning.Wedding offer a range of free tools, such as a wedding guest list manager, RSVP tracker, wedding website builder, checklist generator, budget calculator, itinerary template, seating chart maker, and more. These tools can help you stay organized and efficient during the planning process.

By utilizing these free online resources, you can gain valuable knowledge and skills to become a successful wedding planner in Las Vegas.

Learn from peers

Learning from peers in the wedding planning industry in Las Vegas

Learning from peers is a great way to gain knowledge and insights about the wedding planning industry in Las Vegas. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Network with other wedding planners: Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to meet and connect with other wedding planners in Las Vegas. This will allow you to learn from their experiences, gain insights into the local market, and build valuable relationships.
• Join local industry associations: Consider joining industry associations such as the National Association of Wedding Professionals or the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners. These organizations often offer networking opportunities, educational resources, and mentorship programs that can help you connect and learn from peers.
• Seek mentorship opportunities: Look for mentorship opportunities with established wedding planners in Las Vegas. A mentor can provide you with guidance, support, and insights based on their own experiences. They can help you navigate the local industry, develop your skills, and avoid common pitfalls.
• Collaborate with other professionals: Collaborating with other wedding industry professionals, such as photographers, caterers, florists, and venue coordinators, can provide valuable learning opportunities. By working together, you can gain insight into different aspects of the industry, develop your own skills, and build a strong network of contacts.
• Follow industry blogs and podcasts: Many successful wedding planners in Las Vegas share their knowledge and experiences through blogs, podcasts, and social media. Follow industry influencers and thought leaders to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, gain inspiration, and learn from their successes and challenges.
• Attend local wedding showcases and fairs: These events provide a great opportunity to meet and interact with other wedding planners and professionals in the industry. You can learn about the latest trends, vendor offerings, and gain insights into what couples are looking for in a wedding planner.
• Offer to assist established planners: Reach out to established wedding planners in Las Vegas and offer your assistance as an intern or assistant. This will allow you to learn directly from experienced planners, gain hands-on experience, and develop valuable skills.

By learning from your peers, you can gain valuable insights, develop your skills, and build a strong network of contacts in the wedding planning industry in Las Vegas.

Frequently asked questions