Planning Dream Weddings: A Guide To Becoming A Wedding Planner

Wedding planning is a tough but rewarding job. It requires a unique set of skills, from creativity and empathy to leadership and organisation. While a degree is not necessary, relevant qualifications and experience can help you stand out in this competitive industry. So, how do you become a wedding planner?

Get experience through an online course or internship

Online Courses

There are a variety of online courses available to help you gain experience in wedding planning. The Wedding Planner Institute, for example, offers a 12-week online course that will "train, educate, inspire, and prepare you for a successful career in the wedding industry." The course includes online tutorials, video tutorials, comprehensive training, and real work experience opportunities.

Another option is the Ultimate Academy, which offers a dual certification course in wedding and event planning. This course is designed to teach you the business aspects of the event and wedding planning industries and help you master skills such as organization, coordination, listening, and attention to detail.

Central Michigan University also offers an online certified wedding planner course.

Internships

If you're looking for hands-on experience, consider applying for an internship with a wedding planning company or a wedding venue. Internships can give you a behind-the-scenes look at the wedding planning process and help you build valuable connections in the industry.

When applying for internships, be sure to do your research about the company and its owner. Stand out by being personable and tailoring your application to the specific company. You can also increase your chances by following the company on social media and showing an interest in their content and marketing.

Chancey Charm Weddings, for example, offers an intern program that provides hands-on, day-of wedding coordination experience with a lead planner. Their interns also have the opportunity to attend wedding rehearsals and gain experience working with vendors.

Decide if you want to own a business or work for one

Deciding whether to own a wedding planning business or work for one is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a wedding planner. Here are some factors to consider when making this decision:

Owning a Wedding Planning Business:

• Income and Opportunities: In most cases, owning your business will provide more income and opportunities. As a business owner, you will have the potential to earn higher profits and may be able to charge higher rates for your services.
• Creative Control: You will have the freedom to choose the types of weddings you plan, the clients you work with, and the overall aesthetic of the events. This allows you to build a brand and reputation that aligns with your vision and values.
• Flexibility: As your own boss, you can set your work hours, choose your team, and decide how many clients you take on. This flexibility can be especially beneficial if you want to raise a family or pursue other passions alongside your career.
• Responsibilities: Keep in mind that owning a business comes with additional responsibilities beyond wedding planning. You will need to manage finances, market your business, and handle administrative tasks. These extra duties can be time-consuming and may take away from the time spent directly on wedding planning.
• Risk and Investment: Starting a business also carries financial risk and typically requires a significant investment. You will need to consider expenses such as licensing, insurance, marketing, and potentially hiring employees.
• Learning Curve: As a business owner, you will need to learn various skills beyond wedding planning, such as accounting, marketing, and people management. While you can outsource some of these tasks, having a basic understanding of different business areas is essential.

Working for a Wedding Planning Business:

• Steady Income: Working for an established wedding planning business can provide a steady income, and you may have access to benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
• Less Risk: Working for a company means you are not solely responsible for the business's success or failure. You can focus on your specific role and tasks without carrying the weight of ownership.
• Mentorship and Support: Working for an established business can provide valuable mentorship and support, especially if you are new to the industry. You will have the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues and may receive more structured training.
• Limited Creative Control: As an employee, you may have less creative control over the events you plan and the clients you work with. You will likely need to follow the company's guidelines and standards, which could limit your ability to make certain decisions.
• Less Overhead: As an employee, you won't have to worry about the financial and administrative aspects of running a business. This can reduce stress and allow you to focus solely on wedding planning and client management.
• Limited Growth Potential: Working for a company may offer less opportunity for income growth compared to owning a business. Your earnings may be limited to your salary and any commissions or bonuses offered by the company.

Ultimately, the decision to own a business or work for one depends on your personal circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance. Both paths can lead to successful and fulfilling careers as a wedding planner. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and what you hope to achieve in the industry to make an informed decision.

Develop a marketing plan

Developing a marketing plan is an essential step in becoming a wedding planner. Here are some strategies to help you get started:

Know Your Audience

Understanding your target audience is crucial. Identify the types of couples you constantly plan weddings for and ensure your marketing materials are shared on relevant channels. For example, if you primarily plan weddings for young couples, focus on platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok. On the other hand, if you specialise in destination weddings, build relationships with vendors and venues in popular destinations. Tailoring your marketing efforts to your specific audience will increase your chances of success.

Develop a User-Friendly Website

Your website serves as the central hub for your business, so it's important to make a good first impression. Ensure your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimised for search engines. Create compelling content such as promotional videos, infographics, blogs, or email newsletters. Utilise well-researched keywords and optimise each page on your site, including the homepage, blog, and contact form. This will boost your search engine rankings and make it easier for potential clients to find you.

Establish a Strong Social Media Presence

Focus on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook, as well as YouTube and TikTok. Post consistently and use relevant hashtags to increase engagement. Interact with your audience and respond to comments to forge relationships and increase awareness. Mix up your content by using GIFs or embedding social media posts in your tweets to make your feed more engaging. Don't forget to add links to your website in your social media bios and relevant posts to make it easy for potential clients to learn more about you.

Leverage Testimonials and Reviews

Reviews are crucial for building trust with potential clients. According to Wedding Wire, 80% of couples consider reviews "very important," and they are more likely to book a vendor with both positive and negative reviews than no reviews at all. Don't be afraid to ask clients for reviews, as most consumers are willing to provide feedback. Share positive reviews and testimonials on your social media platforms and website to boost credibility.

Work with Publications

Pitch unique story ideas to wedding blogs, magazines, and local or national news publications to get featured. This will increase your exposure, build brand awareness, and potentially boost your website's domain authority if backlinks to your website are included. Share any press mentions on your social media channels and consider adding a "press" section to your website.

Build Relationships with Venues and Vendors

Establishing relationships with venues and vendors is crucial in the wedding planning industry. Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful, and positive experiences can lead to referrals and new business opportunities. Focus on building strong connections with venues you want to work with, as they are often booked before other vendors. These relationships will be mutually beneficial and can attract ideal clients.

Utilise Free Directories and Google My Business

List your business on free directories like WeddingWire, One Wed, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Google My Business. This will increase your online presence and make it easier for couples to find you. Google My Business is especially important as it displays reviews and helps push your website up in search rankings.

Network with Your Industry

Networking is essential for building connections and attracting ideal clients. Reach out to fellow vendors and venues you want to collaborate with. Make it about them, not just yourself. This will help you establish mutually beneficial relationships and attract the right clients.

Network with professionals

Networking is an excellent tool to get your foot in the door in the wedding planning industry. Talking to other people in the industry will help you learn about the job, build connections for the future, and inspire you to work toward your goals. Plus, because wedding planning requires working with many personalities, networking provides an opportunity to practice your communication and people skills.

Join a professional association for wedding planners to help you meet like-minded individuals and move forward in your career. Within these groups, you can exchange resources and possibly learn about job opportunities.

Networking is also a great way to meet vendors that you can enlist for upcoming events. Since wedding planning involves meeting many people in person, creating a business card with your name, contact information, and website is a great way to promote your personal brand.

You can also attend or plan a styled photo shoot with other vendors, like photographers, caterers, bakers, and florists. These photo shoots can be used as marketing tools for all individuals involved, and they can be a great way to establish relationships with other vendors who can then recommend you when they have a client looking for a wedding planner.

Networking can also help you make more contacts for your marketing plan. It's all about understanding what couples want and then reaching those couples on the channels that they use.

Get certified

While certification is not a requirement to become a wedding planner, it is a good way to gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the industry. Certification can also signal to potential clients that you are competent and professional. There are a variety of certification options available, including online courses and in-person training programs.

One option for certification is to enrol in an online course. For example, the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) offers a comprehensive online training program that covers various topics, such as defining the role of the wedding planner, assembling the "Dream Team" for your client, business fundamentals, and handling emergencies. The course includes videos, digital downloads of course materials, and direct interaction with the Training Course Director through live Q&A sessions. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to apply for membership as a Trained Wedding Planner (TWP) with AACWP.

Another option is to pursue a Certified Wedding & Event Planning (CWEP) program, such as the one offered by Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute. This program provides a roadmap to professional success, offering hands-on internships, industry expertise, and entrepreneurial know-how. The curriculum covers various aspects of planning, including event design, vendor selection, and budget management. Lovegevity also offers access to a community of students, graduates, and industry professionals, as well as ongoing support from experts and coaches.

In addition to these options, there are also certification programs offered by colleges and universities, such as the online Certified Wedding Planner programs from Central Michigan University and Rock Valley College. These programs can provide a more structured learning experience and may offer additional benefits, such as mentorship opportunities or industry connections.

It is important to note that some certification programs may have specific requirements, such as membership or residency, so be sure to review the details of each program before enrolling.

Frequently asked questions