The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Wedding Planner

Debbie Orwat, the founder of an online community of thousands of wedding planners, Planner's Lounge, has extensive experience as a wedding planner and designer. She has also founded three different types of businesses in the wedding industry over 14 years and sold two of them. Orwat offers a one-hour online wedding planner class through Udemy.com, which covers topics such as the types of services offered by wedding planners, general pricing structures, and how to build a portfolio. She also offers personalized coaching and strategy sessions for aspiring wedding planners. In this paragraph, we will explore her insights on breaking into the wedding planning industry and the skills required to succeed.

The pros and cons of working for yourself or someone else

So, you want to be a wedding planner? It's hard work, but rewarding, too, according to Debbie Orwat, founder and chief inspiration officer at Planner's Lounge, a community for event planners.

If you're thinking of taking the plunge and becoming self-employed, here are some pros and cons of working for yourself versus working for someone else.

Working for Yourself: The Pros

• You're the boss: you set the course, build your brand, and decide which projects to take on.
• You can set your own rates and negotiate for more than you'd get at an hourly wage.
• You manage the money: you get to keep all the profits and decide how to invest them.
• You can make your own schedule and work around your personal life.
• You can earn more than you would with a regular salary.
• It's exciting and fulfilling: you get to build a life that's truly yours.

Working for Yourself: The Cons

• You're the boss...kinda. You still need to answer to clients, and finding clients can be challenging.
• You have to manage all the money, including chasing invoices and dealing with tax.
• It can be lonely.
• There's no one holding you accountable, so you need self-discipline.
• You have to say goodbye to benefits like paid vacation and health insurance.

Working for Someone Else: The Pros

• You get paid regularly and don't have to worry about a client not paying.
• You get employee benefits like paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan.
• You can separate your work and personal life, achieving a better work-life balance.
• You don't have to deal with the stress and uncertainty of running a business.

Working for Someone Else: The Cons

• You might not be fulfilling your potential and could miss out on personal growth.
• You're making someone else rich instead of improving your own financial situation.
• You might find the work monotonous and unfulfilling.
• You have less flexibility and control over your schedule.

Whether you decide to work for yourself or someone else, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and decide what's best for you and your career goals.

How to build a great reputation

Building a great reputation as a wedding planner is crucial for success in the industry. Here are some strategies to help you establish and maintain a positive and solid reputation:

Networking and Professional Development:

• Join local networking groups and industry organizations to meet peers and potential clients. Face-to-face interactions at industry events build stronger relationships and present unique opportunities.
• Consistently follow up with new connections within a few business days to establish trust and dependability.
• Online networking also offers benefits like viewing others' work and profiles. However, remember that relationships thrive on communication, so try to meet in person when possible.
• Attend conferences, workshops, and educational events to enhance your knowledge and showcase your commitment to professional development.
• Promote your attendance at these events and any courses you take on your website, blog, and social media platforms. This demonstrates to potential clients that you are constantly learning and evolving in your field.

Public Relations (PR):

• Public relations are a powerful way to establish trust for your business. Third-party endorsements, such as publications in wedding blogs or magazines, add credibility and are often more persuasive to engaged couples than advertisements.
• Aim for awards, styled shoots, podcast features, or published articles in wedding blogs to boost your credibility and trustworthiness.
• Collaborate with wedding blogs or magazines to publish your work, as this will enhance your reputation and gain the attention of potential clients.

Happy Clients and Testimonials:

• Focus on delivering exceptional and personalised services to your clients. Exceed their expectations to create memorable and stress-free experiences.
• Happy clients are more likely to spread positive word-of-mouth, and even happier clients may provide valuable testimonials.
• Collect feedback and showcase positive reviews and testimonials on your website and marketing materials.
• Respond to online reviews and consider asking other event professionals for reviews if you work together frequently.
• Share your positive reviews on social media, in email newsletters, and include them in your marketing materials.

Brand Identity and Professionalism:

• Develop a strong and unique brand identity that reflects your style, values, and approach to wedding planning.
• Consistency in branding across your website, social media, and other platforms builds trust and familiarity with potential clients.
• Stay transparent and honest in your communication with clients. Set realistic expectations and be honest about what you can deliver.
• Continuously seek feedback from clients after each event and use it to improve your services.

Vendor Relationships and Industry Involvement:

• Build positive relationships with reliable vendors, including venues, caterers, florists, and other wedding professionals. Strong collaborations contribute to seamless events and enhance your reputation as a skilled and enjoyable planner to work with.
• Maintain open and clear communication with vendors, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Demonstrate reliability and professionalism in your work to foster trust among vendors.
• Attend wedding fairs, industry conferences, and networking events to stay updated on trends and connect with peers and potential clients.
• Offer educational content related to wedding planning, such as blog posts, webinars, or social media content with tips and advice. This establishes your authority in the field.

Remember, building a solid reputation takes time and consistent effort. By implementing these strategies, you can develop a positive and respected presence in the competitive wedding planning market.

The importance of networking

Networking is a vital tool for success in the wedding planning industry. Wedding planning is a fast-paced, competitive, and demanding career choice, and building a strong network of contacts in the industry is essential.

Expanding Your Client Base

Networking allows you to connect with other wedding suppliers, vendors, and venues, and by showing your talent and passion, you can gain access to a wider network of potential clients. For example, a wedding florist might collaborate with a wedding planner, opening doors to new clients seeking comprehensive wedding packages.

Access to Referral Opportunities

Referrals are highly valued in the wedding industry, and networking provides a platform for mutual referrals. When you establish a strong rapport with other professionals, they are more likely to recommend your services, and vice versa. These referrals not only lead to new business but also help establish your credibility.

Collaboration and Cross-Promotion

Networking allows wedding suppliers to forge partnerships and collaborate on projects, resulting in unique and comprehensive offerings. For instance, a wedding venue, caterer, and DJ could form a strategic partnership, offering exclusive packages. Cross-promotion is another powerful aspect, where suppliers promote each other's services to their respective clients, expanding reach and visibility.

Keeping Up with Industry Trends

The wedding industry is constantly evolving, with new trends, styles, and technologies emerging. Networking provides a valuable platform to stay updated and connect with those who have their finger on the pulse. Engaging in conversations with fellow wedding professionals can help you gain insights into popular styles, emerging preferences, and innovative techniques.

Building a Support Network

Running a wedding business can be challenging and isolating. Networking offers a platform to build a support network of like-minded professionals who understand the unique demands and pressures of the industry. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide emotional support, advice, and valuable insights.

Establishing Professional Relationships

Networking allows you to establish meaningful professional relationships and build rapport with people who have similar styles and values. These relationships can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and mentorship opportunities, helping you grow your business. Establishing trust and credibility within the industry is essential, and networking is the easiest and most effective way to meet the right people.

Tips for Effective Networking

• Attend industry events such as bridal shows, trade fairs, workshops, and conferences.
• Join online communities, forums, blogs, social media groups, and podcasts.
• Seek referrals and testimonials from clients, vendors, and colleagues.
• Collaborate with other professionals who complement your skills, such as photographers, florists, and caterers.
• Join professional associations like the Association of Bridal Consultants or the Wedding Industry Professionals Association.
• Keep in touch with your network regularly, not just when you need something.

The value of a certification

While certification is not a requirement to become a wedding planner, it can be a valuable asset when starting out in the industry. Certification demonstrates competency and can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs, as well as increasing your potential salary.

A wedding planner certificate confirms that you have received formal education in wedding planning. This can be beneficial, especially if you don't have much hands-on experience in event planning or hospitality. The value of a certification lies in the knowledge and skills you gain, which can set a strong foundation for your career.

The best certifications for wedding planners include Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP), Certified Master Wedding Planner, and Certified Wedding Planner (CWP). These certifications are offered by organisations such as the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) and The Wedding Planning Institute. Obtaining these certifications can provide you with specialised skills and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

In addition to enhancing your employability, certifications can also offer other advantages. For example, certification programs that offer membership or association with industry organisations can provide valuable networking opportunities, support, and continued education. This can help you stay up-to-date with industry trends and build relationships with other professionals.

However, it's important to note that the value of a certification depends on your personal goals and needs. While certification can be beneficial, it may not be necessary for everyone. Gaining hands-on experience, building a strong network, and developing essential skills can also contribute to your success as a wedding planner. Ultimately, the decision to pursue certification is a personal choice that depends on your career aspirations and the specific requirements of your target employers or clients.

The skills needed to succeed

Wedding planning is a demanding job, both physically and mentally, and it requires a unique set of skills to succeed. Here are the key traits and skills that will help you excel as a wedding planner:

Organization and Attention to Detail:

Juggling multiple weddings and vendors requires exceptional organizational skills and a keen eye for detail. Wedding planners need to manage various logistics, from creating timelines to negotiating contracts and coordinating with numerous vendors. Staying on top of all the details ensures a smooth and memorable event.

Communication and Leadership:

Effective communication is essential in dealing with couples, their families, and vendors. Wedding planners must be good listeners, able to navigate challenges and make decisions confidently. Strong leadership skills are crucial, especially when guiding the couple through high-pressure situations and keeping everything on track.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability:

Wedding planners must be adept at quick problem-solving when unexpected issues arise, such as last-minute vendor cancellations or changes in weather. The ability to remain calm and adaptable is vital to ensuring the couple's special day goes off without a hitch.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence:

Understanding and connecting with the couple and their families are key. Wedding planners often become emotionally invested in their clients' weddings, and this empathy helps build strong relationships. Being able to sense and manage family dynamics and provide support during stressful decision-making is an important aspect of the job.

Budgeting and Financial Management:

Creating a couple's dream wedding within their budget is an art. Wedding planners need to be savvy budget managers, able to stretch a dollar, find great deals, and responsibly handle finances. Understanding tax implications and business expenses is also crucial for success.

Time Management:

Wedding planners often juggle multiple weddings and clients simultaneously, so managing time effectively is essential. Prioritizing tasks, setting office hours, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are critical to avoiding burnout and ensuring each event receives the necessary attention.

Creativity and Design Skills:

While not mandatory, a creative eye and design skills can enhance a wedding planner's offerings. From venue styling to invitation selection, a flair for visual design can elevate the couple's vision and create a truly memorable event.

A Willingness to Learn:

The wedding industry is constantly evolving, and successful wedding planners commit to continuous learning. This includes staying up-to-date with industry trends, attending workshops and conferences, and networking with other professionals. This ensures that you remain knowledgeable and provide valuable insights to your clients.

Developing these skills will help you excel as a wedding planner and create unforgettable celebrations for your clients.

Frequently asked questions