Free Steps To Launch Your Wedding Planning Career

If you're a people person with a passion for weddings, a career as a wedding planner could be your dream job. Wedding planners are responsible for overseeing nearly every aspect of a couple's wedding day, from finding and hiring vendors to creating schedules and timelines. While there is no specific path to becoming a wedding planner, there are several steps you can take to get started in this fast-paced industry.

First, it's important to establish clear goals and conduct industry research. Determine what type of weddings you want to plan and whether you want to work for an agency or own your own business. Next, seek out learning opportunities by following wedding planners on social media, listening to podcasts, or attending seminars.

Gaining hands-on experience is crucial, so consider interning or volunteering with a wedding planner or event planning company. Building a network of industry contacts is also key, as it will allow you to meet vendors and potential clients.

While certifications are not required, they can enhance your credibility and provide valuable knowledge. Organisations like the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners offer courses and certifications to help you get started.

Finally, create a business and marketing plan to promote your services and attract clients. This includes building a professional website, utilising social media, and networking within the industry.

With hard work and dedication, you can turn your passion for weddings into a successful career as a wedding planner.

Seek out learning opportunities

There are many ways to learn about the wedding planning industry, and it's important to take advantage of as many as possible when you're starting out.

A great way to learn about the industry is to follow wedding planners on social media. This will give you an insight into their day-to-day work and help you understand the latest trends. You can also listen to wedding podcasts, which often feature interviews with successful wedding planners and offer valuable advice and insights.

Another option is to attend seminars or workshops, which can provide a more structured learning experience and an opportunity to network with other aspiring wedding planners.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive education, consider taking an online course. For example, the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) offers a virtual training course that covers a range of topics, including the role of the wedding planner, service categories, and how to build a business. The course includes videos, course materials, and direct interaction with the Training Course Director.

The New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD) also offers an online training course that is certified by the Association of Bridal Consultants. This course covers both business skills and working with clients, and includes hands-on projects to put your skills to the test.

Another option is the Wedding Academy Global, which offers a unique and flexible curriculum that covers various themes such as intimate and destination weddings, wedding styling, and business and marketing.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, there are free online courses available, such as the one offered by the Oxford Home Study Centre. This course covers the fundamentals of wedding planning, including the general responsibilities of the wedding planner and the characteristics needed to succeed.

By seeking out these learning opportunities, you can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful wedding planner.

Get hands-on experience

Gaining hands-on experience is a crucial step in becoming a wedding planner. It will allow you to learn the ins and outs of the industry and develop your skills. Here are some ways to get that valuable hands-on experience:

• Intern with wedding planning companies or venues: Approach local wedding planning companies or venues and inquire about internship opportunities. This will give you a realistic view of what it's like to be a wedding planner and help you decide if it's the right career for you. You'll also gain valuable on-the-ground experience and build connections in the industry.
• Work with multiple wedding planners: Michelle Rago, owner of Michelle Rago Destinations, recommends working with as many professional wedding planners as possible. This will expose you to different working styles and approaches, allowing you to develop your own methods.
• Volunteer or intern with a planner who produces events that interest you: Nicole-Natassha Goulding, creative director of Chic by Nicole, suggests volunteering or interning with a planner whose work aligns with your interests. This will give you invaluable hands-on experience and provide a strong foundation for starting your own business.
• Build connections and network: Join professional associations for wedding planners to meet like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences. These groups can provide valuable resources and information about job opportunities. Networking will also help you develop your communication and people skills, which are essential for working with various personalities in the wedding planning process.
• Seek leadership roles in other fields: Francie Dorman, owner of 42 North, honed her skills as a wedding planner through roles such as event hostess, executive assistant, and general manager at a restaurant. These positions helped her develop the skills and fortitude needed for wedding planning. Consider taking on leadership roles in other fields to gain transferable skills and knowledge that can be applied to wedding planning.

Network with professionals

Networking is an essential tool to get your foot in the door as a wedding planner. 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.

• Attend networking events: Check out local industry events, open houses, wedding professional organizations, and chambers to meet and connect with other wedding and event vendors in your area.
• Read online reviews: Check out online reviews for local industry professionals on sites like theknot.com, weddingwire.com, yelp.com, and Google. You can find professionals with great reviews, learn more about their business, and then reach out to set up a time to meet.
• Read blogs from other event planners: If multiple wedding planners in your area use the same florist or catering company, you can be confident that those vendors are among the best in the area. Reach out to them and schedule a time to meet and get to know them.
• Join a local Facebook group: Many cities have Facebook groups for wedding and event professionals, which can be a great place to get to know vendors in your market and learn about future networking events and photo shoot opportunities.
• Connect on social media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are powerful tools for networking. Follow wedding professionals and event venues in your area, engage with their content, and reach out via email to invite them to meet up so you can learn more about their business.

When networking, it's important to approach other wedding professionals with a mindset of how you can help them, rather than how they can help you. For example, you can ask a venue if they need help styling an open house or offer to help a dress shop plan a trunk show. Volunteering your time is a great way to build trust and get to know each other.

Remember, networking is about creating lasting relationships that can translate into new business opportunities. Don't be shy about attending networking events, and always follow up with helpful information or a small gift if you've made a good connection.

Consider getting a certification

While a degree or certification is not a requirement to become a wedding planner, it can be beneficial if you want to enter the industry with little to no experience. Obtaining a certification can give you authority in the wedding space and set you apart from other planners.

The American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP), for example, offers training and certification for aspiring wedding planners. Their online course consists of videos, digital downloads, and live Q&A sessions with their Training Course Director. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate and can apply for membership as a Trained Wedding Planner (TWP) with AACWP.

Another option is the Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute, which offers a course for those interested in becoming a Certified Wedding and Event Planner. The course covers various aspects of wedding and event planning, including event design, vendor selection, and budget management. It also includes hands-on internships and one-on-one calls with your instructor.

If you're looking for a free option, Oxford Home Study Centre offers a free wedding planning course that covers the fundamentals of the sector, including the responsibilities of a wedding planner and the characteristics needed to succeed. This course also offers the option to purchase a certificate upon completion, which can boost your CV and enhance your job applications.

Create business and marketing plans

Writing a business plan is an essential step in starting your wedding planning business. This is where you outline your goals, mission, and strategies for achieving success. Here are the key components of a solid business plan:

• Executive Summary: Clearly state your goals and mission statement. Explain why you believe your business will succeed and how you plan to make it happen.
• Company Summary: Describe whether you will be working alone or with a team. Include your background, location, and any other relevant information you would typically share on an "about" page on your website.
• Products and Services: Provide details about the services you will offer and those you won't. Determine your pricing, identify your competition, and highlight what sets you apart.
• Market Analysis: Identify your target audience and develop strategies to attract their business.
• Strategy and Implementation: Create a sales strategy and forecast, and set milestones to measure your progress.
• Management Summary: Outline the organisational structure and personnel plan, especially if you plan to have a team.
• Financial Plan: Estimate your fixed and variable expenses, marketing costs, taxes, and other financial aspects. Include a break-even analysis, projected profit and loss, cash flow, balance sheet, and business ratios.

Once you have your business plan in place, it's time to focus on marketing. Here are some tips to create an effective marketing plan:

• Social Media Presence: Establish yourself on platforms like Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Share content regularly and use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
• Blogging: Start a blog on your website or contribute guest posts to wedding blogs and magazines. This helps build your reputation and showcases your expertise.
• Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage couples you've worked with to leave reviews and share them on your website and social media. According to a 2019 WeddingWire study, reviews and photos are crucial factors for couples when choosing vendors, aside from price.
• Publications: Pitch unique angles or Q&A opportunities to local or national publications. Getting featured can significantly boost your visibility.
• Directories: List your business on free online directories like WeddingWire or One Wed, as well as general directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and the Better Business Bureau.
• SEO: Focus on search engine optimisation (SEO) to improve your website's ranking on search engines like Google. This involves keyword research and optimising your website content to match what couples are searching for.
• Pinterest: Recognise that Pinterest is a go-to platform for couples seeking wedding inspiration and information. Create engaging content and optimise your profile to reach your target audience.
• Networking: Build connections with venues, couples, vendors, and other planners. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and referrals.
• Google My Business: Encourage couples to leave reviews on your Google My Business listing, as this can boost your website's visibility and build trust with prospective clients.
• Instagram: Reach out and connect with fellow vendors and industry professionals on Instagram. Use this platform to showcase your work and attract your ideal clients.

Frequently asked questions