Ohio Wedding Planner: Steps To Success

Wedding planning is an exciting and demanding job that requires a lot of responsibility and organisation. While Ohio does not require wedding planners to have a license or specific training, there are several steps you can take to become a wedding planner in the state. This includes conducting research, getting practical experience, building a clientele, pursuing certifications, and creating business and marketing plans.

Ohio wedding planner qualifications

Ohio does not have any formal requirements, licenses, or specific training for wedding planners. However, aspiring wedding planners in Ohio should consider the following qualifications to enhance their knowledge and skills, build a strong foundation, and stand out in the competitive wedding planning industry.

Education and Training

While not mandatory, pursuing education in event planning or a related field can provide valuable knowledge and skills for aspiring wedding planners. Post-secondary programs, certificates, or degrees in event planning, hospitality, or event management are available at various colleges and universities in Ohio, such as Cuyahoga Community College, Columbus State Community College, Sinclair College, and Kent State University.

Hands-on Experience

Gaining practical experience through internships, entry-level positions, or working for an established wedding planner can provide valuable insights into the wedding planning process. This experience will help individuals understand the day-to-day tasks, challenges, and requirements of the job.

Networking and Building Clientele

Networking is essential in the wedding planning industry. Building relationships with vendors, photographers, caterers, bakers, florists, and other professionals can lead to valuable connections and potential recommendations for future clients. Creating a strong network can also provide support and resources for overcoming obstacles and meeting client expectations.

Certifications

Certifications are a great way to showcase expertise and enhance credibility in the wedding planning field. Reputable organizations like the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners and Longevity's Wedding Planning Institute offer certifications that potential clients recognize and value. These certifications provide specialized knowledge and skills to organize and manage memorable events.

Business and Marketing Plans

For those aspiring to start their own wedding planning business, creating comprehensive business and marketing plans is crucial. Developing a clear understanding of the services offered, target audience, sales strategy, financial plan, and organizational structure will provide a solid foundation for success. Marketing plans should focus on web presence, social media, brand image, and client reviews to effectively reach and attract potential clients.

Continuous Learning

Staying up-to-date with the latest trends, skills, and industry developments is essential for wedding planners. This can be achieved through attending seminars, enrolling in industry-specific classes, and regularly reading industry publications. Continuous learning ensures that wedding planners can offer their clients the most innovative and creative ideas while also expanding their professional network.

Wedding planning courses in Ohio

Ohio does not require wedding planners to have a license or any specific training. However, education is always a good place to start. There are several wedding planning courses and programs you can take to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful wedding planner in Ohio.

One option is to enrol in a post-secondary program in event planning or a related field. Cuyahoga Community College, for instance, offers an event planning certificate through its hospitality department in Cleveland. Columbus State Community College offers a 26-credit-hour meeting and event management certificate. Meanwhile, Sinclair College in Dayton provides an associate degree in meeting and event planning. For a four-year degree, you can consider Kent State University's hospitality and event management program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.

In addition to these academic programs, you can also explore online courses such as those offered by the Wedding Academy. The Wedding Academy is a global certification body that offers a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of wedding planning. Their courses are endorsed by an international advisory board of wedding professionals and provide valuable insights into the industry.

Taking courses or completing a program in event planning or management will provide you with the necessary foundation to succeed in the wedding planning industry. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills to meet client expectations, manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and handle the various logistics involved in creating memorable weddings.

How to get experience in wedding planning

While it is possible to become a wedding planner in Ohio without a degree, experience is crucial to gaining clients and building a successful business. Here are some ways to get started in the industry and build up your experience:

• Friends and family events: Offer to help plan events for friends and family, whether it's a party, wedding, picnic, lunch, or reunion. Ensure you have a contract in place that outlines expectations and terms to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Local community events: Volunteer at local community events, which are often on a larger scale and can provide eye-opening experience.
• Styled shoots: Styled shoots are like mini weddings, providing great practice and an opportunity to get pictures for your portfolio.
• Work for a wedding vendor: Working for a catering company or other wedding vendor can expose you to the ins and outs of weddings and help you build connections with other vendors.
• Assist a wedding planner: Reach out to fellow wedding planners and offer to assist them on the day of a wedding.
• Online courses: Take online courses or complete a program in event planning or event management to gain theoretical knowledge about the industry.
• Internships: Intern with a wedding planning company or wedding venue to get a taste of what it's like to be a wedding planner and build valuable connections.
• Work in catering or at an event venue: Working for a catering company, hotel, or venue can provide quick experience with the logistics of managing weddings and events.
• Create table designs at home: Practice creating table designs at home using tablecloths, napkins, plates, candles, flowers, etc. During holidays, you can design tables for family dinners or special occasions.
• Volunteer for a non-profit organization: Offer to help plan events, galas, and meetings for local non-profit organizations. This will not only give you valuable event planning experience but also allow you to network and make connections.

Remember, gaining experience is about taking initiative and being proactive. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and reach out to people in the industry. Building a network of contacts and gaining hands-on experience will be crucial to your success as a wedding planner.

Wedding planning certifications

While Ohio does not license wedding planners or require specific training, certifications are still available and can make you more competitive when taking on clients.

American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP)

The AACWP is a 501.C6 organisation that provides initial training and continuing education programs for aspiring wedding planners. Their programs run throughout the year.

Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute

Lovegevity's Certified Wedding & Event Planning (CWEP) program is a comprehensive educational roadmap that includes a library of resources and templates, instructor-led and self-study options, and internship opportunities. The course covers everything from portfolio building and client acquisition to planning dream weddings.

Cuyahoga Community College

The hospitality department at the Cleveland campus of Cuyahoga Community College offers an event planning certificate.

Columbus State Community College

Columbus State offers a 26-credit-hour meeting and event management certificate.

Sinclair College

At Sinclair College in Dayton, you can earn an associate degree in meeting and event planning.

Kent State University

Kent State offers a four-year hospitality and event management program, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.

How to start a wedding planning business

Education and training

While Ohio does not license wedding and event planners or require any specific training, it is still important to prepare with training and education. Consider taking courses or completing a program in event planning, event management, or a similar subject. You could also get hands-on experience by working for an established wedding planner.

Build a network

Networking is a great way to advance your career, meet new people, and gain inspiration. It also allows you to meet various vendors, such as caterers, florists, and musicians, that you can enlist for upcoming events. Creating a business card with your name, contact information, and website is a great way to promote your personal brand. You can also join a professional association for wedding planners to share resources and learn about potential job opportunities.

Pursue a certification

Earning a certification lets your future clients know you're knowledgeable and highly capable of organizing a memorable event. Several professional organizations offer certifications, including the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners and the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants.

Business and marketing plans

If you plan to start your own wedding planning business, preparation and organization are key to finding clients. Consider the exact services you want to offer, your target audience, and your sales strategy. A marketing plan will help you communicate your business's offerings to potential clients through your web presence, social media profiles, and brand voice and image.

Continue learning

Stay familiar with the latest trends in wedding planning by attending seminars, enrolling in industry-specific classes, and regularly reading industry publications. This is also a great way to expand your professional network.

Frequently asked questions