Wedding Planner Internships: Getting Your Foot In The Door

Wedding planner internships are a great way to gain experience in the wedding planning industry. They are often temporary and unpaid positions for students or recent graduates interested in gaining experience in wedding planning and event planning. Interns assist professional wedding planners or provide administrative support to a wedding planning company. Responsibilities may include coordinating schedules, meeting with clients to understand their budget and needs, and helping with the setup and breakdown of wedding spaces. Internships can provide a broad range of experiences in event planning, marketing, production, and public relations. They are a great way to explore the business and creative aspects of the wedding planning industry and gain valuable skills.

Research wedding planning companies and venues to find the right internship for you

The first step to landing an internship is to find the right company. Research wedding planning companies in your area and online to identify potential opportunities. Look for companies that offer internships or reach out to companies that don't advertise internships to express your interest.

Wedding Planning Companies

• Miriam Events Co (Madison, WI)
• Piece of Cake Consulting, LLC (Madison and Lake Geneva, WI)
• The Style Project (Milwaukee, WI)
• Relax Event Planning (Madison, WI)
• High Spirits Hospitality (Greenville, SC)
• Privé Events (Castle Rock, CO)
• The Tiffany Effect: Event Coordination & Design (Houston, TX)
• DuPont Country Club (Wilmington, DE)

Wedding Venues

You can also research wedding venues, as many offer internships or entry-level positions:

• The Old Rancho (Carlsbad, CA)
• The Crossings at Carlsbad (Carlsbad, CA)
• The Current Co. (Oceanside, CA)
• The Golf Club at Fossil Creek (Fort Worth, TX)
• The Bowden Events & Weddings (Keller, TX)
• The Paddock at Champions Circle (Dallas, TX)

Company Research

When researching companies, consider the following:

• Do they offer internships?
• What qualifications or skills are they looking for?
• What type of work do they specialize in (e.g., weddings, charity events, corporate meetings)?
• Are they located in an area you want to work in?
• Do they have positive reviews from previous clients or interns?

By thoroughly researching wedding planning companies and venues, you can identify those that align with your interests, skills, and career goals, increasing your chances of finding the right internship for you.

Be personable when applying for internships

When applying for internships, it's important to be personable and demonstrate strong communication skills. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Meet and Greet

Make an effort to meet everyone you interact with during your internship. Greet people and introduce yourself to show that you're friendly and interested in learning about different roles within the company. This will create a good first impression and help you build connections.

Online Presence

Build a solid online presence through platforms like LinkedIn and personal websites. Ensure your online profiles are polished and professional, showcase your personality, skills, and relevant experience. A personal website can highlight non-work-related experience, such as volunteer work or interests, and connect your skills and goals to the internship you're applying for.

Resume and Experience

Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the internship. Include any remote work technologies you're familiar with, as these skills are highly valued in the current work environment. If you have limited work experience, consider adding a "Projects" section to showcase big projects from school or volunteer work.

Networking

Expand your network by reaching out to recruiters, interacting with organizations on social media, and attending online events. Introduce yourself and share your LinkedIn profile or personal website URL to make it easy for people to connect with you. Networking can also involve contacting employers directly to inquire about internship opportunities.

Informational Interviews

Don't be shy about reaching out to people in the industry to learn more about career paths, companies, and the wedding planning field. Informational interviews are a great way to gain insights and make connections. People are often willing to help, especially during challenging times, so take advantage of this to gather information and advice.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of securing a wedding planner internship and showcase your personable qualities throughout the application process.

Prepare to work in a fast-paced environment

Working as an intern for a wedding planner can be a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, so it's important to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you get ready for this challenging but exciting role:

Understand the Expectations

Firstly, gain a thorough understanding of the wedding planning field and the company culture. Read the job description carefully and talk to your supervisor about their expectations. The more you understand, the better equipped you will be to manage your tasks and responsibilities.

Get to Know Your Coworkers

Wedding planning often involves a lot of teamwork, so it's crucial to know your colleagues and how their tasks relate to yours. A good understanding of each person's role will enable you to work together efficiently and keep operations running smoothly.

Prepare Mentally

Before each shift, take time to prepare mentally. This could include meditation, making to-do lists, writing notes, or checking in with your supervisor or colleagues. It's also important to advocate for yourself and ensure your supervisor provides the necessary resources and training.

Stay Organised

Organisation is key in a fast-paced environment. Prioritise tasks with imminent deadlines and consider splitting your work into phases, such as immediate, end-of-day, and end-of-week tasks. Digital planners, sticky notes, or smartphone alerts can help you stay on track.

Focus on the Details

Pay close attention to policies and procedures, and don't be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure. Take a few minutes to research unfamiliar tasks before starting them to prevent errors and save time. Develop your own system for double-checking your work, as details are crucial even in a fast-paced setting.

Adapt and Be Flexible

In a dynamic industry like wedding planning, adaptability is essential. Be prepared to adjust your approach, learn new ways of accomplishing tasks, and embrace change. This will enable you to develop fresh ideas and gain valuable insights.

Take Care of Yourself

Finally, remember to take care of your well-being. Schedule breaks throughout your day to relax and recharge. Socialise with coworkers, take walks, or engage in activities that help you unwind. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance will help you stay energised and motivated.

Develop a range of skills, from design to budgeting

To become a wedding planner, you need to develop a range of skills, from design to budgeting. Wedding planners need to be adept at handling finances, including creating and managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and handling someone else's money. They must be able to get their clients the best service for the lowest price and ensure they stay within their budget.

Organisation and attention to detail are key skills for a wedding planner. They need to be able to manage event logistics, coordinate schedules, and oversee every finite detail of the wedding, from the budget and timetable to the smallest details like providing white bobby pins for the veil.

Communication skills are also vital. Wedding planners must be able to work well with a range of people, including clients, vendors, and other event contributors such as photographers and makeup artists. They need to be able to guide the couple and make decisions in a high-pressure atmosphere, as well as acting as a quasi-therapist and helping the couple deal with any difficult situations that may arise.

Creativity and fashion sense are also important for a wedding planner. They need to know about colour, music, and flowers, as well as keeping up with the latest trends in wedding products, services, food, music, and décor.

Other skills that are useful for a wedding planner to have include problem-solving, leadership, and diplomacy.

Learn about the wedding planning process by shadowing professionals

Shadowing a wedding planner is a great way to learn the ins and outs of the wedding planning process. It involves assisting a professional wedding planner or providing administrative support to a wedding planning company. This could include coordinating schedules, meeting with the couple to understand their budget and needs, and helping with the setup and breakdown of the wedding and reception spaces.

To get started, consider reaching out to wedding planners or planning companies and expressing your interest in interning or shadowing them. You can also join associations, take certification courses, and network within the wedding industry to find potential mentors. It is important to be proactive, gain practical experience, and build relationships with professionals in the field.

During your time shadowing, pay attention to the various tasks and responsibilities involved in wedding planning. This includes understanding the couple's vision, managing budgets, researching and coordinating with vendors, organizing logistics, and providing exceptional customer service.

By shadowing professionals, you will gain valuable insights into the day-to-day tasks, challenges, and rewards of being a wedding planner. You will also develop a better understanding of the skills and qualities needed to succeed in this field, such as strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to manage stress and work long hours.

Remember that building a career in wedding planning takes time, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Embrace the process, ask questions, and make the most of your shadowing experience to set yourself up for success in this exciting and dynamic industry.

Frequently asked questions