Starting A Wedding Planning Business: The Cho Phillips Way

If you're looking to start a career as a wedding planner, How to Start a Wedding Planning Business by Cho Phillips and co-authors is a great resource. This book has educated wedding planners worldwide, providing step-by-step instructions on turning your hobby or serious business into a successful wedding planning venture. It covers essential topics such as understanding your market, running your business, working with vendors, and marketing strategies. With its detailed insights into the wedding industry, this guide will help you establish and grow your wedding planning business effectively.

Step-by-step instructions on how to get a wedding planning business up and running

Step 1: Understand the Wedding Planning Industry and Market

It is important to understand the evolution of the wedding planning industry and the current market. For instance, the Association of Bridal Consultants reports that the wedding industry has grown from a $17 billion industry in 1981 to a $72 billion industry currently. Knowing your market is essential to starting any business.

Step 2: Decide on the Type of Wedding Planning Business

Consider whether you want to work part-time or full-time in this business. Also, decide on the type of weddings you want to plan, such as "signature weddings".

Step 3: Create a Business Plan

Develop an effective business and marketing plan. This includes identifying your target market, understanding your competition, and setting goals and strategies for your business.

Step 4: Education and Certification

Research the education and certification requirements for wedding planners in your area. The book by Cho Phillips can help you get certified, and there are also online certification courses available.

Step 5: Build Relationships with Vendors

Learn how to identify and work with the best vendors in the industry. Building strong relationships with reliable vendors is key to successful wedding planning.

Step 6: Understand Wedding Etiquette

Stay up to date with wedding etiquette and trends to ensure you can provide knowledgeable guidance to your clients.

Step 7: Find Your First Bridal Clients

Use effective marketing strategies to reach your target audience and attract your first bridal clients. You can also consider offering discounted or complimentary services to build your portfolio.

By following these steps and continuously learning and adapting, you can successfully launch and grow your wedding planning business.

Understanding your market

The book also covers the evolution of wedding planning and the history of weddings, providing context for the current state of the industry. This includes an overview of the engagement period and its traditional role in allowing couples to save money and receive gifts to prepare for their married life together.

With the wedding industry being one of the fastest-growing markets, it is important for aspiring wedding planners to understand the different ways to start and establish their own business. The book offers step-by-step instructions on getting a wedding planning business off the ground, including how to identify the best vendors, build an effective business and marketing plan, and find bridal clients.

Additionally, the book provides insight into the business side of wedding planning, covering topics such as running your own business, part-time vs full-time careers, and key elements to staying in business. It is designed to help wedding professionals turn their hobby into a career, providing a comprehensive guide to navigating the wedding planning industry.

Wedding planning business certifications

Wedding planning certifications are a great way to advance your career and make yourself more attractive to employers. There are many certifications to choose from, each with its own unique focus and set of skills. Here are some of the most popular wedding planning business certifications:

Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP)

This certification will equip you with the skills necessary to become an excellent event planner, teaching you the ins and outs of event management and planning. With this certification, you'll be able to confidently navigate the complex world of event planning and management, ensuring that your clients' weddings are well-organized and memorable.

Certified Master Wedding Planner

The Certified Master Wedding Planner certification is a step up from the CWP, providing a more advanced set of skills and knowledge. This certification is for those who want to become true masters of their craft, able to handle any challenge that comes their way. With this certification, you'll be able to create truly spectacular weddings that exceed your clients' expectations.

Certified Wedding Planner (CWP)

While similar in name to the first certification, this CWP focuses more on the business side of wedding planning. This certification will teach you how to market yourself effectively, manage your finances, and run your wedding planning business efficiently. With the CWP, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to not only plan amazing weddings but also to build a successful and profitable business.

Event Law Course

Offered by the Association of Bridal Consultants, this course provides the legal expertise required to succeed in the wedding planning industry. It covers the legal landscape of event planning, ensuring that you can confidently navigate any legal challenges that may arise. With this certification, you'll be able to protect yourself and your business while providing your clients with peace of mind.

Destination Wedding Planning Course

Also offered by the Association of Bridal Consultants, this comprehensive course equips you with the skills to become a first-class destination wedding planner. It covers everything from mastering the fundamentals of event planning to designing aesthetics and managing vendors. With a focus on hands-on learning and real-world experience, this course will prepare you for any challenges that come with planning weddings in exotic locations.

How to identify the best vendors

Identifying the best vendors for a wedding can be a challenging task, especially for couples who are planning their first wedding. There are several factors to consider when selecting vendors to ensure the couple's vision for their wedding is brought to life.

Firstly, it is essential to start the search for vendors well in advance. This allows couples to secure their preferred vendors and avoid disappointment. Beginning the search nine to twelve months before the wedding is generally recommended.

Next, it is crucial to assess the vendors' ability to understand and support the couple's vision for their wedding. Clear communication is key; vendors who respond promptly, provide clear emails, and pay attention to details are likely to be more reliable. It is also beneficial to meet in person or via video call to get a better sense of their communication style and customer service.

The best vendors are also collaborative and willing to work with other vendors to ensure a seamless experience for the couple. For example, photographers and videographers should be able to work together without getting in each other's way. Negative comments about other vendors can be a red flag.

When selecting vendors, it is essential to consider their availability and how many weddings they take on. Vendors who are overbooked may not be able to provide the same level of individualized service. Requesting a detailed list of what is included in their package and associated charges is crucial for clarity.

It is also important to verify the vendors' licenses and insurance. While this may vary depending on the type of vendor, ensuring they meet the necessary requirements provides peace of mind. For example, catering and bar services typically have stricter licensing requirements than musicians or decorators.

Lastly, reviews, recommendations, and social media presence can provide valuable insights into the quality of a vendor's work. Reading reviews and looking at inspiration on Instagram can help couples make informed decisions and feel confident in their choices.

By considering these factors, couples can identify the best vendors for their wedding and ensure their special day is memorable and stress-free.

Online marketing for your wedding planning business

Marketing is an essential part of starting a wedding planning business. The internet has made it easier to market your business, as it reduces marketing costs and increases profit margins by making your business more accessible to potential clients. Here are some ways you can market your wedding planning business online:

Website

Host a professional website where potential clients can learn about your services and get in touch with you. Ensure your website is well-designed and easy to navigate.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Learn about SEO and use marketing tools like Google AdWords to promote your website on search engines. This will help potential clients easily find your website when searching for wedding planners.

Online Directories

List your business in several online directories, such as wedding planning-specific directories or local business listings. This will make it easier for brides and grooms to discover your services.

Social Media

Establish an active social media presence on platforms relevant to your target audience, such as Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest. Share engaging content, including photos and videos of weddings you have planned, to showcase your expertise and style.

Blogging

Consider starting a wedding blog alongside your business to establish yourself as an expert in the industry. Share valuable content that can help your target audience, such as tips and trends in wedding planning. This will attract organic traffic to your website and build trust with potential clients.

Networking

Network with other wedding service providers, such as venues, photographers, florists, and caterers. Collaborate with them on social media by sharing each other's content or offering joint promotions. This will help expand your reach and establish your presence in the industry.

Frequently asked questions