Our Journey To Becoming Renowned Wedding Planners

Planning a wedding is no easy feat, and neither is becoming a wedding planner. It takes intensive planning, organisation, scheduling, and coordination to pull off a major live event with dozens, if not hundreds, of guests. While there is no specific path to becoming a wedding planner, there are a few steps that can help you get started and set you up for success.

First, it's important to establish clear-cut goals and conduct industry research. Ask yourself what type of weddings you want to plan and what your long-term goals are. This will help you tailor your research and understand the market demand for the types of weddings you want to plan.

Second, gain hands-on experience. Consider interning or working with a planner who produces the types of events that interest you. This will provide invaluable experience and help you build the skills necessary to start your own business.

Third, build your network and clientele. Networking is crucial in the wedding planning industry, as it allows you to meet vendors, create connections, and gain inspiration. Creating a business card and joining professional associations can also help promote your personal brand and establish yourself in the industry.

Fourth, consider pursuing a certification. While not mandatory, a certification can set you apart from other planners and assure clients that you are knowledgeable and capable. Organisations like the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners offer certifications that can enhance your credibility.

Lastly, don't stop learning. The wedding planning industry is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, skills, and knowledge is essential for success. Attend seminars, enrol in classes, and regularly read industry publications to ensure you're providing your clients with the best service possible.

By following these steps and continuously refining your skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful wedding planner.

Develop a marketing strategy

Marketing is a crucial aspect of any business, and wedding planning is no exception. Here are some steps to develop an effective marketing strategy for your wedding planning business:

• Utilize social media platforms: Create a strong presence on social media platforms such as Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Post engaging content regularly, interact with followers, and use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience. Social media platforms are excellent tools to showcase your work, connect with potential clients, and build your brand.
• Start a blog: Consider starting a blog on your website or contributing guest posts to popular wedding blogs and magazines. This allows you to showcase your expertise, provide valuable insights, and establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry.
• Leverage reviews and testimonials: Encourage your clients to leave reviews and testimonials about their experience working with you. According to a 2019 WeddingWire study, reviews and photos are the "most important features couples look at when deciding which vendors to contact." Share these reviews on your website, social media profiles, and other marketing collateral.
• Get featured in publications: Reach out to local and national wedding publications, pitch them unique story ideas, and offer yourself as a resource for interviews or Q&As. Getting featured in reputable publications enhances your credibility and can attract new clients. Additionally, ask the publications to include a backlink to your website or social media profiles, as these backlinks can boost your website's search engine rankings.
• Build a professional website: Invest in creating a professional and user-friendly website. Ensure it showcases your portfolio, highlights your experience, and provides clear information about your services, contact details, and rates. Your website serves as a central hub for potential clients to learn more about your business.
• Network within the industry: Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with other wedding vendors, such as photographers, caterers, and florists. Building relationships with other professionals in the industry can lead to referrals and collaborative opportunities. It also helps you stay updated on the latest trends and best practices.
• Develop a branding strategy: Define your brand identity, including your brand values, visual aesthetics, and unique selling proposition. Consistently communicate your brand message across all marketing channels to create a cohesive and recognizable brand presence.
• Offer promotional packages: Partner with other wedding vendors to create promotional packages or discounts for couples booking multiple services together. This not only makes your offering more attractive but also helps you tap into the networks of other vendors.
• Advertise in targeted publications: Identify publications, both print and online, that cater specifically to weddings and target engaged couples. Advertise your services in these publications to reach your target audience effectively.
• Host or participate in wedding showcases: Collaborate with venues or other wedding vendors to host wedding showcases or open houses. These events allow you to meet potential clients, showcase your work, and build relationships with industry peers.

Network with other professionals

Networking is a crucial aspect of becoming a successful wedding planner. Here are some strategies to effectively network and build strong relationships with other professionals in the industry:

Attend Networking Events and Join Communities:

• Look for local industry events, open houses, wedding professional organizations, and chambers to connect with other wedding vendors and planners in your area.
• Join online communities and local Facebook groups specifically for wedding and event professionals. These groups are great for networking, staying up-to-date with industry news, and learning about upcoming events and opportunities.
• Participate in larger wedding industry organizations such as WNUSA, ILEA, WIPA, ABC, and NACE to expand your network and gain access to resources.

Identify and Connect with Specific Professionals:

• Before attending a networking event, identify a few individuals you want to connect with. Reach out to them beforehand and let them know you'll be there and would love to chat.
• Connect with other wedding planners in your area. They can be a great source of referrals and collaborations.
• Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to find and connect with wedding professionals and venues in your area. Follow them, engage with their content, and don't be afraid to reach out and introduce yourself.

Offer Help and Build Trust:

• Instead of focusing on how others can help you, approach networking with a mindset of how you can be of assistance. Ask venues if they need help with styling or offer to aid dress shops in planning trunk shows.
• Volunteering your time and skills is an excellent way to build trust and establish meaningful connections.
• Be flexible, accommodating, and proactive in your interactions with other professionals. Ask how you can assist with timelines, lighting, backup plans, or any other aspects of their work.

Stay in Touch and Follow Up:

• Networking doesn't end at events. Stay in touch with the professionals you meet by following up after the event. Send a helpful resource, invite them for a one-on-one chat, or give a small gift if you've made a strong connection.
• Maintain regular communication with your network. Follow them on social media, comment on their posts, share their content, and send them greetings or congratulatory messages.
• Invite professionals you've connected with for coffee, lunch, or networking events to further cultivate your relationships.

Build Your Vendor List:

• Research local professionals by reading online reviews on sites like theknot.com, weddingwire.com, yelp.com, and Google. Identify those with great reviews and reach out to them to learn more about their business.
• Follow blogs of wedding planners in your area to see which vendors they consistently use and recommend. Reach out to these vendors and schedule meetings to get to know them and their work better.
• Keep a spreadsheet or document of all the vendors you meet, including your notes on their business, pricing, services, and personality. This will help you make informed recommendations to future clients.

Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships. Be open to helping others, stay connected, and always look for opportunities to expand your network.

Get hands-on experience

While certifications and qualifications are not necessary to become a wedding planner, hands-on experience is invaluable. It is the best way to learn the ins and outs of the industry and develop your skills.

Internships and Volunteering

One way to gain experience is to intern or volunteer with a wedding planner or at a wedding venue. This will give you an insight into what it's really like to be a wedding planner (it's not like the movies!). You'll quickly discover if you love it or not, and you'll gain an understanding of the hard work and long hours that go into the role.

Networking

Networking is a great way to get your foot in the door and build connections. Join professional associations for wedding planners, such as the Association of Bridal Consultants or the Association for Wedding Professionals International, to meet like-minded people and learn about the industry.

Other Roles in the Wedding Industry

If you can't get a job with a wedding planner straight away, consider other roles in the wedding industry. Working for a caterer, florist, or decorator will give you an insight into how weddings work and help you build connections with vendors. You could also try applying to hotels, resorts, and country clubs, as these places often host weddings.

Online Courses

Taking an online course is a great way to gain some initial knowledge of the wedding planning industry. Candice Coppola recommends The QC Event School, where she used to teach. The school offers a range of courses, such as Wedding & Event Planning and Destination Wedding Planning, and links you up with a tutor who is a successful wedding planner.

Research

Before you start your career as a wedding planner, it's important to do your research. Read articles and blog posts, listen to podcasts, attend workshops and conferences, and check out industry studies. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be.

Be empathetic and a good listener

To be a successful wedding planner, it is important to be empathetic and a good listener. This means actively listening to your clients and trying to understand their feelings and motivations. It involves creating a safe and non-judgmental space for your clients to share their thoughts and emotions. Here are some tips to help you become more empathetic and improve your listening skills:

• Presence and Attention: Give your clients your undivided attention. Remove distractions and ensure that you have the time and space to focus closely on the conversation. Make eye contact, use supportive body language, and refrain from interrupting.
• Compassion and Connection: Try to identify with your clients' emotional experiences. Find similarities between their experiences and your own, or draw from your own life to build empathy. For example, if your client is feeling overwhelmed by the wedding planning process, think about a time when you felt overwhelmed and how you managed those emotions.
• Wisdom and Understanding: Strive to understand your clients' perspectives and the circumstances surrounding their problems. Consider the bigger picture, including the challenges that other individuals involved may be facing.
• Non-Judgment and Trustworthiness: Refrain from criticizing or judging your clients' thoughts and feelings. Acknowledge and validate their viewpoints, even if you disagree. Maintain confidentiality and keep their trust.
• Patience and Responsiveness: Understand that sharing emotional experiences can be difficult, and allow your clients the time and space to express themselves. Be responsive when they seek your input, and ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand their needs.
• Encouragement and Support: Offer encouragement and reassurance to your clients. Let them know that you believe in their ability to navigate challenges and that you are there to support them.

By practicing these skills, you will be able to build strong, trusting relationships with your clients, which is essential for success in the wedding planning business.

Be organised and able to problem-solve

Organisation and problem-solving skills are essential for a wedding planner. You'll be overseeing almost every aspect of the wedding, so you need to be able to juggle multiple tasks and keep everything running smoothly.

Organisation is key when it comes to wedding planning. You'll be managing a long list of responsibilities, from answering emails and calls to creating timelines and selecting invitations. Staying on top of all these tasks requires excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. Create schedules, use project management tools, and keep track of all the little details to ensure nothing is missed.

Problem-solving is also a crucial aspect of wedding planning. Unexpected issues will inevitably arise, and it's your job to find creative solutions. For example, a vendor might cancel at the last minute, or the weather might take a turn for the worse. Being able to stay calm and quickly find alternatives or workarounds is essential. Having backup plans and contingency measures in place will help you navigate these challenges.

Additionally, effective communication and delegation are vital. You'll be dealing with multiple parties, including the couple, their families, and various vendors. Clear and timely communication will help you coordinate everyone's efforts and ensure that all the moving parts come together seamlessly.

Staying organised and being able to problem-solve will help you pull off a successful wedding and ensure that the couple's big day is everything they dreamed of.

Frequently asked questions