Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding planning is a lucrative industry, with hundreds of thousands of weddings taking place each year. There are many educational institutions that offer wedding planning courses, both online and in-person. These courses can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the wedding planning industry, covering topics such as client management, event design, budgeting, timelines, and marketing. Some well-known schools for wedding planning include the Wedding Planner Institute, Wedding Academy, US Career Institute, and universities such as Stanford, Northwestern, and Cornell. These programs can offer a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to pursue a career in wedding planning, with the option to study at your own pace and gain hands-on experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Course type | Online, in-person, or a combination of both |
| Course structure | Self-paced, step-by-step lessons |
| Course content | Planning, styling, design, business, marketing, client management, fees and contracts, bookkeeping, budgeting, timelines, working with vendors, managing clients, fundraising events, community events, wedding-related events |
| Course duration | Variable, but some courses can be completed while working full-time |
| Qualifications offered | Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP), Certified Master Wedding Planner, Certified Wedding & Event Planning (CWEP), Certificate Of Professional Wedding Planning, Certificate in Professional Wedding Planning, Styling and Design |
| Course cost | Variable, with some courses offering low monthly payment options |
| Ease of admission | Variable, with some schools being easier to get into than others |
| Location | Online or in-person at accredited colleges |
| Job prospects | Positive, with a 7% increase in jobs expected by 2033 |
| Salary | Varies, but a higher salary is typically earned with advanced education |
What You'll Learn
Wedding planning courses
The Wedding Planner Institute, for example, offers an inclusive online wedding planning course that will train, educate, and inspire you to pursue a successful career in the wedding industry. Their course provides a step-by-step guide to becoming a wedding planner, covering various roles such as planner, creator, director, advisor, coordinator, and decorator. The Wedding Academy is another well-known institution that offers comprehensive programs covering every aspect of planning a wedding, from creative design to business and marketing. Their courses are designed to turn wedding enthusiasts into confident professionals, providing in-depth knowledge for planning and designing a range of events and special occasions.
Additionally, the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) offers both in-house and online training programs. Their curriculum includes videos, digital downloads, and direct interaction with their Training Course Director through live Q&A sessions. The course covers various aspects of wedding planning, such as floor plans, table sizes, seating arrangements, and dance floors.
Some universities and colleges also offer degrees in wedding planning or related fields. According to Zippia, the most common degree for wedding planners is a bachelor's degree, with business being the most recommended major. Other common majors include communication and hospitality management. Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Cornell University are considered some of the best colleges for wedding planners, while Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Notre Dame de Namur University, and Holy Names University are among the easiest to get into.
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Wedding planner certifications
Wedding planning is a lucrative industry, with hundreds of thousands of weddings taking place each year. There are several certifications available to help you become a wedding planner, wedding coordinator, or wedding industry professional.
The Wedding Planner Institute offers an online wedding planning course that will "train, educate, inspire, and prepare you for a successful career in the wedding industry". The course covers a range of roles, including planner, creator, director, advisor, coordinator, and decorator. It also provides a step-by-step guide to getting started and becoming successful. The institute offers a Certificate Of Professional Wedding Planning to help you through the process.
Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute offers a Certified Wedding & Event Planning (CWEP) program, which is a comprehensive educational roadmap to help aspiring planners break into the industry. The curriculum covers all facets of planning, from event design and vendor selection to budget management and portfolio building. The program includes internship opportunities to gain real-world experience, and students will connect with industry professionals, fostering collaborations and friendships.
The Wedding Academy is another option, with a comprehensive program that covers every aspect of planning a wedding, from budgeting and timelines to working with vendors and managing clients. The course combines Wedding Planning, Wedding Styling, and Business & Marketing certificates to give you a well-rounded education. The academy has trained over 8,000 professionals worldwide and is a great option for those wanting to start their own wedding business.
In addition to these specialized courses, there are also more traditional college and university programs that offer degrees in fields such as business, communication, and hospitality management, which can be a great foundation for a career in wedding planning. Some of the best colleges for wedding planners include Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Cornell University, while more affordable options include SUNY Farmingdale and California State University - Bakersfield.
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Wedding planning degrees
While there is no standard education requirement for wedding planners, many choose to pursue wedding planning degrees to build their skills and knowledge in this field. Wedding planning degrees can vary in format, ranging from certificate programs to associate's, bachelor's, master's, and even doctorate degrees.
Certificate programs offered by specialized schools for wedding and event planning provide a fast-track option to enter the wedding planning industry. These programs typically cover the technical and business aspects of wedding planning, along with hands-on projects and guidance from experienced professionals. The duration of certificate programs can range from a few weeks to a few months, allowing aspiring wedding planners to get started in their new careers quickly.
Associate's degrees in wedding planning or related fields are usually two-year programs that offer a balance between general education and specialized courses. These degrees provide a solid foundation in event planning, business fundamentals, and the practical skills needed to succeed in the wedding planning industry.
Bachelor's degrees are the most common degree choice for wedding planners, with 71% of planners holding this qualification. A four-year bachelor's degree offers intensive coursework, networking opportunities, and the development of essential research and communication skills. This degree path is particularly useful for those aspiring to work for established wedding planning companies or start their own businesses.
Master's and doctorate degrees in wedding planning or related fields, such as business or hospitality management, can further enhance a wedding planner's credentials and expertise. Advanced degrees may lead to higher-level positions, such as senior wedding planners, event managers, or even academic roles within the industry.
In addition to these degree options, wedding planners can also benefit from enrolling in online courses or workshops specifically designed for wedding planning. These programs offer flexibility and often provide comprehensive coverage of wedding planning aspects, including styling, design, and business fundamentals.
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Wedding planning schools
There are several well-known schools for wedding planning, including the Wedding Planner Institute, Wedding Academy, and US Career Institute. These schools offer comprehensive programs that cover various aspects of wedding planning, from budgeting and timelines to working with vendors, managing clients, and even running your own business. The Wedding Planner Institute, for example, offers a Certificate Of Professional Wedding Planning course that provides a step-by-step guide to getting started and succeeding in the wedding planning industry.
Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute is another excellent option, offering a Certified Wedding & Event Planning (CWEP) program that serves as a comprehensive educational roadmap. This institute has over 25 years of experience and is a globally recognized education provider, offering immersive learning in over 166 countries.
When choosing a wedding planning school, it's important to consider the curriculum, affordability, and flexibility. Some schools, like the US Career Institute, offer low monthly payment options and the convenience of studying at your own pace. Additionally, you may want to research the career prospects and alumni networks of the schools.
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Wedding planning careers
Education and Training
There are several routes to becoming a wedding planner, and while some choose to pursue a bachelor's degree, it is not necessary. Some wedding planning courses offer certificates in professional wedding planning, styling, and design, which can provide a step-by-step guide to entering the industry. These courses can offer work experience and help build a network of connections, which are invaluable in this line of work.
The Wedding Planner Institute and Wedding Academy are two examples of institutions offering comprehensive training programs. The Wedding Academy, for instance, covers everything from budgeting and timelines to working with vendors and managing clients, as well as business and marketing aspects.
Career Prospects
Wedding planners can work independently, starting their own businesses, or find employment with established wedding planning companies. It is important to be personable and stand out when applying for internships or assistant positions. Networking and building connections within the industry are crucial for success, and a strong social media presence can help attract clients.
Salary and Work Hours
A wedding planner's salary can vary depending on their clients and how much they charge. Building a network of industry contacts and creating a unique brand can help attract higher-paying clients. Wedding planning often involves working on weekends, especially Saturdays, and sometimes Fridays and Sundays, as well.
Skills and Challenges
Wedding planners need strong organizational and people skills to manage the various relationships and personalities involved in wedding planning. They must be able to handle high-pressure situations calmly and think on their feet to navigate the expectations and desires of the couple, family, and those paying for the wedding.
Overall, a career in wedding planning can be exciting and rewarding, allowing individuals to turn their passion for events and creativity into a successful business.
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Frequently asked questions
Some well-known schools for wedding planning include the Wedding Academy, the Wedding Planner Institute, and the US Career Institute. Other good colleges for wedding planning include Stanford University, Northwestern University, Cornell University, and the University of Central Florida.
Wedding planning courses cover a range of topics, including client management, fees and contracts, marketing, and bookkeeping for your business. Some courses also cover event planning and design, including floral design and colour theory.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a wedding planner. Formal training through an accredited institution can also be helpful. The most common degree for wedding planners is a bachelor's degree, with 71% of wedding planners holding this qualification.
