Cv Wedding Planner: Your Dream Day Companion

A wedding planner wears many hats, from event coordinator to budget manager, client counsellor to vendor liaison. A wedding planner CV should showcase a blend of creativity, organisation, and attention to detail. It should also highlight relevant experience, whether that's planning your own wedding or a friend's, or working in hospitality or as an executive assistant. A wedding planner CV should be a comprehensive overview of your career, with a professional summary, education and training, professional experience, and a list of hard, soft, and industry-related skills.

Education and training: Include degrees, certifications and academic credentials

A career as a wedding planner requires a strong CV that showcases your coordinating and organisational abilities, as well as your vendor connections and sense of style. In terms of education and training, there are several certifications and courses available to add value to your CV in this field.

Education and Training

First, it is important to note that there is no specific degree required to become a wedding planner. However, a bachelor's degree is often preferred by employers, and some common majors that provide relevant knowledge and skills include hospitality management, business, public relations, and marketing. An associate degree or prior industry experience may also be accepted by some employers.

Additionally, there are several certifications and training programs specifically designed for wedding planners that can enhance your CV:

• Certified Master Planner (CMP) from Longevity's Wedding Planning Institute: This master class provides hands-on experience through internships, mentorship from industry professionals, and lectures.
• Trained Wedding Planner (TWP) from the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP): This designation provides access to entry-level positions and internships, offering practical training before pursuing more advanced roles.
• Professional Wedding Planner Program Certification from the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC): This program includes seven training modules covering various subjects, including etiquette, planning strategies, and client consultation.
• Certified Wedding & Event Planning (CWEP) from Lovegevity: This comprehensive certification program offers resources, instructor-led and self-study options, and internship opportunities to gain real-world experience.
• Certified Master Wedding & Event Professional Studies Program (Master's Certification) from Lovegevity: This master's-level program is for those seeking a full-time career in wedding and event planning, offering a multidisciplinary approach and hands-on learning.

Continuing Education and Memberships

In addition to the above certifications, wedding planners can also benefit from continuing education and memberships with professional organisations. The AACWP, for example, offers ongoing training and education, as well as networking opportunities, to its members. The Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants (ACPWC) and the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) also provide training, education, and certification opportunities.

Transferable Skills

When crafting your CV, don't forget to highlight any transferable skills you may have gained from previous work experience. For instance, event planning, coordination, and organisation skills are highly relevant to wedding planning. Detail-oriented jobs, such as executive assistant positions, can also showcase your eye for detail. Creative or fashion-related roles can demonstrate your sense of style and design abilities, which are crucial for a wedding planner.

In summary, while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education and training for wedding planners, a combination of relevant degrees, industry-specific certifications, and transferable skills can make your CV stand out in this competitive field.

Professional experience: Highlight previous roles and demonstrate knowledge of wedding planner responsibilities

Professional Experience

Wedding Planner, Bespoke Weddings Inc., Kettering, United Kingdom

07/2017–03/2019

• Managed and coordinated all wedding preparations, ensuring client requirements were met through close communication with couples.
• Developed detailed budgets and formulated creative concepts and themes.
• Maintained professional relationships with vendors and venues to ensure seamless execution of events.
• Provided comprehensive support to clients throughout all stages of wedding planning.
• Promoted the company's services and achieved the rank of #1 Wedding Planner within the organisation.
• Successfully increased revenue by 30% in 2018.

Event Planning Assistant

Previous Role

• Assisted event planners in all planning and execution of events.
• Gathered supplies and arranged them at the event site.
• Communicated client messages to the event planner.
• Used event planning software to organise events and prioritise tasks.
• Rented fixtures and furniture for events at the direction of the event planner.
• Supervised catering staff and bartender service during events.
• Coordinated with venue management regarding event logistics.

Banquet Captain

2007–2011

• Ensured that professional service staff performed optimally at all banquets.
• Coordinated with the food and beverage manager before each event to plan logistics.
• Supervised the banquet room setup process, ensuring cleanliness and orderliness.
• Hired and supervised server and bartender staff, ensuring punctuality and proper uniforms.
• Enforced proper food and beverage handling regulations.
• Maintained a professional environment for staff and guests.
• Wrote detailed banquet reports after each event and made changes to event service based on feedback.

Relevant skills: Interpersonal communication, time management and problem-solving

A wedding planner's role is to provide a wide range of services to help engaged couples plan and execute their wedding celebrations. This involves a full-service package, including budget management, vendor selection, and day-of coordination.

Interpersonal Communication Skills

Interpersonal communication skills are vital for wedding planners as they constantly interact with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders. Effective communication ensures that the couple's vision is accurately interpreted and brought to life. Strong verbal and written communication skills enable wedding planners to build rapport, understand client needs, and convey information clearly. Active listening, a critical aspect of interpersonal communication, allows wedding planners to pay close attention to the couple's preferences, ensuring that their expectations are met.

Additionally, wedding planners must communicate and negotiate with vendors, from caterers and photographers to musicians and florists. Interpersonal skills enable them to build and maintain positive relationships with these vendors, ensuring smooth collaborations.

Time Management Skills

Wedding planning involves managing numerous tasks and deadlines, making time management essential. Wedding planners must stay organized, prioritize tasks, and efficiently plan their days to ensure timely completion of work. They set short- and long-term goals, ensuring that each step aligns with the couple's vision and timeline. Effective time management allows wedding planners to be fully present and focused during meetings and events, enabling them to provide exceptional service.

Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are crucial for wedding planners as they often encounter unexpected situations and complex challenges. They must be able to identify the source of a problem and find creative solutions. Analytical skills, research abilities, and decision-making capabilities are essential components of problem-solving. Wedding planners must also possess industry-specific technical knowledge to navigate various scenarios effectively.

For example, a wedding planner might need to troubleshoot issues with vendors, such as last-minute cancellations or delays, and quickly find alternative solutions to ensure the event's success. Problem-solving skills also come into play when addressing budget constraints, venue limitations, or unexpected changes to the guest list.

In summary, interpersonal communication, time management, and problem-solving skills are fundamental for wedding planners to succeed in their roles. These skills enable them to effectively interact with clients and vendors, manage their time efficiently, and navigate the challenges inherent in planning and executing memorable wedding celebrations.

Academic background: Include majors such as hospitality management, business, public relations and marketing

Academic Background for Wedding Planner CV

Although there are no standard educational requirements for wedding planners, most have a bachelor's degree, with some also holding multiple degrees. A two-year associate degree can provide a good foundation, while a four-year bachelor's degree offers more intensive learning and networking opportunities.

Hospitality Management

Hospitality management is a common major for wedding planners as it teaches you about interacting with vendors, serving customers, and coordinating complex operations. This knowledge is directly applicable to planning large-scale events like weddings.

Business

A business degree will give you a strong understanding of sales, negotiation, pricing, and client contracts, which are all essential skills for managing client accounts and running a successful wedding planning business.

Public Relations and Marketing

Public relations and marketing are highly relevant areas of study for wedding planners. Marketing teaches you how to advertise your services, attract your target audience, and build a strong brand presence. Public relations, meanwhile, will help you develop your ability to find clients and manage relationships.

Other Relevant Majors

Other majors that can benefit aspiring wedding planners include communications, fine art, event planning, entrepreneurship, and international business.

Work history: Outline previous employment and bullet point job duties and their impact

Work History

Event Planning Assistant, ABC Events, Location (2017-2022)

• Assisted event planners in all planning and execution of events, including weddings.
• Gathered supplies and arranged them at the event site.
• Communicated client messages to the event planner.
• Used event planning software to organize events and prioritize tasks.
• Rented fixtures and furniture for the event at the direction of the event planner.
• Supervised catering staff and bartender service during events.
• Maintained professional relationships with vendors and venues to ensure seamless execution of events.

Banquet Captain, XYZ Banquets, Location (2007-2011)

• Ensured that professional service staff performed optimally at all banquets.
• Coordinated with the food and beverage manager before each event to plan logistics.
• Supervised the banquet room setup process, ensuring cleanliness and orderliness.
• Hired, supervised, and managed server and bartender staff, including maintaining staff attendance and uniform standards.
• Enforced proper food and beverage handling regulations.
• Maintained a professional environment for staff and guests.
• Wrote detailed banquet reports after each event and implemented changes based on feedback.

Frequently asked questions