Best Schools For Aspiring Wedding Planners

Although there is no standard education requirement for wedding planners, 71% of wedding planners hold a bachelor's degree, and 18% major in business. Wedding planning isn't a common major for four-year universities, but you can major and minor in related fields such as hospitality management, communications, marketing, or public relations. A two-year associate degree related to wedding planning can provide additional opportunities to learn specialized skills, and there are also many online courses and certificate programs available. Some of the best schools for wedding planning include the University of Phoenix, the University of Nevada - Las Vegas, and the University of Central Florida, while Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Cornell University are the hardest universities to get into for wedding planning.

Wedding planning certifications

Although it is not mandatory to go to school to become a wedding planner, having a certification in the area can make you more trustworthy in the eyes of potential clients. Wedding planning certifications can be obtained through online courses, community colleges, and universities.

Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute, for example, offers a Certified Wedding & Event Planning (CWEP) program that covers everything from event design and vendor selection to budget management and business compliance. The program includes hands-on learning labs, workshops, and internship opportunities to gain real-world experience. Upon completion, you will receive a certification and be well-prepared to start your career as a wedding planner.

The New York Institute of Art and Design also offers a certified online wedding planning course, taught by wedding planning experts. The course covers best practices in venue selection, creating a theme, selecting and working with caterers, florists, bands, and printers, as well as pricing your services and creating contracts.

In addition to these, there are other online courses and community colleges that offer wedding planning certifications. For example, NCC's Associate in Business Administration program and Colorado Christian University's Associate of Arts in Communication Studies, which can be completed in under two years.

When choosing a wedding planning certification, it is important to consider factors such as accreditation, affordability, and flexibility. It is also beneficial to research the curriculum to ensure it covers the skills and knowledge areas you are interested in, such as business skills, marketing, and event design.

Bachelor's degrees

Although there is no standard education requirement for wedding planners, 71% of wedding planners hold a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is useful if you're interested in working for a wedding planning company and want to impress them with your qualifications. The information you learn in a bachelor's program may also provide you with the knowledge you need to start your own wedding planning business.

Many wedding planners earn bachelor's degrees in hospitality management, communications, marketing, or public relations. Wedding planners often get their degrees at the University of Phoenix, the University of Nevada - Las Vegas, and the University of Central Florida. The best colleges for wedding planners are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Cornell University, but these are also the hardest universities for wedding planners to get into. More affordable options include SUNY Farmingdale, Baruch College of the City University of New York, and California State University - Bakersfield.

In addition to bachelor's degrees, there are also associate, master's, and doctorate degree options for wedding planning.

Associate degrees

While it is not mandatory to have a degree to become a wedding planner, having one can give you a competitive edge and make you more attractive to potential clients. Associate degrees in wedding planning typically take two years to complete and cover general education credits and advanced courses related to event planning.

An associate degree in business administration, for example, can equip you with the skills to manage finances, people, operations, and information systems, all of which are crucial for a wedding planning business. This type of degree can also help you develop leadership and problem-solving skills, along with enhancing your negotiation, influence, and networking abilities.

Similarly, an associate degree in communications can offer valuable training in public speaking, interpersonal communication, public relations, and social media. These skills are essential for interacting with clients and managing wedding projects effectively.

If you are interested in the business side of wedding planning, an associate degree in marketing can be beneficial. This type of degree can provide knowledge in advertising, sales, negotiation, pricing, and client contracts, all of which are crucial for running a successful wedding planning business.

Another option is to pursue an associate degree in hospitality management. This degree can teach you about customer service, vendor relations, and coordinating complex operations, which are all relevant aspects of wedding planning.

In addition to these degrees, you can also explore specialised schools and online courses that offer certificate programs specifically in wedding planning. These programs can provide you with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to plan weddings and other events.

In-person schools

While it is not mandatory to attend school to become a wedding planner, it is beneficial to educate yourself as much as possible. Wedding planners typically major in business, communication, or hospitality management.

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) offers a Fundamentals of Wedding Planning: Wedding Planner and Event Management Course. This course can be completed in 4-8 weeks and is self-paced. It covers various topics, including event management, event budgeting, and databases for wedding planning. The course can be a great starting point for those seeking to enter the wedding planning industry.

Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Cornell University

These universities are listed as the best colleges for wedding planners in terms of admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, and other factors. However, they are also noted as the hardest universities for wedding planning to get into.

University of Phoenix, University of Nevada - Las Vegas, and University of Central Florida

These universities are commonly listed on wedding planner resumes and are popular choices for obtaining a degree in fields related to wedding planning, such as business, communication, or hospitality management.

Community College in Las Vegas

A community college in Las Vegas offers a certification class in wedding and event planning. This class can be completed in 3 months and is an opportunity to connect with local professionals in the industry.

Online courses

There are a variety of online courses available for aspiring wedding planners. The New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD) offers a comprehensive online training course for wedding planners that is certified by the Association of Bridal Consultants. The course covers everything from business skills to working with clients and includes hands-on projects that put your skills to the test. You will have access to video lessons on-demand and 18 months to complete the course.

Wedding Academy Global is another popular option, offering a unique and flexible approach to wedding education. Their curriculum covers various themes, including intimate, micro, and destination weddings, wedding styling, business and marketing, and floral design. Most of their courses are approximately 12 weeks long and include videos, audio, and worksheets.

U.S. Career Institute's online Wedding and Event Planner program teaches you everything you need to know to start working as a wedding planner, with no previous experience needed. The self-paced online training means you can study anytime, anywhere, and there are no in-person classes to attend.

Udemy also offers a popular online wedding planner course that is ideal for beginners. The course includes six hours of video, 29 downloadable resources, lifetime access, and more. It covers foundational elements such as wedding design, creating a business plan, and software suggestions.

In addition to these options, there are other online courses available from providers like The Wedding Planner Institute, Wedding Planner Institute of Canada, and local colleges, each offering its own unique approach to wedding planning education.

Frequently asked questions