Wedding Planning Classes: Where To Learn The Art

Wedding planning is a lucrative career option for those who want to be a part of the wedding industry. It requires a certain kind of person to be a wedding planner, as it involves a lot of research, time management, budget management, and sometimes even emotional coaching. There are several online wedding planning courses available that can help prepare you for the first step in your wedding planning career. These courses are offered by various institutes, such as the Wedding Planner Institute, NYIAD, Udemy, and Penn Foster, and they provide students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to oversee all the details of a wedding. The courses cover various aspects of wedding planning, including working with different types of clients, managing expectations, and combining rituals, traditions, and customs to create a special ceremony.

Online courses

There are a variety of online courses available for those interested in wedding planning. These courses can help you turn your passion for weddings into a career as a professional wedding planner. Some popular options include:

New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD)

The NYIAD offers a comprehensive online wedding planning course 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. It is taught by professional wedding planners who offer advice based on their real-world experiences. The video lessons are available on-demand, and you have 18 months to complete the course.

Udemy

Udemy is a popular teaching marketplace that offers a 4-in-1 online wedding planner course. The course includes six hours of video, 29 downloadable resources, lifetime access, and more. It is designed for beginners with no prior experience and covers foundational elements such as design, business planning, and software suggestions. The course allows students to go at their own pace and learn directly from experts in pre-recorded classes.

Oxford Home Study Centre

The Oxford Home Study Centre offers a free premium wedding planning course that covers the fundamentals of the sector, including the general responsibilities of a wedding planner and the characteristics needed to succeed. The course is self-paced and 100% free of charge, with no enrolment fee and all study aids provided via their online learning platform.

MSU Denver

The MSU Denver online wedding planning course can be completed in 4-8 weeks and is self-paced. It includes insights from professional vendors on photography, venue choice, catering, floral design, and more. The course also provides an introduction to managing an independent wedding planning business and can be stacked into an MSU Denver credential or degree.

Lovegevity

Lovegevity offers online courses that provide a wealth of information and details about wedding planning. Their courses are flexible, with options for students with varying schedules. They also offer a Business Blueprint course for those interested in the business side of wedding planning.

College classes

While there is no required certification or license to become a wedding planner in the United States, many colleges offer courses in wedding planning and event management. These courses can provide a solid foundation for a career in wedding planning and are often supplemented by hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

MSU Denver

MSU Denver offers a Fundamentals of Wedding Planning course that can be completed in 4-8 weeks and is ideal for those planning their own wedding or pursuing a career in wedding planning. The course covers basic concepts such as photography, venue choice, catering, floral design, and hiring a DJ, as well as business skills. After completing the course, students can choose to enter the workforce or continue their education with a bachelor's degree in Event and Meeting Management.

Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute

Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute, in partnership with the Association of Bridal Consultants, offers a range of options, including online courses, college classes, a masterclass, and internship opportunities. Their online wedding and event planning course includes 8-12 weeks of classes, a virtual student center, test prep, and more. Students who complete the course receive a certificate, a letter of recommendation, and the Certified Wedding Planner and Event Designer (CWEP) designation.

Madison College

Madison College, in partnership with the Walt Disney College Program, offers an Associate in Event Management program that provides a solid background in the industry. The program includes management classes in business, tourism, and hospitality services, and students are given an advisor to help select electives based on their interests. Graduates have a high chance of becoming successful wedding planners.

Community Colleges

Many community colleges offer coursework in wedding event planning, often including classes in marketing, business, and wedding basics. These courses typically last up to six months, and some offer certification upon completion. For example, the community college in Las Vegas offers a three-month certification class for $950.

In addition to these college courses, it is beneficial to gain real-world experience through internships or mentorships with experienced event planners. Building a portfolio and resume, as well as joining industry organizations and local networking groups, can also enhance your skills and connections in the wedding planning industry.

Masterclasses

Wedding planning masterclasses are a great way to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare for a career as a wedding planner. These classes can provide an introduction to the world of wedding planning and help you develop your event management and business skills.

The Wedding Planner Institute

The Wedding Planner Institute offers a comprehensive masterclass that covers all aspects of wedding planning. The course includes online classes, college classes, and even internship opportunities. It provides a step-by-step guide to getting started and becoming successful in the wedding planning industry. The course will help you develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to oversee all the details of a wedding, from working with different types of clients to managing expectations and emotions.

MSU Denver

MSU Denver's "Fundamentals of Wedding Planning" course is ideal for those planning their own wedding or pursuing a career in wedding planning. The course includes insights from professional vendors on photography, venue choice, catering, floral design, and hiring a DJ. It also covers the foundational concepts of managing an independent wedding planning business and can serve as a starting point for additional event management courses.

NYIAD

NYIAD offers an online wedding planning masterclass that teaches the principles of wedding logistics and people skills. The course is designed to help you succeed as a wedding planner by working with clients, vendors, photographers, and caterers. It also covers business skills such as finding and signing clients, pricing your work, and marketing your talents.

Andrea Eppolito

Award-winning event professional Andrea Eppolito offers a masterclass of 10 high-level lessons that can be completed in approximately five hours. The course covers the business side of wedding planning, including how to set up and launch your own business. It includes self-paced lessons, templates, and access to a Facebook community for networking with wedding planners worldwide.

Udemy

Udemy, a popular teaching marketplace, offers a 4-in-1 online wedding planner masterclass. The course includes six hours of video, 29 downloadable resources, and lifetime access. It covers foundational elements such as wedding design, business plan creation, and software suggestions. The course is suitable for beginners and can help you develop the skills to become a certified wedding planner.

Internships

Gaining some practical experience through an internship is a great way to develop your skills and put what you've learned in any wedding planning courses into practice.

Venues

Wedding venues are a good place to start when looking for internships. They assist hundreds of couples every year and often have a "site coordinator" who helps to facilitate weddings.

Wedding Planners

You could also try approaching wedding planners in your area to see if they are offering internships. Many wedding planning companies are small businesses or solo entrepreneurs, so they may not have the capacity to take on interns. However, it's still worth reaching out and expressing your interest.

Online Courses

Some online courses, like The Wedding Academy and Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute, offer internship opportunities as part of their programs. These internships can provide valuable real-world experience at high-profile events and the chance to work with industry professionals.

Job Sites

You can also find wedding planning internships advertised on job sites like Indeed.com. These internships may be with specific companies or venues and can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Some internships are paid, while others are unpaid, but both can offer valuable experience and the opportunity to build your resume.

Other Opportunities

Don't forget that you can also gain valuable experience by helping friends plan their weddings or even just planning dinner parties or other events in your free time. This can be a great way to build your skills and network with potential clients or vendors.

In-person workshops

Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute offers a comprehensive in-person program that includes hands-on learning labs, workshops, and internship opportunities. Their curriculum covers various aspects of wedding and event planning, such as event design, vendor selection, and budget management. Their Master's Program is especially notable, as it is a hybrid program that provides a Master's Certification along with letters of recommendation and professional designations.

The Wedding Planner Institute offers an in-depth 'Certificate Of Professional Wedding Planning Course', which serves as a step-by-step guide to becoming a successful wedding planner. Their course covers various aspects, such as styling, design, and turning event ideas into reality.

Additionally, the Wedding Academy offers an Advanced Certificate that combines three certificate courses: Wedding Planning, Styling, and Business & Marketing. This course is self-paced and covers all elements of planning a wedding, making it a flexible option for those seeking a comprehensive education.

For those seeking a shorter course, the Association of Bridal Consultants offers an 8-week program that explores the art of event planning through the lens of interior design fundamentals. This course is available in instructor-led and self-study formats, allowing students flexibility in their learning style.

Frequently asked questions