Wedding planning is an exciting career that can be very fulfilling, but many people underestimate the challenges associated with the job. As a wedding planner, you have to be an expert negotiator, organizer, designer, and conflict and disaster manager. You must be able to calm the nerves of the wedding party, make the wedding day as perfect as it can be, and be able to take the heat when things go poorly. Wedding planning certainly isn’t for everyone, and it definitely takes a certain amount of skill. If you want to become a wedding planner, here are the steps you need to take to make it happen.
Finish Your Education
Wedding planning is one of those careers that doesn’t have a straightforward education route. However, education can’t hurt, and it can almost always help you map out your own career path. First, graduate high school or get your GED, and then go to college. Whether it’s an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s, you should try and major in something like event planning, hospitality management, or public relations.
Obtain Resume-Building Experiences
While you’re in school, you shouldn’t just rely on your education to get you the job. Try to intern or work for an event planning company or even a caterer. Get real life experience working at events and helping with the planning. This will not only give you credibility and the experience you need to get a job, it will also allow you to get an idea for event tastes and designs.
Consider Getting Certified
There aren’t real requirements for being a wedding planner. You don’t have to be licensed or certified. Really, if you manage to find clients and build up a reputation, you can build your career. However, getting certified can help you to substantiate yourself to potential clients. The Association for Bridal Consultants and the Association for Certified Professional Wedding Consultants both offer coursework and certifications.
Find Clients and Start Your Business
Most wedding planners are independent workers or are owners of their own event planning businesses. Either way, these options take finding clients. When you are successful with a few clients, those clients recommend you to their friends and family members, and all of the sudden, you’re building a business before you even know it.
Get a Job With a Wedding Consulting Group
Some wedding consultants choose to work for an already established wedding planner business or at a venue as the on-site wedding planner. Either way you choose, having an education, certification, and prior experience will help you land the job.
