A wedding planner is someone who helps their client plan and design their wedding. They organise all aspects of the event, from the wedding reception to the decorations to the guest list.
A wedding planner’s goal is to make the bride and groom’s dream wedding into a reality, which means they will have to consult with them on a regular basis. They will provide the planner with a wedding budget which the planner will then use as a guide to organising all areas of the wedding, such as cakes, flowers and bridesmaids dresses, along with hiring caterers, bands/DJ and photographers.
Wedding planners also need to adapt to sudden changes and be able to negotiate with their clientele. For example, it might be impossible to have the ceremony at a particular location; therefore, a wedding planner will have to give their client other options. There will also be times where the planner will be present at the venue on the wedding day if the bride and groom allow it, to make sure everything runs smoothly.
While many wedding planners begin their careers by helping out family and friends out with their wedding, some type of certification is needed to become fully qualified. You don’t need to attend university to become a wedding planner; there are several courses online that you can choose from if you so desire. However, if you do decide that university is the best option for you, a bachelor’s degree in event planning is a good start. Also, doing a degree in business can be very useful in the long term and will teach you the relevant skills needed to become a wedding planner, since many wedding planners are self-employed.
Keep in mind that starting up a wedding planning business comes at a cost both monetary and time-wise; you will have to distribute business cards, brochures, and advertise online, and spend long hours at the office. If you prefer, there is the option of joining an already established wedding planning company, though employers will often want their employees to work weekends and be available for travel. No matter which pathway you choose, you will need to network with wedding vendors in your area, like photographers, florists, designers, etc.
For our guide on becoming a wedding planner, click here.
