As a wedding planner you can have a rewarding career that lets you
use your creativity to organize the happiest day of people's lives.
In our busy society it’s no
wonder so many couples turn to a professional wedding planner to ensure
their wedding is as stress free as possible. With more than 2.5 million
weddings taking place in the United States alone in 2005, there are more
opportunities for wedding planners than ever before.
As long as you have the
desire, you can become a wedding planner. No special education or
experience is necessary to break into this career and succeed. If
wedding planning sounds like the career of your dreams, here are ten
steps to follow based on the
FabJob Guide to Become a Wedding
Planner.
1. Develop your
skills
Successful wedding planners
have a number of traits in common. They are usually creative people with
excellent interpersonal skills who love to plan events. While most of
these traits come naturally to many wedding planners, an important skill
that some need to develop is organizational ability. To help you stay
organized, you can create timeline schedules and checklists, and use
organizational tools such as a day planner or binder to keep track of
all the wedding details and paperwork.
2. Learn about
weddings
There are numerous details
involved in planning a wedding -- from selecting the wedding date to
choosing the menu for the reception. You can learn how to plan weddings
by taking continuing education classes or through self-study. To teach
yourself, attend and help out with as many weddings as possible, visit
bridal shows, read wedding magazines, and conduct informational
interviews with clergy of various faiths, recently married brides and
anyone else connected to the wedding business such as florists and
caterers.
3. Create a
portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of
photographs that show people your skill at planning weddings. To develop
a portfolio, offer your services to friends and family who are getting
married in exchange for pictures for your portfolio. (You can ask them
to write reference letters for you as well.) You can also include
photographs of table settings or room decorations you have created in
your home, or pictures from your own wedding to show your creative
side.
4. Find a job in the
wedding industry
Even if you plan to start your
own business, consider getting a job in the industry first. Besides
employment benefits, these positions can be used as a stepping-stone to
gain valuable experience and contacts. Wedding coordinators are hired
by hotels, country clubs, and churches across the country. Some of the
more exciting options include working as a wedding coordinator at an
attraction such as Disney World or at a resort in a location such as
Hawaii, Las Vegas, Europe or the Caribbean. Many other job opportunities
for "bridal consultants" are available with companies that supply
products and services for weddings including bridal shops, department
stores with gift registries, florists, and caterers.
5. Set up your own
business
Setting up a wedding planning
business is not much different than starting any other business, with a
few exceptions. You should be able to work from home as long as you set
aside an office space free from interruptions from children or pets.
This is especially important if you plan on holding meetings with
clients there. Set up costs will be minimal but you will need a
computer, fax, business phone line, cell phone, business cards, and
marketing materials such as a website. Before setting up your business,
take advantage of the free advice offered by agencies such as the U.S.
Small Business Administration.
6. Choose a
specialty
Wedding planners offer a
variety of services and packages based on their specific skills and
interests. For example, you might offer complete wedding planning
services, wedding day co-ordination only, or consult with brides and
grooms who want to plan their own weddings. Some wedding planners
specialize in arranging "destination weddings" at resorts or on cruise
ships. Decide which services you would like to offer.
7. Develop
relationships with vendors
Vendors are suppliers of any
product or service related to weddings, such as limousine companies,
musicians, photographers, party supply companies, invitation printers,
etc. Vendors can be a valued partner in planning a successful wedding
and a great networking ally. Conduct informational meetings to learn
about their services, and what discounts they can offer you as a wedding
planner. Before recommending a site for a wedding ceremony or reception,
visit and inspect the premises. Take notes on the condition, size,
cleanliness and capacity of each venue so you can guide your clients in
making suitable choices. Always follow up with vendors after the wedding
with a thank you note or to discuss any changes you want for future.
8. Get clients
One of the best ways to get
clients is through your relationships with vendors. Supply business
cards and brochures to the bridal shops, caterers, florists,
photographers and other vendors you work with, and ask them to recommend
your services to their customers who are getting married. Other ways to
market your services include advertising, networking, participating in
bridal shows, or even organizing your own bridal show.
9. Consult with
clients
Once you start getting calls
from brides and grooms, arrange a client consultation meeting. The
purpose of this initial consultation is to learn as much as possible
about the couple and what they want, so you can show them how hiring you
will help them achieve the wedding of their dreams. Be prepared to ask
questions to find out what type of wedding they want, their budget,
number of guests, etc. At this meeting you will discuss your fees, which
might be an hourly rate such as $50 per hour or a flat fee. Explain how
you can help them have the worry-free wedding of their dreams.
10. Be recognized as
a professional
Successful wedding planners
are always interested in learning new ideas they can use with their
clients. Consider joining a professional association for wedding
planners to keep up with new developments in the industry. Clients will
be impressed with your affiliation to a professional organization,
especially if it certifies you as a
professional wedding planner.
Click Here to Discover How to Become a Wedding Planner
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