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How to Become a Wedding Planner?

how to become a wedding planner

Being a wedding planner can be such an exciting job, giving every couple the start to their happily ever after!

But disaster may loom around every corner – it may rain, the cake could flop, the flowers may wilt, so much can go wrong. However, it will be your job to anticipate and manage every aspect of it, on top of dealing with stressed-out brides and grooms. It’s a job you will definitely need some training for.

So, let’s take a look at How to Become a Wedding Planner and what you will need to do!

how to become a wedding planner

The Food Industry

A big part of weddings is based on the reception after the ceremony, where food will be involved. If you have some inner working knowledge of the food industry, this will be a big help. Weddings can have all-you-can-eat buffets, or they might do two to eight courses, depending on the couple’s budget and style.

Serving food efficiently is a balancing act, especially when there are lots of dishes and a large number of guests. You will have to navigate and negotiate to ensure that what your couple wants is reasonably achievable with the catering service or established kitchen you have to offer.

Destination Weddings

Destination weddings can be extremely tricky. When hosting a wedding on a beach, in the forest, or any other special spot, you may be faced with some obstacles. Running water and electricity may be an issue, and a mobile kitchen could be required. There are all the logistics of setting everything up without it being ruined by mother nature.

Picture a mountain lion investigating your mobile meat locker or monkeys invading your strategically placed decor and party favors. Added services like emergency medical responders or a freelance park ranger may be needed as the bride’s mother may have a heart attack upon spotting the aforementioned mountain lion.

Themed Weddings

Fandom weddings are becoming more and more popular, as couples love to incorporate the themes. Be it Harry Potter, Star Wars, Disney, or Lord Of The Rings; you may have to find rare items to provide that final touch.

Sticking sugar wings on a Ferrero makes for a wonderful Snitch party favor or dessert treat, but it is expected at this point. You may have to dig deeper and get artisan vendors to make something unique. These weddings are all about research and attention to detail.

On The Job Training

This sort of education is less theoretical and much more practical. You won’t know how to do it properly before you actually do it. Knowing to place the cutlery exactly half an inch from the edge of the table for the best effect considering the size of this plate and the height of the cup is only learned with experience.

You learn as you go, what things cost, and what is reasonable. You can give the couple their dream wedding on a simple or extravagant budget, as long as you remain realistic and focused on the goal at hand. This is, however, a stressful job. Bridezillas exist. Overbearing parents will want to interfere. A groom or two will get cold feet. You will learn with experience how to deal with this.

Obtaining A Certification

You could obtain a certificate from the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners. However, this is usually not necessary nor a requirement. It is a “nice to have,” though, and may give you some credibility once you branch out on your own.

Improve Your Skills As A Wedding Planner!

It is crucial that a bride’s special day goes according to plan! So, try reading up on The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer, as well as The Knot Book of Wedding Lists, and of course The Wedding Book: An Expert’s Guide to Planning Your Perfect Day to help improve your organizational skills.

Furthermore, you should also take a look at How To Plan Your Wedding – And Stay Sane, or perhaps How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget, The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer, and finally How To Plan Your Own MicroWedding if you need to save the pennies!

Lastly, why not take care of additional aspects on the big day with The how to guide for styling weddings & events, and even How to Start and Operate a Wedding Floral Design Business, how to be a Wedding Photographer, along with The Successful Professional Photographer: How to Stand Out all available online in 2023.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a wedding planner will take creativity, determination, people skills, and a lot of negotiation, therefore, gaining hands-on experience is your best bet.

That’s why it’s a great idea to start as an assistant and then work your way up the proverbial aisle.

Good luck with your new career as a Wedding Planner!

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