Working as a wedding planner can be an extremely rewarding career. You get to be a part of one of the most special days in a couple’s life and help make their dreams come true. If you’re hardworking, organized, and have a passion for weddings, then you’ll be successful in this industry.
To get started, here are 10 ways you can jumpstart your career as a wedding planner:
Do your research
The first step to becoming a successful wedding planner is to educate yourself about the industry. Learn about what it takes to be a successful wedding planner, the different types of weddings, and what kind of personality traits are best suited for the job. There are many great books and websites that will give you a crash course in wedding planning.
Get certified
Consider getting certified by one of the professional organizations for wedding planners, such as The Wedding Academy. Getting certified will give you credibility and allow you to network with other wedding professionals. Check out the Certificate in Wedding Planning
Start your own business
One of the best ways to jumpstart your career is to start your own wedding planning business. This will allow you to be in charge of your own career and build a portfolio of happy clients.
Get a job with a wedding planning company
If you’re not ready to start your own business, you can get your feet wet by working for an existing wedding planning company. This will give you some experience in the industry and help you decide if wedding planning is the right career for you.
Intern with a wedding planner
If you can’t find a job or don’t have the time to start your own business, another option is to intern with a wedding planner. This will give you an inside look at what the job entails and whether or not it’s something you’re interested in pursuing.
Attend wedding planning seminars and workshops
There are many seminars and workshops available that will teach you the ins and outs of wedding planning. This is a great way to learn about the industry and network with other professionals.
Volunteer to help plan a friend’s or family member’s wedding
One of the best ways to gain experience is to volunteer to help plan a friend or family member’s wedding. This will give you a chance to see what goes into planning a wedding and whether or not you have the interest and skillset required for the job.
Shadow a wedding planner
If you know someone who works as a wedding planner, ask if you can shadow them for a day or two. This will give you a first-hand look at what the job entails and whether or not it’s the right fit for you.
Take on small weddings
When you’re first starting out, it’s a good idea to take on small weddings. This will give you the opportunity to build your portfolio and gain some experience. Once you’ve planned a few small weddings successfully, you can start to take on larger weddings.
Join a professional organization
Joining a professional organization, such as the WPIC or ABC, is a great way to network with other wedding professionals and stay up-to-date on industry news and trends.
