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Certificate in Wedding Planning

Go behind the scenes to learn what it takes to plan the perfect wedding.

Become a Certified Wedding Planner (CWP)

The Certificate in Wedding Planning Course is an online course that will show you not only how to plan beautiful weddings, but will teach you all the skills required to have a successful career as a wedding planner.

Perhaps you’re a bride who fell in love with the planning process during her own wedding, or maybe you’re looking for a more creative and fulfilling career.

For most people, their wedding day is the most special day of their lives.. And you get to be a part of it!

Every week, you’ll meet new couples and help them transform their vision into reality. The day they’ve been dreaming of for months – maybe even years – will come to life in front of them.

And knowing that you helped two people create a lifelong memory (one they’ll cherish more than any other) is an amazing feeling!

Choose this course if you’d like to:

Includes...

Inside your course:

Meet Your Instructor

Kylie Carlson’s journey in the industry is both rich and diverse, encompassing roles as a planner, stylist, and an educator. Her prowess as a designer is matched by her acclaim as an international entrepreneur, particularly noted for her expertise in marketing and innovative quiz designs.

Students will find Kylie to be not only knowledgeable but also approachable and engaging as an instructor, making the learning experience both enjoyable and enriching.

Guest Contributors

Wendy Dahl

Since 1994, Wendy Dahl has been helping brides and grooms create their vision of the perfect wedding day. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University, Wendy worked in corporate marketing before turning full time to her passion of event planning.

She is a certified Professional Bridal Consultant by the Association of Bridal Consultants as well as a Certified Beverly Clark Wedding Professional. She has served as the Director of Marketing of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA) and has been Co-Director of the ABC- Orange County, President of the Orange County Chapter of ILEA (International Live Events Association) and is a current member of NACE. She has completed the Meeting and Events Management program at Orange Coast College, where she then taught in the program for five years. Her education combined with many years of experience make Wendy a wealth of knowledge and a trusted resource that both her clients and other industry professionals have come to rely on.

Sasha Souza

Event designer. Industry Educator. Author of Signature Sasha books. Mentorship, education & consultancy programs. From Napa, California.

Marley Majcher

Marley Majcher is the CEO of The Party Goddess!, a nationally acclaimed full-service event planning and a leading small business expert in Los Angeles, California.

Isabel Smith

 Since 2009 Isabel has been involved in planning weddings all over the world as well as weddings for US clients taking place in England alongside her LA business partner.

Meryl Snow

Meryl has spent 28 years in the special event & catering industry as co-founder of Feastivities Events, along with its subsidiaries OffShoots Decor and Philadelphia’s Picnic Company. 

Access your course anywhere.

Gain flexibility in accessing your Wedding Academy course by seamlessly navigating it on a range of devices such as desktops, tablets, and mobile phones. 

Excitingly, as of 2024, we have introduced our dedicated app available for both Apple and Android platforms. This innovative app not only enhances the learning experience but also allows you to conveniently stream content to your television, providing an even more immersive educational journey.

Course Modules:

Introducing the Wedding Industry: This module provides an overview of the wedding industry, including its history and evolution. Students will learn about the different types of wedding planners, the current trends in the industry, and the essential skills required to succeed as a wedding planner.

Think Like a Planner: This module teaches students how to approach wedding planning from a planner’s perspective. Students will learn how to analyze a client’s needs and preferences, how to anticipate potential problems and challenges, and how to develop creative solutions.

Creating a Concept: This module covers the process of creating a concept for a wedding. Students will learn how to brainstorm ideas, how to develop a theme, and how to create a vision board. They will also learn how to translate a client’s vision into a cohesive concept.

Developing a Theme: This module teaches students how to develop a theme for a wedding. Students will learn how to choose a color scheme, select decor elements, and create a mood board. They will also learn how to incorporate a theme into all aspects of the wedding, from the invitations to the reception.

The Psychology of a Bride: This module explores the psychology of a bride and the emotional factors that may influence her decision-making process. Students will learn how to empathize with their clients, understand their needs and preferences, and manage their expectations effectively.

Client Consultations: This module covers the process of conducting client consultations, including how to prepare for a consultation, how to ask the right questions, and how to develop a good rapport with clients. Students will learn how to gather information about a client’s vision, budget, and priorities, and how to translate this information into a wedding plan.

Preparing a Wedding Budget: This module teaches students how to prepare a wedding budget. Students will learn how to create a budget template, how to estimate costs for different aspects of a wedding, and how to manage a budget effectively. They will also learn how to communicate budget limitations to clients and how to negotiate with vendors to stay within budget.

Sourcing Your Vendors: This module covers the process of sourcing vendors for a wedding, including how to identify potential vendors, how to compare different options, and how to negotiate contracts. Students will learn about the different types of vendors, such as florists, photographers, and stationers, and how to select the best vendors for their clients’ needs.

Wedding Catering & Rentals: This module focuses on wedding catering and rentals. Students will learn how to select the right catering options for a wedding, such as buffet vs. plated meals, and how to work with catering vendors to create a menu that meets the client’s needs and budget. They will also learn how to select the right rental items, such as tables, chairs, and linens, and how to coordinate with rental vendors to ensure everything runs smoothly on the wedding day.

Music & Entertainment: This module covers music and entertainment options for a wedding. Students will learn about the different types of entertainment, such as live bands, DJs, and performers, and how to select the right entertainment option for the client’s wedding. They will also learn about the logistical considerations involved in coordinating with entertainment vendors, such as setting up equipment and coordinating with other vendors.

Understanding Floral Design as a Wedding Planner: This module covers the basics of floral design and how it relates to wedding planning. Students will learn about the different types of flowers and plants commonly used in weddings, how to select the right flowers for a wedding, and how to work with floral designers to create a cohesive floral design plan for the event.

Working with Installations: This module focuses on working with floral installations, such as arches, chuppahs, and floral walls. Students will learn about the different types of installations, how to select the right installation for the wedding, and how to coordinate with a floral designer to ensure the installation is executed properly.

Floral Design Demonstration: In this module, students will have the opportunity to watch a floral design demonstration led by a professional florist. They will learn about the process of designing and creating floral arrangements, and will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from the expert.

Floral Design with Karen Tran: This module features a guest lecture from renowned wedding floral designer Karen Tran. Students will learn about Karen’s approach to floral design, her design philosophy, and her tips for creating stunning floral arrangements for weddings.

Setting up the Wedding Venue: Students will learn how to oversee the setup of the wedding venue, including coordinating with vendors and ensuring that all decor and equipment is in place.

Managing the Wedding Timeline: This module covers how to create and manage a detailed timeline for the wedding day, including the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Students will learn how to ensure that everything runs on schedule and how to manage any last-minute changes.

Coordinating with Vendors: Students will learn how to manage communication and coordination with all vendors involved in the wedding, including catering, photography, and entertainment. They will also learn how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Managing the Wedding Party: This module covers how to manage the wedding party, including the bride and groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen, and any children involved in the wedding. Students will learn how to ensure that everyone is in the right place at the right time, and how to manage any unexpected situations that may arise.

Troubleshooting and Problem Solving: This module covers how to troubleshoot and solve problems that may arise on the wedding day, such as a vendor not showing up or bad weather. Students will learn how to handle these situations calmly and professionally to ensure that the wedding day is a success.

Ongoing Live Trainings

As a lifetime member of Wedding Academy you get access to of our Student Communities where we post regular trainings across various timezones as part of our commitment to keep you up-to-date in the ever-changing wedding industry.

You’ll also get access to recordings of our Live Masterclasses from Wedding CEO Club

Time Management Tips for Busy Wedding Planners

Certificate in Wedding Planning

Pay in Full to enjoy savings, or choose the Payment Plan where you can commence today with just a 25% deposit and then clear the remaining balance weekly or monthly within a period of up to 6 months.

Got Questions?

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Chat to one of our team members today to see if a Wedding Academy course is the right fit!
You can reach us on LiveChat, QR Code for WhatsApp or scroll down and book an appointment.

What our students say...

I firmly believe that my course has been the best investment for my future! The Wedding Academy provides up-to-date and in-depth knowledge, tools of the trade, work experience, support in the creation of your business, a lot of opportunities to grow and test yourself and many possibilities for networking with experts and creatives.
Monica Naclerio
Wedding Planner
I was really unsure whether i could actually achieve my dream of creating a business within the wedding industry, but the academy team are so encouraging. I've since joined the academy and love it!
Jess Daly
Wedding Planner
The course offers in-depth information and instruction on everything you need. The mentors are also readily available for tips and advice.
Jolanda Gelissen
Wedding Planner
From my very first contact with the Wedding Academy, I have felt part of a wonderful, supportive community.The courses are well explained and there are a multitude of avenues to get additional information and support if required.Being part of the academy is like having your own business mentor by your side.
Tracy Yates
Wedding Planner
Absolutely love the Wedding Academy. I get so excited to learn and to study hard with them. The mentors are lovely and very knowledgeable, they are always there to help and guide you. I have learnt so much and love that I am still learning.
Kimberley Devonport
Wedding Planner
I learnt so much. I now have a much clearer picture of the business I want to run. I'm excited to learn more. Big bonus, I've even made some new friends
Alexandria McElhone
Wedding Planner
The training and education I undertook gave a real grounding and a foundation that showed me a realistic vision of how to turn the ideas into a business, without the rose-tinted spectacles – it was hugely helpful.
Krysta Van Smith
Wedding Planner
I really learned a lot about myself and the direction I want to take my business in. I have just completed the Launchpad course and I Loved every minute of it. The WA community is amazing.
Angela Devlin
Wedding Planner
The Wedding Academy is an amazing community. I’ve had the pleasure of being a student here for 2 years and I couldn’t recommend it enough if you dream about working in the event industry with wonderful, kind people who support each other.
Malia
Wedding Planner
Love this WA 😍 who gave me a new motivation to follow my dreams and the tools I need to grow my business. I'm happy to be a part of this community. Thanks to all for giving themselves selflessly on educating and guiding me to my success.
Petra Starbek
Wedding Planner
I didn't know what to expect when I first joined, but I didn't expect to rebrand & find my ideal clients. In 4 days I learnt more about myself & my business. Highly recommend WA to everyone in the wedding industry
Jennifer Marchant
Wedding Planner
Studying at WA give me the courage to want to start my own business. It helped me to start thinking outside the box and give me the kick I needed to start believing in myself.
Sharon Passley Brown
Wedding Planner
Making the decision to purchase the Advanced Certificate was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The course content is out of this world and no stone is left untouched
Hope Douglas
Wedding Planner
I am very happy I signed up for my WA course and the Facebook WA student group, both have taught me a lot and given me the confidence, courage and knowledge I needed to know all there is to know about starting a wedding planning business.
Manuela Sams
Wedding Planner
I absolutely LOVE this school! It's so personal, they actually see everyone of the individual students even though you got it all in your own hands. This education have it all! It's both well designed, well composed and comprehensive.
Therese Willén
Wedding Planner
I would 100% recommend anyone who wants to follow their dream of being in the wedding industry to join the Wedding Academy family. The Wedding Academy has been truly amazing and I couldn't thank them enough!
Mandy Edwards
Wedding Planner
My experience at the Academy was so Amazing...Very supportive Admin and students, easy access to high value info. Interactive facebook group..i would say it was aworthy investment. I would choose them over and over again.
Mukonyezi Sarah
Wedding Planner
I'm so happy that I found out Wedding Academy. I enjoyed every moment of it. 💛
Naomi C
Wedding Planner
I am a current student of the wedding academy, I am a doing the wedding business course a member of the launchpad 2021 group. I am learning a great deal I am enjoying the courses and the live sessions. I get the courage I needed.
Sharon Antoinette Passley Brown
Wedding Planner
I completed the Advanced Certificate. It was challenging to balance everything BUT I had the most amazing support from my tutor and her feedback to each assignment was amazing and encouraging.
Kamoy Douglas Clarke
Wedding Planner
I am a current student of the wedding academy, I am a doing the wedding business course a member of the launchpad 2021 group. I am learning a great deal I am enjoying the courses and the live sessions. I get the courage I needed.
Sharon Antoinette Passley Brown
Wedding Planner
This course has change my life and business thought I knew everything I needed to know until i did the advance planning styling and business also doing the floral certification. This course was a dream come true. Don't sleep on the academy.
Tamisha Griffith
Wedding Planner
The Wedding Academy is hands down the WAY TO GO. This community has.it. all. After doing my research on what investment was best to start my career path in the wedding industry, I still, a year later, know for a fact, I made the best decision.
Betsy
Wedding Planner
I thoroughly enjoyed all the course content and the support from the Wedding Academy team was professional and insightful. This course has given me the confidence to launch my own business and so I would highly recommend to others.
Elizabeth Robinson
Wedding Planner
There’s everything to love about WA & a course to learn new skills is just the start...so much added value from the forward-thinking & well-motivated WA Team; just fantastic! Highly recommend WA to anyone wanting a wedding industry career!
Penny Jackson
Wedding Planner
I learnt so much in such a short period of time. It gave me so much inspiration, belief in myself, and confidence to start my own business. The community is amazing. Fully enjoyed it!
Tatiana Franks
Wedding Planner
When I first joined the wedding academy I was a bit concerned about how I was going to get through it but with the help from my mentor and all the other wedding planners it was an amazing experience.
Laura Preston
Wedding Planner
I literally love the W/A. I feel ready and buzzing to go with my styling and planning business. 100% recommend
Nicky
Wedding Planner
It’s been an amazing journey both in course content and support which is outstanding and the lovely friends I have made around the world.
Best thing I’ve done business wise.
Ellie Smart
Wedding Planner
The Wedding planning, styling & business course, is what you need to start up your new wedding planning business, and where to go for training, knowledge and support.
I now have the skills and confidence to launch my own business.
Nicky Clements
Wedding Planner
The courses are well thought out and the live classes are AMAZING! I really like that the courses aren't focused on selling you into the next course.
You take what you need and if you are not sure, the advisors are there to help. ❤
Lisa Okoli
Wedding Planner
The course is full of great content, you have all the tools you need to make your wedding planning business dream come true. Everyone is so helpful you really feel like your part of one big family.
Jessica Hurren
Wedding Planner
The course is set up in a logical way; it allows you to go back and reflect as needed while moving forward. The live sessions were a valuable addition. I definitely recommend!
Jolanda Gelissen
Wedding Planner
As one of the students at The Wedding Academy I have to say that the program is stunning. It’s easy to learn, inspiring and educational. It’s great!
Emilia Ricciuti
Wedding Planner
I would recommend The Wedding Academy for anyone involved in the wedding business. There is so much relevant information, not just for wedding planners, all given in an easy to understand and entertaining way.
Barbara Harley
Wedding Planner
Even though I have graduated in 2019, the Academy has been a constant active support in my professional life. There are always additional marketing courses to do, the Mentors are always there to guide us and really you are part of a global family.
Alexandra Morosan
Wedding Planner
It's been over a year since I signed up with the Wedding Academy and I cannot be happier with the dedication and support of Kylie and her team. The tools and resources they offer are invaluable and all you need to fulfil your dream career
Sonya Uribe
Wedding Planner
"Totally unexpected! In 1 week I went from a total newby to ""I want to do this for living"". Kylie was extremely inspiring and ready to help us remove all our doubts and fears. All the mentors were available 24/7 to answer all our questions."
Julijana
Wedding Planner
The best decision i have made so far for my business and its growth I am now clear on the direction my business is heading and happy that the financial investment is secure. I found it so valuable i signed up for the full course.
Ellie Smart
Wedding Planner
I wanted to find an online course that enabled me to study on my own terms yet give me the community connections I knew I needed. Now that I have graduated, I feel exactly as I expected and wanted to feel; my qualification gives me the confidence and professionalism in working in this industry, which is priceless.
Charlene Akl
Wedding Planner

Image Credits:
Rebecca & Josh’s wedding in the Mount Anakie, Australia
Planner & Stylist: WA CEO Jac Bowie | Photographer: Chloe May

David Tutera

Leading Wedding & Entertaining Expert, David Tutera is hailed as an artistic visionary whose ability, uniquely creative talents and outstanding reputation have made him a tremendous success in the lifestyle arena. Tutera has created a name for himself by taking his passion for designing spectacular events and transforming it into a lifestyle.

He continuously exceeds the expected with an unmatched level of inspiration, imagination and innovation to create the latest trends in entertaining. Tutera’s grandfather, a successful florist, first noticed his grandson’s artistic ability at an early age and encouraged David to pursue his destiny. At age 19, with the sound advice of his grandfather and only one client, David opened his own event planning business.

Today, David Tutera presides over an award winning company built from experience, dedication and Tutera’s natural talent for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. His name has become synonymous with style, elegance, creativity and vision. David Tutera has a natural talent for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. His name has become synonymous with style, elegance, creativity and vision.

Honored by Life & Style Magazine as “Best Celebrity Wedding Planner,” David’s impressive client list includes Jewel, Star Jones’ wedding, Real Housewife Taylor Armstrong’s wedding, Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul’s wedding, NY Giants Antonio Pierce’s wedding, Shannen Doherty’s wedding and events for Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Brandy and Ray J, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Lil’ Kim, the Official Post Grammy Parties in New York City, Elton John, Barbara Walters, the Rolling Stones, Nancy Reagan, Prince Charles, The White House, private events for the Vice President, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger, Susan Lucci, The John F. Kennedy Center, as well as countless film premieres and celebrity parties for royalty, politicians and socialites.

Tutera has also designed events for several charities including the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids) and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. David has made guest appearances on Today, Extra!, Good Morning America, The View, CNN, The Rachael Ray Show, The Talk, Steve Harvey, Wendy Williams and many more. In addition People, USA Today, In Touch, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, In Style, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Bridal Guide and Town & Country have all featured his work.

Tutera has also made special television appearances in the popular daytime soap, The Young & the Restless and TV Land’s The Exes. David lives in Los Angeles with his husband Joey, daughter Cielo and their rescue dog Lucy.