How to Gain Experience in the Wedding Industry

written by

Jac

 
This month on the Wedding Academy Live blog we are focussing on gaining experience in the wedding industry. Many of you ask us how you can gain hands-on real wedding experience when you are just starting out. The tips in this blog post will help you do just that.
With wedding season set to kick off in the Northern Hemisphere next month now is the perfect time to reach out to that wedding pro you admire or wedding venue you’d love to work at. Follow these tips for landing your first  work experience role;

1. Firstly put together a great resume and covering letter 

This seems obvious but it really so important. You want your resume to stand out. The wedding industry is full of talented and creative people so I think it’s great to add your own style and personal touch to your resume. Make it unique! You should also make sure your cover letter is relevant and specific to the job and company you are applying to. You really need your resume to showcase your experience and skills that would be needed for a career in the wedding industry.  You want employers to be able to see you’ve put time and effort into your application even if they don’t currently have any opportunities available.

2. Research

It is key to research the businesses that you are applying to. Make sure you actually like their style of work and are genuinely interested in learning more about the services they offer. I know everyone needs to start somewhere but it will help you out by working for a business with a style similar to your own. It also shows the business that you’ve done a bit of research and know what they’re all about. Tell them in your cover letter why you especially want to work for their business and why you feel like you’d be a good fit for them.

3. Complete some study 

If you’re not already enrolled in a course then definitely consider completing a relevant course in the industry. It definitely shows employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in the industry. Completing a course will help you gain the knowledge you need to get started as a wedding planner and/or stylist. I started out initially in this industry by completing one of the Academy’s courses before I had any experience or knowledge of wedding planning or styling. The course helped me in so many different ways and I’m so glad I had that as a starting point. 

Experience in the Wedding Industry

4. Gain as much experience as you can 

Whether it’s just helping out a friend with their engagement party styling or planning a friends wedding, every little bit of experience helps. Or even consider planning your own events – it’s a great way to be able to portray your individual style and plan something you love. If you are going to do this make sure to get some professional photos to use of your work. Creating a portfolio is a great way to showcase your style and skills to a potential employer. 

5. Don’t give up 

I know from experience it’s not always easy! You just have to think of any rejection as a learning opportunity and keep pursuing your dream. In my experience, everyone always seems to give up right when they are on the verge of a breakthrough. Keep that in mind for your motivation. I use to expect that no one would reply to my emails when I was looking for work experience. Everyone has to start somewhere so stay motivated. It’s going to take time and hard work to get started. If you’re truly passionate about working in the wedding industry you will eventually find the right opportunity for you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Former Creative Director and named one of Australia’s Top 25 Wedding Stylists, Lisa Macale is an integral member of our Academy Tutor team. Lisa is passionate about mentoring students as they make the transition from student to successful business owner. She now also offers wedding business coaching via www.lisamacale.com  

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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.

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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.