being a wedding planner, part one
For some reason, I have been receiving a plethora of questions from aspiring wedding planners. This industry is hot, hot, hot right now with approximately 6-7 cable shows regarding weddings and all their glory. I can see how enticing this business looks.
Here’s an example of what I might get asked (in one week, no less).
How much are your packages? Can you send me your contract? How did you get started? Are you hiring? I want to start my own business, how did you? Which online course is best to take? How do you market yourself? Where do you find clients? Can I job shadow for free? How do you get found in search engines?
I love that more people want to do this business. We need more professional planners out there to help raise the bar and standards.
Notice I said, professional planner? A prof is someone who has experience in event planning. If you have planned your own wedding and your BFF’s, this does not make you an experienced professional event planner. Just like naming and designing a business card does not make it a business.
There is so much information on how to become a wedding planner that I am going to do a three part series from my perspective. Keeping it real and giving you some personal insight, and not selling you anything. So here goes.
1. GET EXPERIENCE. Your own wedding does not count. Or any friend’s wedding. If you cannot find a planner to work for, then search out the hospitality industry or another vendor in the industry. Hard work and real-life experience will beat out reading books or taking a course. I have noticed that many aspiring planners are unwilling to accept an unpaid internship or pay for job-shadowing experience. That is a route you may have to look into.
2. PLAN IT OUT. You need seed money to get started. BEFORE you search for clients. BEFORE you network with vendors; have a business strategy. You will need an attorney for contracts, your business plan developed, liability insurance, a business license, know your tax liabilities, and more! Be willing to shell out some bucks.
Next we’ll talk about why being professional is so important in our industry. Part Two.
Plan on! -saundra
September 25th, 2007 at
SO TRUE!! I am so blogging about you blogging this.
September 26th, 2007 at
I found your blog through Liene’s. I am glad someone said it! It kills me all the calls and emails I get too. Thanks for giving people a clue! Can’t wait to read more.
September 26th, 2007 at
Saundra,
You are so right. My company is only 2 years old and I still get calls asking how to be a planner. I agree that there is much more to the business than just “planning weddings.”
I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
September 26th, 2007 at
I’m linking to this post. Hopefully MANY will read it.
September 28th, 2007 at
OMG! I could not have said this better myself. It is unbelievable the number of requests I get from people filling out my “client” contact form seeking employment or advice as to how to become a wedding planner.
January 8th, 2008 at
[...] Saundra of Planning Forever Events [...]
January 12th, 2008 at
February 20th, 2008 at
Nice! Thanks!
February 26th, 2008 at
this is such a cute website!
i want to be a wedding planner when i grow up because of the show “Whose wedding is it anyways?” on the style network. and this is definatley a place to come to get started! 
keep up the good work ladies.
February 26th, 2008 at