What Is a Wedding Planner?
| Education | None; specialized training program may improve career outlook |
| Training | Credentialing and training courses offered through professional organizations |
| Licensure/Certification | Business license is required; voluntary certifications are available |
| Key Skills | Strong organizational, communication, customer-service, negotiation, problem-solving, business, and marketing skills; proficiency in database and budgeting software; familiarity with social networking |
| Salary | $50,600 (2010 median annual wage for meeting, convention, and event planners) |
Sources: American Association of Certified Wedding Planners, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Wedding planners, also known as wedding coordinators or bridal consultants, are specialized event planners who focus solely on the logistics and details of wedding ceremonies and receptions. They may assist couples in everything from picking a venue to choosing a color scheme for decorations and attire. Typically, a wedding planner will work with a couple for the entire duration of their wedding planning process.
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You may be wondering, how do you become a wedding planner? Event planners usually work for private companies, and about 8% these professionals were self-employed in 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wedding coordination can be hectic and demanding, but also very rewarding as planners help couples create their dream wedding. Coordinators are in greater demand during peak wedding season in the spring and summer and may work long hours during this period.
Wedding planners should have strong organizational skills, as well as strong communication skills, strong customer service skills, strong problem-solving and negotiation skills, proficiency in database and budgeting software, and familiarity with social networking. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, wedding planners made a median annual salary of $50,600 in the United States.
How to Become a Wedding Planner
Interested in finding out how to be a wedding coordinator? The great thing about this job is that it is largely a self-directed career that you can tailor to your own interests. Learn about how to be a wedding planner by following these five steps.
Step 1: Attend a Training Program
Becoming a wedding planner doesn't require a college degree or specialized training. However, a number of professional wedding planning organizations offer courses and credentialing opportunities for aspiring bridal consultants. Training may be offered online or through on-site seminars and workshops. Students who undergo specialized training in wedding coordination can expect to take classes that cover topics like budgetary management, vendor appointments, religious ceremonies, wedding attire, wedding stationery, and wedding etiquette.
Depending on the type of training, successful completion of a program may result in earning a specialized credential, like the Certified Wedding Planner or Professional Wedding Consultant designation. Earning such credentials may give coordinators an edge in this competitive job market.
Step 2: Develop a Business Plan and Obtain Licensing
A successful wedding coordinator operates as a small business. As with any business endeavor, drawing up a detailed business plan with important milestones is essential. City, county, or state regulations for business licenses vary, although they are generally not difficult to obtain.
Contracts should be a part of every wedding planner's business plan to ensure that both the planner and the couple are protected legally. The contract should include pricing, payment arrangements, and services, as well as any other elements or provisions the planner wishes to include.
To succeed as a wedding coordinator, professional relationships with more than one vendor in any given service should be developed. The more vendors a planner has established relationships and potential discounts with, the more clients he or she may attract. Having a professional website can make it easier for a planner to promote his or her services through social networking.
Wedding planners also need to have a strong portfolio that demonstrates their best work. The portfolio should include photographs of weddings they have planned. If a planner has a website, they can include their portfolio on the site to make it easy for potential clients to see weddings the coordinator has planned.
Step 3: Join a Professional Organization
Membership with an organization, such as the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP), may provide networking opportunities to evaluate and establish an affiliation with reputable vendors and service providers. These organizations usually offer certification options, which may further the reputation of an aspiring wedding planner. Professional organizations offer other benefits to members, including client referrals and legal support.
Step 4: Consider Certification
While certification is not required in this field, obtaining a voluntary certification can help a wedding planner stand out. For example, the AACWP offers the Certified Wedding Planner certification, which requires the completion of an AACWP-approved training course, proof of a business license, proof of planning three weddings in an 18-month period, and evidence of advertising.
Step 5: Continue Education
Wedding planners can continue their education through classes, workshops, or seminars. Continuing education can help a planner stay current on trends in the wedding industry, as well as help him or her continue to improve sales and marketing skills. Continuing education options are commonly available through professional organizations.
While there are no formal education requirements for an aspiring wedding planner, those interested in working in the field may want to concentrate on building a social network, taking some relevant courses, developing a business plan, and earning a business license.
FAQ
Which States Pay Wedding Planners Best?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists some of the highest-paying states for different professions. For wedding and event planners, New York was the highest-paying state in 2019, with a mean annual salary of $69,250. New Jersey was next, at $68,590. Washington, D.C. had a mean salary of $67,510; Rhode Island paid $62,630; and Washington's mean salary for wedding planners was $62,170.
What Other Professional Organizations Are There?
There are many organizations for wedding and event planners both in the U.S. and internationally. Here are just a few:
- The Association of Bridal Consultants has certification and membership options for bridal consultants and wedding planners.
- The Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants has training courses especially for those who want to improve their business skills.
- The Wedding International Professional Association gives education and networking opportunities for wedding professionals.
- The National Association for Catering and Events is for all event planners, including wedding coordinators, to meet, network, and learn.
What Is the Job Outlook for Wedding Planners?
The job outlook for wedding planners is good: the field is expected to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS. This is significantly faster than the average job growth in America, which is around 4%. Around 138,600 new jobs are expected to open up by 2029, so those wishing to get into event planning should do so knowing that their employment is predicted to be relatively stable.
