Do Wedding Planners Need a College Degree?
Some wedding planners create successful careers for themselves without obtaining a college degree, but for the most part, a wedding planner college degree gives prospective wedding planners a big advantage in their industry. Students can receive wedding planning training through individual courses or at certificate, bachelor's, and master's degree levels in the field of event planning. Training is often provided through the professional studies, culinary arts or hospitality departments of universities, arts colleges, career institutes, and community colleges.
Individuals interested in earning a degree should consider event planning programs where they will gain knowledge on planning different types of events, besides weddings, as a specific wedding planner college major is not typically offered by most institutions. While certification for wedding planners and other event planners is voluntary, it may also be useful for those wishing to have more clout in their industry.
Colleges for Wedding Planning Degree
Below is a list of schools with programs in event/wedding planning:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition and Fees (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | 4-year, Public | Certificate | $12,068 |
| Carver Career Center | Charleston, WV | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $6,653 |
| Atlanta Technical College | Atlanta, GA | 2-year, Public | Certificate | In-state: $3,084 Out-of-state: $5,484 |
| Madison Area Technical College | Madison, WI | 4-year, primarily associate's, Public | Associate's | In-state: $4,482 Out-of-state: $6,622 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | 4-year, Public | Certificate | In-state: $16,389 Out-of-state: $35,710 |
| Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton, WI | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-state: $4,640 Out-of-state: $6,688 |
| College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, MO | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's | $19,660 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Master's | $31,770 |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | In-state: $9,320 Out-of-state: $24,508 |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics
Certificate
A certificate in wedding planning or event planning may take only a few hours of study to obtain, or else may require several weeks or months. This is typically the most accessible and shortest post-secondary training that a wedding planner can obtain. Many certificates are offered online.
Associate's Degree
Associate's degrees generally take two years to complete and are offered by universities and community colleges across the United States. An associate's degree is a common wedding planner degree, and such courses often offer those working on them the flexibility to work online or to study at their own pace.
Bachelor's Degree
A good deal of higher level wedding planner jobs require a bachelor's degree. Typical wedding planning college majors include things like hospitality management, public relations, business, and marketing, or communications. All of these degrees will be excellent preparation for wedding planners, though even with a bachelor's degree, prospective wedding planners may benefit from a specialized wedding planning course at some point in their education.
Master's Degree
A master's degree is an advanced educational option that some wedding planners take in order to get an edge in their field. Some universities offer one year or two year event planning or project management master's degrees. This may be particularly useful for wedding planners who run their own businesses or supervise a number of employees.
School Selection Criteria
Consider the following when choosing a wedding planning school, as there are many colleges for wedding planners to choose from:
- Look for programs that will set you up with an internship or mentorship with event planners already in the field.
- Highly specific topics of study, such as wedding history, florist selection, destination weddings, engagement parties or bridal shows, are covered in some programs and not others.
- Depending on how much time or money an individual wants to invest in a program, some wedding planning courses last only a few hours, others take weeks or months of class time.
- If students plan to take the Association of Bridal Consultants exam or earn certification from the Wedding Planning Institute, they should choose a school to prepare them for professional certification.
Online Courses for Wedding Planners
In an online wedding planning course, students work on their own using online course materials. They may have e-mail or phone contact with an instructor. Students are encouraged to pursue individual research projects and internships. These courses are often useful for those who want to learn about this industry while working or who want to study on their own timetable.
Classroom Courses for Wedding Planners
In a more traditional classroom setting, wedding planners can also learn the same information that is typically available online. Students might be asked to present a final project for evaluation, such as a staging guide for a simulated wedding. Such projects may also be required for online courses, but students who benefit from hands-on learning are likely to find classroom education better suited to their needs.
FAQs
Do Wedding Planners Need a Business License?
Wedding planners who own their own businesses do require business licenses, but those who work for other companies do not. This is something to keep in mind for those who are ready to begin working as a wedding planner. If obtaining a business license, be sure to look at the requirements of your particular state.
How Much Do Wedding Planners Make?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, meeting, convention, and event planners made a median annual salary of $50,600 as of May, 2019. This is higher than the national average for all jobs. The job outlook for wedding planners is also very good: it is predicted at 8% growth between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than average.
Should I Join a Professional Organization?
There are many good reasons to join professional organizations as a wedding planner. Doing so can help you to make connections with others in your field, allow you to find new employment opportunities, and keep you up to date with advancements and current best practices. Some of the organizations you might consider joining include the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA), the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE), and Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
