How would one go about getting into Wedding Planning as a career?

I'm in the Marketing field right now and while I enjoy it, I don't know that it's "my calling". I especially do not like the company I am working for. I have a Bachelors of Science in Applied Psychology and have yet to really do much with it but I know that counseling is not what I want to do with my life.

For years and years I have said that I would absolutely LOVE to go into wedding consulting/planning. Problem is I dont know where to start. I absolutely would not want to start out in my own business. Any advice or points in the right direction?

Re: How would one go about getting into Wedding Planning as a career?

It's a word of mouth business...I'd start with volunteering to plan a friend or distant relatives wedding...ideally if you just offer services for free initially, the other person won't feel shafted if something goes wrong..once you do 1 or more weddings, then ask those people to act as references for you...and slowly build from that..

Next thing I would do is check out LIW and start posting on there, maybe offering suggestions but not outright soliciting services (since LIW prohibits it). Once you have a good base of former brides who loved your work, you can advertise and start going to bridal shows to attract new customers.


Good luck!

Message edited 4/22/2011 1:31:01 PM.

Re: How would one go about getting into Wedding Planning as a career?

That psych degree should help you deal with the brides

In all seriousness, if you want to get into event planning & don't want your own business, you should start working events. Contact one of the wedding coordinators to see if they have any openings.

I have a psych/philosophy degree. I worked in event management for over a decade (not weddings, golf tournaments, corporate black tie dinners, non-profit award ceremonies, etc.). It still was my favorite job. I left because the hours don't work well with having a family (I worked over 120 hours/week for a few weeks leading up to the event & had to go to Palm Springs, CA for 6 weeks every January).

Event management doesn't necessarily mean weddings though. Corporations have event management, catering halls, sports venues, etc. I will say if you're starting out the salary is probably going to be low.

If you're just talking about being a day-of-coordinator for weddings, be sure you know what you're doing. I wasn't really kidding about the psych degree. Weddings are very different events & having something happen at a wedding you're working could be a catastrophe - especially if you were sued. You should consider having insurance & an airtight contract - and don't consider working at a company that doesn't have it.

Re: How would one go about getting into Wedding Planning as a career?

Thanks ladies. You both gave great advice. One thing that is holding me back is the hours. I have an almost 2 year old and I do plan to expand my family down the road. I don't know for sure that working late nights and weekends are the best thing for my family.

But these are great ideas and lots to think about.

Thanks again!