So You Think You Wanna Be A Wedding Planner
A wedding planner is a professional who helps couples discover and implement their desired wedding. The wedding planner manages all elements to ensure a successful event. We wear many hates: supervisor/manager, counselor, advisor, mediator, financial planner, negotiator, coordinator, and sometimes seamstress or nurse.
When I made the decision to become a professional wedding planner, I got some strange responses. Most common was, "Just because you planned your wedding, you think you can plan others?" The answer to that was a quick "No. I started planning my first wedding before I was even engaged... and I got paid for it." If I really feel like getting into it, then I list my credentials.
Many people fail to realize that being a wedding planner is so much more than planning weddings. You have to be patient and calm under pressure. "Never let 'em see you sweat!" Weddings can become stressful. You need to know how to deal with various personalities (sometimes within one person). You will require business savvy. I strongly suggest reading lots of books and, if you can, take some classes to learn business management, negotiating skills, computer applications, decorating, psychology, floral design, fashion, marketing, and advertising.
Become well-versed in all things wedding. Keep up with the trends. Read trade magazines, blogs, and websites. Network with other industry professionals. Attend bridal shows (as a spectator).
Make sure you are going into this business for the right reasons. Yes it can be glamorous at times, but there are also times when you have to get down and dirty. You may have to sew on a button or get down on the floor to find an earring. You might have to look for the ringbearer in the bushes at an outdoor ceremony. The possibilities are endless but the rewards are plentiful.
Good luck!
Posts
