Wedding Planner
Job Description:Wedding planners help couples have the wedding they want.
Job Category:What you will do:
You day-to-day duties may include:
- meeting couples to discuss their requirements and budget
- coming up with creative ideas and themes
- advising on wedding customs and etiquette
- preparing proposals and quotations for the work
- agreeing prices with suppliers like florists, photographers, caterers and venues
- making sure costs stay within budget
- being at the venue on the day of the wedding to make sure everything goes to plan
- researching new products, services and suppliers
If you’re self-employed, you’ll also spend time doing your accounts and promoting your business.
You’ll often plan more than one wedding at a time.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- customer service skills
- to be flexible and open to change (adaptable)
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- administration & organisational skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
Entry Requirements:
There are no set requirements. It’ll help if you’ve gained experience and skills organising your own wedding or weddings of family and friends, or through jobs like:
- event management
- hospitality and catering
- project management
- marketing
- public relations
You could start as an administrator or assistant in a wedding planning or event management company and work your way up, or work at a wedding venue as an in-house wedding coordinator.
A short course in wedding planning or a college course in a related area like event planning or management may help you get into this job.
You could also try and get some work experience with a wedding planner, or by organising events like fun days, charity balls or fashion shows for local charities.
Many wedding planners develop a blog or a website to showcase their work, personality and style.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’re likely to work long hours, particularly during peak wedding season (May to September in the Northern Hemisphere, October – March in the Southern Hemisphere). Meetings with couples often take place in the evening and at weekends. On the day of the wedding you may work a 12-hour day, or longer.
You’ll be based in an office or work from home. You’ll also spend time travelling to see clients, suppliers and venues.
Career Path & Progression:
You could set up your own wedding planning consultancy or event management company.