There is an average of 120,000 weddings that take place each year in Australia, costing on average, $36,000 AUD each! That is an awful lot of money, which makes the wedding industry an incredibly lucrative market.
If you’d like to get your slice of the pie and start tapping into this market, then you just as well go in at the top; as a wedding planner.
But how long does it take to become a wedding planner? What type of skills do you need to get started? In this article, we will outline everything you need to know, so that you can decide as to whether or not this is the path for you.
How long does it take to be a wedding planner?
So, how long does it take to be a wedding planner? Well, the average wedding planning certification program takes only 3 months to complete. This means that, theoretically speaking, you could get started in a matter of months. That said, it is a little more complicated than that.
The odds of you gaining your wedding planning certification and falling straight into your dream job as a wedding planner immediately as slim. There is a little more work involved.
What skills do you need to be a wedding planner?
The role of a wedding planner is not for everyone. In fact, as glamorous as it sounds, it’s an incredibly demanding job. Of course, as with any job that demands much of you, the rewards are immensely worth it!
Here is a list of skills that you will need to thrive as a wedding planner. You may not have all of these right now, but they are certainly skills that you can work on. However, there is an element of ‘born with it’ that you should be aware of. Let’s have a look…
- Calm temperament with great interpersonal skills: If you are the type of person that can keep their cool in a stressful situation, with great interpersonal skills, then you are already off to a good start.
- A solid negotiator: Your job as a wedding planner is to secure the best possible deals for premium quality services. Your reputation depends on your ability to save the bride and groom money without skimping on quality.
- Networking wizard: Having the ability to network is also essential in securing the best deals for your clients.
- Time management and organisation: You will struggle to get ahead in this industry if you lack time management and organisation skills.
- A good understanding of marketing and financial management: If you plan to run your own wedding planning business, then you’ll need to have a solid handling of your finances, whilst being able to promote your business appropriately.
- An eye for style and being up to date with current trends: The best wedding planners are not only good negotiators and networkers, but stylists as well. You need to know what’s good!
- An understanding of religious customs: Having a deep respect and understanding for various religious wedding beliefs and their respective ceremonies is also a crucial aspect of the job. Again, many of these can be learned.
What education do you need to be a wedding planner?
The level of education that you need to get started as a wedding planner is relatively low. You do not need a degree, but depending on your ambitions, one might certainly be useful.
For the most part, a certification in wedding planning is enough to get you started. There are however, many different courses available both online and in campus that you can sign up for in order to get started as a wedding planner.
Whether you simply want to take the path of least resistance and get your certification, or study for a master’s degree in wedding planning & event management, it is entirely up to you.
For example, if you want to start your own wedding planning business, your certification will be enough to get you started. However, if you are applying for a position in an existing, prestigious wedding planning company, then you might need higher qualifications.
How do I start my career as a wedding planner?
It’s a simple 5-step process, getting started in a career as a wedding planner…
Step 1: – Gain your certification
Even if you don’t quite feel ready, you will gain plenty of knowledge and skills along the way.
Step 2: – Start your business
You may prefer the idea of working for an existing company. However, if you really want to take your career into your own hands and be your own boss, starting a wedding company of your own is a good approach.
Step 3: – Get online
You’ll need a website if you want to start picking up customers. Many couples will do their research online before choosing a wedding planner, so start building your online presence immediately.
Step 4: – Establish an office
Endeavour to establish an office as soon as possible. Somewhere nice that you can meet clients and discuss their options.
Step 5: – Get to networking
A wedding planner is only as good as their connections. You need to get out there and start meeting all of the local venues and vendors. Hand out business cards, send gifts, and get friendly! The key to getting started is having a solid network.
Conclusion
So, in theory, you can get started in as little as 3 months! Just start putting in the research and hard graft now. But first, make sure it is definitely something you want to do. If all goes well, before long you can be an establish wedding planner such as Bold Events Hire in Camden. Then, you’ll get to spend your days planning peoples’ dream weddings and having a ball of a time! When you can earn money doing what you love, you’ve pretty much cracked life!
