For many people, one of the happiest days of their lives is when they tie the knot. Marrying the love of your life is a milestone moment, and many celebrate this declaration of love with a wedding, where all their friends and family can celebrate with them. There is no doubt that a wedding is a fun and celebratory occasion, but it doesn’t just come together on its own!
Planning a wedding takes a lot of organisation and hard work. For it to come off without a hitch, the planning stage needs to be seamless, which can cause stress to the betrothed couple. Rather than handle the organisation themselves, many couples turn to the expertise of a wedding planner.
If you have expert organisational skills, a creative flair, and adore everything about weddings, then working as a wedding planner could be the ideal career for you. Below, we have explained the avenue you can take if you want to apply for wedding planner jobs as part of an organisation or as a sole trader.
What Does a Wedding Planner Do?
There are so many elements that go into planning a wedding, and if you are keen to work as a wedding planner, you will need to tick a lot of boxes! Essentially, you will be responsible for organising the structure of the day and ensuring that it runs smoothly. It is essential that if you want to work as a wedding planner, you need to be organised.
Every wedding is unique to the couple, so it is important that when you work with a new client, you note down every feature they want to include. Generally, you will need to gather information regarding the following:
- Theme
- Date
- Venue
- Guestlist
- Photographers
- Caterers
- Florists
The most important thing about wedding planner jobs is being able to find solutions that match your clients’ ideas while staying within budget. The amount of money that a couple wants to spend on a wedding varies; some want a glamorous and extravagant event, while others prefer a quiet and intimate celebration.
Whatever type of wedding the couple chooses, the wedding planner needs to make it happen! Once you have gathered all of your client’s ideas and budget, you will be able to provide a proposal, explaining your services and how much you will charge. Your next step, if hired, will be to draw up a masterplan containing every task that needs to be carried out.
It is essential that you keep to deadlines while working as a wedding planner because any delay can have a ripple effect on the entire wedding. You also need to be mindful that some of your clients will want to marry overseas, which brings with it extra logistical challenges.
There is no doubt that wedding planner jobs are fun and exciting, but they are hard work, so if you have a strong work ethic and love a to-do list, you will thrive as a wedding planner! Most professionals work as sole traders, while some work as part of larger wedding planning organisations.
What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Wedding Planner?
It is not a prerequisite to have qualifications to apply for wedding planner jobs, UK residents, but if you want to convince a client to hire your services, you need to have a sparkling record. This can consist of experience as well as qualifications. A couple is more likely to hire you if you can prove that you know what you’re doing.
Previous experience is hugely beneficial, and a qualification can also go a long way when trying to attract clients. With Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you can obtain a Wedding Planner and Events Management Diploma online. This wedding planner course will not only enhance your reputation as a wedding planner, but it will also give you the knowledge and skills to thrive in your role.
If you are starting out in the industry, this wedding planner course will provide you with essential skills that will help you provide a stellar service. If you already work as a wedding planner, you can enhance your skillset with this wedding planner course. You can also dip into the principles of events management, which is helpful if you want to venture into other event roles in the future.
As part of your wedding planner course, you will study the following units:
- The Wedding Planner Role
- Church Weddings, Civil Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships
- Preparing a Wedding Overseas
- Preparing a Themed Wedding
- Planning of Goods and Services Required
- Setting up a Home Based Wedding Planning Business
You will progress to the following units once you have completed the ones above:
- Getting to Know Your Employees
- An Overview of Event Management
- Planning in Event Management
- Human Relations
- Catering and Food Services
- A Career in the Field of Event Management
These units will be assessed with a series of assignments as opposed to exams. If you are keen to gain a strong understanding of events management, then this wedding planner course is ideal. If you want to solely focus on wedding planner jobs, however, then study for a Wedding Planner Diploma. This accredited course covers the principles of planning a wedding and everything you need to know if you want to set up your own business.
How Do I Get Started as a Wedding Planner?
As mentioned, an accredited wedding planner course will go a long way to improving your standing in the profession, particularly if you want to work for a wedding planning company. There are other tips and tricks that you can consider if you want to start out in this industry, including the following:
- Do industry research
- Create a business plan
- Create a marketing plan
- Start building industry relationships
Experience is key, so if you can shadow a wedding planner or gain experience working in hospitality, this will help you carve out a career.
Are Wedding Planners in High Demand?
Given how much is involved in planning a wedding, there is no doubt that wedding planners are called upon frequently. Everyone wants their special day to be the best it can be, so having a professional take care of the intricacies of the day is hugely beneficial. It takes a weight off the minds of the couple.
One of the great things about wedding planner jobs is that they can be carried out independent from a company. Many wedding planners are self-employed, and if you go down this route, you will have full control over how you conduct your business and the clients you take on.
Do Wedding Planners Make Good Money?
The earnings of a wedding planner are all dependent on whether they work as sole traders or as part of a company. Generally, though, a wedding planner that has an impressive portfolio and excellent organisational skills is well paid.
In the UK, the wedding industry brings in around £14billion per year, with the average wedding costing more than £20,000. Money floods into the industry, particularly during the spring and summer months. With such a high demand, you can earn yourself a decent sum during your career.
Take Your First Steps Towards a New Career
With Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you can study a wedding planner course from the comfort of your own home. Simply put, all you need is a computer/laptop and a stable internet connection! This is because all of your course materials and assignments are online. You have the freedom to study at your own pace and in your own time.
To discuss our course options, speak to one of our Career Advisors today on 0121 392 8288 or contact us online. Alternatively, click below to find out more information about our courses.
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