Jobhop Jobhop's blog : How To Become A Wedding Planner

With lockdown restrictions coming to an end, many couples who had postponed their nuptials due to the pandemic will be hoping to get their wedding underway. This pent-up demand means that the wedding industry is set for a busy couple of years. For those hoping to break into the industry, now is a great time.

So, how does one go about becoming a wedding planner?

There are no particular qualifications required, but experience in planning events is a must. Perhaps you have successfully planned your own wedding or that of a family member or friend? Or maybe you have a reputation for throwing a party?

Here are some tips for breaking into the wedding industry.

1. A qualification in hospitality or events management

Although it’s not an essential requirement, those looking to pursue an academic route into the industry may want to consider a qualification in event management or hospitality. This will help you to develop the necessary skills to succeed in wedding planning. University or college can offer opportunities for getting practical experience, through involvement in planning events for societies and clubs.

2. Internships with wedding planners

There’s no substitute for getting hands-on experience in planning a wedding. Look for wedding planners working in your area and ask if they’re looking for help. Even if they have no paid positions, there can be considerable benefits to shadowing an expert. This will give you a good indication of what the job involves on a day-to-day basis, so you can decide if it’s the right career path for you.

3. Take an online course

The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online learning and there are several courses available for those hoping to break into the wedding industry. Courses offered by companies such as Absolute Perfection and the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners offer heaps of practical guidance, whether you want to work for a consultancy or set up your own business.

These courses cover areas such as marriage laws, finding the perfect venue, finding the best suppliers, and organising the dream ceremony and reception for your clients.

4. Brush up your CV and write a killer cover letter

Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, it’s time to get to work on your CV and cover letter. Both should be bespoke, to highlight your experience in wedding planning. A portfolio of work, complete with pictures, is one of the most effective ways of selling your expertise. Make sure that your passion for the industry comes across in the covering letter and highlight the skills that make you the ideal fit. It might be that you specialise in planning sustainable weddings, for example, or maybe outdoor weddings – whatever your speciality may be, it’s worth making yourself stand out from the crowd.

5. Qualities needed in a wedding planner

With so many moving parts to keep on top of, both on the big day itself and the lead-up, it’s crucial to keep a calm head and remain calm under pressure. Excellent organisational skills are essential to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. Communication skills are also important – particularly listening to the client and taking on board what they want for their wedding. In addition to these qualities, planners need to have a good head for figures to ensure they don’t run over budget, and a creative eye to plan a wedding to remember.

Author Leo Clarke

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