How To Get A Job As A Wedding Planner
Wedding Planners are also called Wedding Consultants, and Bridal Consultants. With the busy lives people lead today and the increased disposable income that many, more mature couple have to spend on their weddings, Bridal Consultants are in demand. Modern weddings cost many thousands of dollars. It is the job of the Wedding Planner to create dream weddings and meet the bridal couples wants and needs, while staying within their budget.
To be successful, Wedding Planners need to be well organized and creative. They must have excellent communication skills, be patient, diplomatic, experienced negotiators, and be able to remain calm under pressure. They must be able to adhere to a strict timetable, have good taste, good fashion sense, and keep up with the latest trends. Bridal Consultants must have an understanding of various religions, and customs. They must be able to act as mediators, be able to work within a budget, enjoy working with a variety of people, have good computer and networking skills and be able to establish good relationships with vendors. The Bridal consultant must be available at all times to update developments as well as to address any concerns that the couple may have.
Wedding Planners first meet with their clients, likely in the clients home or in the Wedding Planner’s office. This initial meeting will discuss such matters as budget, venue for the wedding, decorations, invitations, food, entertainment, the wedding ceremony, flowers, music, photographers etc. It will be only the first of many such meetings which will address specifics, as plans progress. What the Consultant in in charge of and what the couple chooses to deal with will vary from client to client. Any decisions the Bridal Planner makes must be approved by the Bridal Couple
Some Wedding Consultants are paid a percentage of the cost of the wedding while others charge a basic rate for specific services and others man charge by the hour. Many consultants work alone from home offices while others work in pairs. The office, whether at home or outside, needs to be tastefully decorated and equipped with a computers, printers, fax machines, business phones, and other basic office supplies. Consultants must keep careful records, manage their own finances, and see that the office is open and manned during basic office hours. Wedding Planners may need to work long hours, evenings, and weekends, until the wedding is over.
EDUCATION
Bridal Consultants do not need any specific education. However, a college education would be desirable as the more informed and rounded a Consultant’s education is, the better she/he will be able to deal with the variety of individuals and situations involved.
Courses in psychology, accounting, marketing , hospitality management, finance, and bookkeeping would all be useful, as would a second language.
Some Community colleges offer certificate programs which give Associate’s Degree for Wedding Planners. There are also courses offered on -line.
As with all professions, the more education you have, the better equipped you are to achieve success.
