Wedding Planner

I graduate from UCF in August with a Bachelor`s in Business Management and a minor in Hospitality management. I plan on moving to San Diego or Los Angeles area upon graduation to become a wedding planner. I understand that the field is difficult to get into, as I have consistently tried to shadow planners for the past 4 years of college. I was wondering if you had any advise as to getting into the field in California? I still have a few months before moving out there, however I would like to have a plan and a job set up prior to taking the step. Please respond accordingly.
Posted by Heather K; updated 12/30/05

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I have done some weddings for friends. You should start small. Get in with a florist or church, or where you could get in on weddings by couples that haven`t a lot of money. I know you want to get a business going, but they could refer you to friends and they could be your references. Churches hire usually within, but that`s a start. You may have to hire on with another planner to get started. Get all the info on planning on the internet. Give the plans to the couple and let them look over what they might want and then you will more or less direct. I`d not get into all of the exact planning of making flower arrangements, etc. Let the vendors do that, but you oversee the main wedding part. This is starting small. Could you start in a small place than Cal. See where the needs are. Or are you wanting to make thousands at the beginning? do you watch "Who`s Wedd. Is it anyway?" TV show. Look how haggered they look after a big affair. UCF is in Orlando, sign on as a helper, even for free, with a planner in Orlando. Anyone could use some help. Esp. Free. The experience and references is what you want. Make you up some cards, post them around, Also, what about advertising in the school newspaper, Or take your cards to a marriage class, also, some retirement areas, don`t laugh. Older people marry and need some planning, timing, line-up for participants, when to cut cake, etc. Hay, good luck. I wish that this would have been something I would have done when I was younger. DeeNee
Posted by DeeNee; updated 12/31/05