Hi Lucy,
I`ve been in the wedding planning industry for 10 years and agree AND disagree with some of the things that Christina said in her reply message to you.
First of all, being a wedding consultant is long hours, nights and weekends, and can be very stressful. It`s not all fun and wonderful clients. It`s hard work, lots of details. You must be a combination of right and left brain.....creative to give the bride her dream wedding and analytical to keep your business running smoothly.
There are so many tasks to be completed and details to be remembered.
Asking family and friends to help with their weddings is a great way to get started. But even with that, formal education and training...in my opinion....is the best combination.
I have been a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants for 10 years and recommend that you check out their website ....bridalassn.com. They are a global organization with over 3500 members in many countries around the world. They have great education programs, seminars, and an annual conference. My affiliation with the organization has helped me grow professionally and introduced me to many other wedding planners who are willing to share information and help when needed.
There are enough weddings taking place in the world that there is plenty of business to go around. If you meet other planners that are standoffish and so competitive that they aren`t willing to share, then I think you`re in the wrong place. I know hundreds of planners across the country who would be willing to help me, if I needed it.
You do want to check out lots of websites and see what everyone else is offering, but I do not recommend posing as a bride to get a planner`s material, etc. By my standards ...and that of ABC (Assn of Bridal Consultants) ....that is unethical. Joining a professional organization will get you the same information and will add to your credentials as a wedding planner. After all, who would you rather hire? An bookkeeper or a CPA?
Like any other business, when you first start up, you put in a lot of time and hard work.....It will take you a minimum of 3-5 years before you are seeing any real income. And it takes time to build a base for referrals.
I admire your enthusiasm to explore the possibilities of becoming a wedding consultant. It has been a very successful and rewarding career for me and I wish you the best in all your endeavors.
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