What Do I Need To Do To Become A Wedding Plan

Hi Courtney:
You`ve asked a BIG question - so I hope I can provide some insight:)

This is an exciting, challenging field - but there is much more to it than meets the eye That being said - I would highly recommend that you do some serious investigation and research of the industry BEFORE you take the proverbial plunge.

First and foremost - this is a business, and that`s how you have to approach this endeavor. Yup - weddings are beautiful, but there is more to planning an extraordinary event than helping someone walk down the aisle. Television, movies and magazines have glamourized this industry when in reality, it`s anything but! If you start out with a "business head", it will help you immeasurably. Contact your local SBA or SCORE office and make an appoinment to speak with one of their counselors. It`s a good way to get a better understanding of the business side of the house - you will need it!

Do your homework - marketing and demographic, that is. What`s the demand in your area for a wedding planner, how many currently exist, how many are full vs. Part-time? How many weddings occur in your area in a year, what other service providers are in your region, what`s the average cost of a wedding in your area and what are it`s general features? These are just some of the questions you`ll need answers to before starting up your enterprise.

Networking with other like-minded individuals is key to any business owner`s success. If you can "apprentice" under the tutelage of a seasoned wedding planner - JUMP on the opportunity! It`s important to see the back end of the production and it`s a great way to do the grunt work and determine if this is where you want to be. Mind you - not every planner offers internships, they seem to be elusive for some reason...but I believe that it`s one of the best and prudent decisions you can make in your career.

I hope this helps - sorry for the lengthiness, but I`m passionate about this industry and those who are contemplating a career in it.

Linnyette Richardson-Hall
Executive Director
The Business of Matrimony