- Most wedding planners are independent consultants, but some are employed at wedding venues like hotels and conference centers. An education or experience in hotel management, business or retail creates a healthy background that aids in price negotiation and market research, both crucial skills for any wedding planner. New entrants to the field without existing connections often start off as independent wedding consultants who work on commission, only being paid after the wedding has been finalized. Networking with caterers, photographers, retailers, florists and musicians will almost certainly reduce start-up costs and increase the level of knowledge the planner has about the industry.
- Wedding planners are expected to assist their clients in realizing their vision for their wedding. Some wedding parties come to their planner with exacting specifications. Others are unclear on the possibilities involved in their wedding and need their planner to help them articulate their preferences and educate them on their options for creating the wedding that they want while sticking to a budget.
- Wedding planners mix elements of project management and sales creatively to come up with the best weddings that they can on time. Planners may choose to focus on a particular market sector or on servicing a broader audience, creating separate tiers for wedding services. The tighter the relationships that the planner can create with suppliers, the better that they will be able to secure the best deals for their clients.
- Every wedding party likes the part of dreaming up all of the wonderful things that the wedding will have, but few enjoy the process of fitting all of that within their budget. The wedding planner is tasked with managing the expectations of their client, doing their best to keep the wedding within the suggested budget and being honest about the possibilities of exceeding the budget if certain additional demands are made. Wedding planners charge a percentage fee based on the total cost of the wedding or a flat fee, the latter mostly attached to prepackaged wedding parties.
- The most valuable asset a wedding planner possesses is his reputation. Advertising for wedding planning services can have unpredictable returns. The least expensive and most effective form of advertising is the client referral. A wedding planner can increase the stability of his business by networking with other planners, venues and retailers. Clients that are especially satisfied with their services tend to suggest their planner to their friends and family.
