Information to Become a Bridal Consultant
Bridal consultants, also known as wedding planners, are a major part of the wedding industry. Bridal consultants work alongside engaged couples to help plan details of the wedding day, negotiate with vendors, organize contracts and make the wedding planning process as easy as possible. Becoming a bridal consultant is relatively easy because many states have no laws regulating requirements for this profession.
Other People Are Reading
-
Associations
-
There are a number of professional associations for bridal consultants, and these are a convenient place to start looking for information. The Association of Bridal Consultants, June Weddings, Inc. and Weddings Beautiful are several associations for bridal consultants that offer training seminars and conventions. Associations are also places to network and get your name out into the world to bring in potential clients.
Types
-
There are two types of bridal consultants. Wedding coordinators are usually employed by a venue and work to help couples plan their wedding in terms of what will work inside of that particular venue. This could include choosing a menu from the in-house caterer to arranging the seating to meeting fire code regulations. Independent wedding consultants run their own business and work to help couples find venues and vendors. Deciding which type of bridal consultant you want to be will determine your salary. A coordinator is paid by an employer, earning a set salary. An independent consultant sets her own rates and finds her own clients.
-
Considerations
-
Since most states do not regulate the requirements for a career as a bridal consultant, it is possible to set up your own bridal consulting business without any formal training. It is important, however, to consider taking classes offered by a bridal consulting association because these will help teach you how to market yourself and network with local vendors.
Benefits
-
The benefits of a career in bridal consulting vary, depending on what type of bridal consultant you want to be. Bridal consulting allows you to express your creativity and eye for detail. Working as an independent consultant allows you to have flexible hours and set your own rates.
Potential
-
Bridal consultants have the potential to make a lot of money. The wedding industry grosses more than $165 billion annually, making it possible to become profitable for your business investment. As an independent consultant setting your own rates, you can earn up to 10 percent of what each client spends on their wedding, or you can charge by hour.
-
References
- Photo Credit bride and groom holding hands, while bride holds b image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
