How to Become a Party Wedding Planner

As a party or wedding planner you'll help turn special events into reality.

Party and wedding planners, also known as event planners, are professionals that are hired to plan out and handle the details of events for their clients. Turn on the television and you are liable to see one of the many programs about event planners who are planning weddings and parties for wealthy and every-day clients. If you possess the ability to stay calm under pressure, are known for paying strict attention to detail, are well organized and enjoy a good party, becoming a party/wedding planner may be a business that you could thrive in.

Instructions

1. Take a party or wedding planning course. Look online for wedding planner training courses such as those offered by The Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants (ACPWC) or take an event planning course at your local college or community college (see Resources). Courses of study for becoming a party planner can take from 5 days to two years to complete depending on the program. Specialized certification is available to those who have completed one of these training programs.

2. Intern with a planner or work as an assistant. Locate an event planner who provides mentoring opportunities for novice wedding or party planners. Consider the option of working for free to learn the ropes from an expert in the field. Alternately, get a job for at least a year working as an assistant for a wedding planner. As an assistant you will have the opportunity to learn all aspects of the business in a hands-on capacity.

3. Build up contacts. Part of being a successful planner is knowing the right people to make any event a success. Start building up a list of reliable and professional vendors such as photographers, florists, bakeries or pastry chefs, seamstresses and dry cleaners; and printers that will make your job of planning events smoother.

4. Get a business license. Check with your local and state agencies to obtain the appropriate business license and permits to work as an event planner. If your intention is to work from home, check your local zoning laws and obtain the correct home-based business permits.

5. Obtain the necessary insurance. Contact an insurance broker and discuss liability coverage for your business. As a planner of weddings and parties you will want to ensure that you are properly covered should an event go awry.

6. Put up a website. Create a planning website that outlines what types of parties and weddings you coordinate. Include all services you provide as well as your fees. Make your website creative, attractive and relevant to your services. Choose a website provider who has reliable customer service, reasonable storage space and offers you the tools and templates to get your website on the Internet.

7. Market yourself and your business. Always dress like a professional when discussing business. A professional inspires confidence, which is important when it comes to hiring the right person to plan your wedding. Create and print business cards and pass them out to couples getting married, churches, floral shops and bridal boutiques.

Tips & Warnings

• Wedding and party planners rarely work 9-to-5 hours and often work evenings and weekends.

References

• Entrepreneur: How to Start an Event Planning Service

Resources

• ACPWC: Wedding Planner Courses