Becoming a Wedding Planner or Wedding Coordinator

Secure industry experience to launch a wedding planner career.

A wedding planner, who is also called a wedding coordinator, is an expert in coordinating the many details of a wedding. A wedding planner assists with staying on budget, securing reliable wedding vendors, securing music for the event and carrying out other important venue decisions. Formal education isn't required to launch this career. However, you will need to get industry experience to become a wedding planner.

Instructions

1. Get industry experience. Prospective wedding planners should attend industry events to learn about the industry and network with companies who hire planners. Attend bridal shows. Talk with wedding planning agencies, hotels and locations that host weddings. Volunteer at your city's annual wedding show to get hands-on experience. These experiences will look excellent on your resume and assist in making industry contacts.

2. Apply for wedding-related positions. Wedding planners usually start working as an assistant for an event or wedding planning agency before breaking into this career. Contact the Association of Bridal Consultants to identify wedding planning firms in the area. Some companies that specialize in event planning have a special division for weddings.

3. Ask for a promotion. Ask for additional responsibilities in planning and organizing weddings. After earning experience with the company, talk with your supervisor about transitioning into a wedding planning position full-time. You can also apply for opportunities with other companies, highlighting your previous experience.

4. Earn wedding planner certification. Certification isn't required to become a wedding planner; however, prospective employers will desire these qualifications. There are a couple of organizations that offer certification, including the Association of Certified Wedding Consultants and the Association of Bridal Consultants. Choose the certification program and complete application materials. Certification costs range from $340 to $795, as of 2010.

Tips & Warnings

• A wedding planner or coordinator can start her own business after gaining experience. Use industry contacts to negotiate pricing with wedding vendors and attend wedding shows to build clientele.

• If you decide to open your own business, don't forget to secure the required license. Most cities require a business license, at a minimum. Contact City Hall to learn about local requirements.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Meeting and Convention Planners
• "Entrepreneur": Become a Wedding Consultant

Resources

• Association of Certified Wedding Consultants
• Association of Bridal Consultants