Wedding Planning

Advertise.
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By danzahn on Jul 10, 2007

Start by working for one, or work for a caterer who does weddings. Then once you learn the ropes you can eventually go off on your own.

Good luck!
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By gbcopy on Jul 10, 2007

I know 2 who have started their own business (in Texas), and they each said they have to go on referrals at first in order to gain a good reputation. I would say, if you know any one getting married soon, offer your 'services' very cheap, and gain that person's referral for more business. Both coordinators that I know who are relatively new to the business charged near to nothing at first just to get on the bandwagon….I know that may not be what you want to hear, but some times you just have to bite the bullet for your first few clients.
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By First Time Mommy on Jul 10, 2007

My sister-in-law got started through her church. I don't know if you're a member of one but she started by working with the brides using their church as a place for a wedding. And little by little, word got out, and now she does them all over.

Start small. Start with a friend or family member and do it for free. Things you will need to know:

1) Vendors – who are the best in your area. You will need to form relationships with them so that you can know who to recommend to brides. Florists. Photographers. Meet with them and gather their information. Make your own decision as well as who you think does work for a fair price.

2) Trends. Read lots of magazines and attend wedding fairs. See what the trends are. how much do they cost. Are they worth it? What are some modifications to those trends to make it special to your bride.

3) Venues. Where are brides getting married in your area? What are the costs involved? Get to know those areas and see how they work.

Those are just a few suggestions. Start small and work your way up. Always act professional.
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I was a videographer and attended 100s of weddings and worked with various wedding planners.

By Mama on Jul 10, 2007

Well, I got married five months ago in Louisiana and would have loved a wedding planner if the price was right. You first need to market yourself. Have you planned weddings before? Create a website. Get some business cards. Plan a friend's wedding for free just to gain some experience. I have a cousin who just got engaged and in planning to get married in New Orleans. Having a wedding planner there would also be helpful for her because we live in Texas. Planning a wedding from out of town is very stressful. I had to make so many trips back home to get things accomplished. This could be one of your selling points. There are a lot of people that don't live in New Orleans anymore (since Katrina) but they still want to get married there. Good luck!
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By He calls me B- on Jul 10, 2007

I am a Certified Wedding Specialist. There are courses (Home Study) that you can take. I personally took a course through Weddings Beautiful -it's an Association that is a part of the National Bridal Service. The course was about $500 and you go at your own pace and you can pay as you go. There is also another association called ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants). They also offer a wedding consultant course. Both associations offer membership within there organization an offer seminars and courses (in different locations) throughout the year for professional development.

It's a misconception that anyone can be a consultant. Technically anyone can but it gives you an edge if you have a certification behind you. It's like the difference between saying your a doctor and being a licensed doctor. There's more to it. You have to have an understanding of etiquette, working with vendors, working with brides, working within different budget levels and have a creative mind to boot. You can definitely do it as a side job to start out. I currently do. It's the kind of thing that you can set your own hours so don't let that discourage you. Start building a portfolio of work so you can show people and subscribe to a few wedding magazines. They will help you keep up with current wedding trends etc. Check out the links below and good luck.
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Certified Wedding Specialist
http://imagination2creation.net/

http://www.bridalassn.com/

By holmeskaykay on Jul 10, 2007

I took a correspondence course once. You could be certified that way or you can go to any bridal shop and ask them for referrals. I live in Missouri, and in one of the bridal shops here, the owner requires all of her help to be certified bridal consultants. Good luck
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By kystarlyte_kystarlight on Jul 13, 2007