You keep on asking what does it take to become a wedding planner. The short answer is reaching out to experienced event planners. Well, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and persistence to become successful in this field. Haha, that’s very vague, I know. I will try to make it more specific with actual steps and tips that you can follow to become a wedding planner.

Let’s start!

So, long time no see my friends! I had been really, really busy lately so I couldn’t write. So much going into the world of event planning, and I have been actively engaging, seeking information, and learning more about the business.

I want to share something very valuable which might be of great help to you.

My friend, you need to understand that networking with those who have excelled, have been there, and gone through the ups and downs is an important step in any career. Those who rely on self-experience and knowledge alone may not always be able to learn the new tactics required as things change in a rapidly evolving industry.

That’s where we need those who have been there and gone through the struggles. They can not only guide you but also provide valuable insights, advice, and mentorship.

In this article, I will share some do’s and don’ts of reaching out to experienced event planners. Remember, it’s crucial to approach them in the right way to make a good impression and get their attention.

Many people reach out to me asking for advice and guidance in event planning, and I am always happy to help. But at the same time, there are certain things that can turn me off and make me less likely to respond or provide valuable insights.

So, before you make me or any other experienced event planner upset, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

What It Takes to Become a Wedding Planner:

DO’S:

Research is vital:

Before shooting out that email or making that call, do your homework. It’s important you know who you’re trying to connect with. Every planner has a unique style, and they specialize in different aspects of event planning. You need to make sure their specialty aligns with your aspirations. Don’t just skim through their “About Us” page, dig deeper!

Go through their website, check their portfolio, and see what they have done. Follow them on social media. Notice the pattern, the style, the uniqueness. This will not only give you a better understanding of their work but also show that you are genuinely interested in learning from them. It’s like going to a job interview; you should know about the company, right? The same rule applies here, too. Knowledge is power, my friend.

Be genuine in your approach:

Well, well, well. Let me tell you a secret: experienced event planners can smell fakeness from miles away! Approach them with a genuine interest in learning and improving yourself. Don’t just ask for their help or mentorship because it’s the cool thing to do. Show them that you truly appreciate their work and achievements and want to learn from their experience.

Let’s say you are trying to reach out to me; you can start by saying something like, “Hi, I have been following your work for a while now, and I must say, I am impressed. Your attention to detail and creativity truly stands out. As someone who aspires to become a wedding planner, I would be grateful if you could share some insights from your journey.” See how genuine that sounds? Don’t just copy and paste; make it personal.

Be specific in your request:

When reaching out to experienced event planners, be clear and specific about what you are looking for. Do you want general advice on starting your career? Or do you have a specific question about a particular aspect of event planning? This will make it easier for them to provide valuable insights and show that you have put thought into your request. Do not make it too broad or general to have a specific goal in mind. And hey, don’t forget to say please and thank you!

Be respectful of their time:

Remember that experienced event planners are busy people. Even if you are reaching out to them in their free time, be considerate of their time and schedule. Keep your emails or calls brief and to the point. Don’t expect them to drop everything and devote hours to mentoring you. Respect their expertise and experience by not wasting their time with unnecessary details or questions.

Be open to a virtual meeting:

As much as we would love to meet you in person, sometimes it’s not possible due to distance or busy schedules. So don’t be disappointed if the experienced event planner suggests a virtual meeting instead. Be open to video calls or phone conversations; they can still provide valuable insights and answer your questions.

Virtual meetings have been the new norm since the pandemic hit, and they are just as effective in networking and seeking advice. I suggest you make the most out of it and be open to this option.

Be prepared to pay for their time:

This is a controversial topic, and it may not apply to all experienced event planners. However, some do offer paid mentorship or coaching services. If they mention that in their website or social media, don’t be surprised or expect them to provide their time and expertise for free. Like any other profession, event planning requires hard work and dedication, and experienced planners deserve compensation for their time and knowledge. Be prepared to pay for their services if they offer it, and don’t try to negotiate or haggle with them.

DON’TS:

Don’t reach out with an agenda:

This is a big no-no! Don’t approach me or any other experienced event planner with an agenda to get a job or make connections for your business. We can see through this, and it’s not a good look. If you genuinely want our advice and guidance, then approach us with that intention. We are here to help aspiring event planners who are passionate about the field, not those looking for quick shortcuts.

Don’t use your own experiences as a way to relate or connect with the experienced event planner. While it’s great to share your passion and enthusiasm for the field, don’t make it all about yourself. Remember, you are reaching out to them to learn from their experiences and expertise, not to talk about yours.

Don’t ask for free work:

This is a big red flag! Aspiring event planners often approach experienced planners, asking for free work or internships to gain experience. This not only shows a lack of professionalism but also devalues the hard work and expertise of experienced planners. If you want to learn from an experienced planner, be prepared to pay for their time and knowledge just like you would for any other course or mentorship program.

Don’t be too casual:

While it’s important to be genuine and approachable, don’t be too casual in your language and tone. Avoid using slang or colloquialisms in your communication, as it can come off as unprofessional. Remember, you are seeking advice from a professional in the field, so maintain a level of respect and professionalism in your language. Let me quote my favorite saying here, “Keep it professional, not personal.”

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back:

Experienced event planners receive numerous requests for advice and mentorship every day. It’s possible that they may not respond to your request or may take some time to do so. Don’t be discouraged or disheartened if you don’t hear back from them. Continue to reach out to other experienced planners or attend networking events and workshops to gain insights and advice. Remember, perseverance is key in any field, including event planning.

Conclusion:

So, newbies? Did you take notes? I hope these do’s and don’ts will help you in reaching out to experienced event planners. Remember, we are here to help and guide you in your journey as an event planner, but it’s important to approach us with the right attitude and intentions. Be genuine, respectful of our time and expertise, and be open to learning from us. It takes hard work and dedication to become a successful event planner, but with the proper guidance and mindset, you can achieve your goals. Good luck! Keep striving for excellence in event planning. See you at the top!

Happy Planning!