Thinking about becoming a wedding planner? Congratulations! You have chosen one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in event planning. Before I go on, let me tell you that there is no end to learning and growing in this field. I have been into wedding planning for over a decade and I still learn something new with every event. So, don’t be afraid to keep learning and innovating in your journey as a wedding planner.

That’s the main point of this section – to remind you that learning and growing as a wedding planner is a continuous process. You can never know everything there is to know about planning weddings, but you can always strive to improve yourself and your skills.

Do you know why I am confident that becoming a certified wedding planner without any prior experience is possible even without going to any wedding planning institute? Because it was my journey too. My first gig was a close friend’s wedding and I had no prior experience. Since we were close friends and had attended many weddings together, I had a good idea of what needed to be done. And that’s all it takes – a passion for weddings and an eye for detail.

But, I put my heart and soul into it, researched extensively, and delivered an unforgettable event. And that is what brought me my next wedding planning opportunity and then the next one.

Let’s not divert any further and move to our main topic – how to become a wedding and event planner.

I have gathered many burning questions from my students, friends, and family who are interested in the wedding and event planning industry. So, I will try my best to answer them all here. After reading the article – my only hope is that you feel equipped and encouraged to take the first step towards your dream career.

So, without any further ado, let’s dive into the ins and outs of this niche!

How to Become a Wedding Planner with No Experience?

Step 1: Get Mentorship from an Experienced Wedding Strategist:

Do you think I randomly grew my business without asking for help? No! I was fortunate enough to have guidance from many industry experts who shared their invaluable knowledge and experience with me. I had the chance to work on various events with them and learn the tricks of the trade. This helped me to gain confidence and understand the ins and outs of wedding planning.

So, when you start the journey yourself, it takes you years to understand the dynamics of this industry. But the wedding industry isn’t as easy as it seems. It requires a lot of planning, coordinating and execution skills to produce a successful event.

This is where mentorship plays a vital role. Having someone experienced by your side can help you avoid common mistakes and learn from their experiences. You can also get an insight into the latest trends and industry updates through your mentor.

I am sure on your way to reading this article, you must have come across many incredible wedding planners possibly on Instagram or Facebook. All of us started from where you are right now. So, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you really want to be a wedding planner.

If you scroll my business site here, you will see I have helped many aspiring wedding planners to kickstart their careers and achieve their dream of becoming wedding planners.

My online wedding planning course is one of the ways through which I try to help aspiring wedding planners.

So, whether you decide to seek mentorship or join a course, the important thing is to embrace the learning journey and continually enhance your skills.

So, assuming that I have explained the first step to you, let’s move forward.

Step 2: Intern or Work at a Wedding Planning Company:

You might be wondering how I actually got my foot in the door after trying my hands at planning my friend’s wedding. Well, let me tell you, it wasn’t an overnight success story. My next big move was to intern at a renowned wedding planning company. This experience was invaluable. I remember my first day vividly; I was nervous yet exhilarated. I was like a sponge, soaking up every bit of information, every detail, and every lesson from seasoned professionals.

Working at an established company provided me with hands-on experience that I could never have gained from books or online resources alone. I was involved in everything from selecting venues to coordinating with vendors and managing last-minute changes.

Each event was a learning opportunity and a step towards honing my craft. There were stressful moments, of course, like when a vendor canceled at the last minute or when there were unexpected weather changes, but these challenges taught me resilience and problem-solving skills.

Through my internship, I built a network of contacts in the industry, which proved to be instrumental later on. I got to know suppliers, florists, photographers, and many others who play crucial roles in delivering a flawless wedding. These connections not only expanded my resource pool but also boosted my confidence to start taking on weddings independently.

I wholeheartedly recommend interning or working at a wedding planning company. It’s a practical way to understand the intricacies of this profession and gain firsthand experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out, apply for internships, and give it your all. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and every wedding planner started somewhere.

Points to Remember When Finding the Right Wedding Planning Internships:

• Research the company and their portfolio of events. Choose a company that aligns with your style and vision.
• Reach out to them through email or social media especially Instagram or Pinterest, explaining your interest in interning and why you think you would be a valuable asset to their team.
• Be open to learning and taking on any task assigned to you. This internship is your chance to learn from experienced professionals, so make the most out of it.
• Build relationships with other interns, colleagues, and industry professionals. Networking is essential in this industry, and these connections can prove beneficial in the future.

Step 3: Network, Network, Network:

I cannot stress enough the importance of networking in the wedding planning industry. As a planner, your success relies heavily on your ability to build relationships and connections. Attend events, bridal shows, conferences, and any other gathering where you can meet potential clients or vendors.

Networking is not just about handing out business cards or promoting yourself; it’s also about genuinely connecting with people and building trust. Be genuine and approachable, ask questions and listen attentively. You never know when an opportunity might arise from a simple conversation.

I have seen wedding pros collaborate and support each other, which is a beautiful thing to witness. Don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow wedding planners for advice or assistance. Remember, the wedding industry is vast, and there is enough room for everyone to thrive.

Step 4: Social Media Presence:

Let me ask you a question, where do you go when you need inspiration for anything related to weddings? Most probably, the first place that comes to your mind is social media. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have become go-to sources for wedding ideas and inspiration.

As a wedding planner, having a strong social media presence is crucial. It not only helps showcase your work but also attracts potential clients. Share photos and videos from previous events, behind-the-scenes shots, and helpful tips or advice related to weddings. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages promptly.

You can also collaborate with vendors on styled shoots or share their work on your page. This not only helps in building relationships but also expands your reach to their followers.

In this digital age, a strong social media presence is essential for any business, including wedding planning. So, make sure to keep your profiles updated and engaging regularly.

Step 5: Want to Start Your Business or Join an Established Wedding Planning Firm?

Deciding between starting your own wedding planning business and joining an established firm is a pivotal choice that can define your career trajectory. Both options come with their own sets of advantages and challenges, so it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision.

Starting Your Own Business

Starting your own wedding planning business offers the freedom to build something that’s entirely yours. This path allows you to infuse your personality, creativity, and vision into every aspect of your enterprise. When I decided to start my own business, it was both exhilarating and daunting. I had complete control over my brand and direction, which meant unlimited potential for growth and innovation. However, it also required a great deal of dedication, resilience, and multi-tasking skills.

One of the most exciting aspects of running your own business is the opportunity to be your own boss. You get to set your own hours and choose the clients and projects that resonate with you. On the flip side, it demands strong business acumen, as you’ll be responsible for everything from marketing and budgeting to client relations and vendor management.

Joining an Established Wedding Planning Firm

On the other hand, joining an established wedding planning firm can provide a stable environment packed with learning opportunities. When you work for a renowned company, you benefit from their established brand, client base, and industry reputation.

This can be particularly advantageous if you’re looking to gain extensive experience and build a network without the immediate responsibility of running a business. My own internship experience at a wedding planning company was critical in shaping my practical skills and understanding the industry’s nuances.

Working for someone else can also afford you a more structured career path with potential for advancement. It allows you to focus solely on honing your craft without the added pressure of business operations. Structured mentorship, resources, and professional development opportunities are some of the key benefits of this path.

How to Decide?

When choosing between these paths, consider your personal strengths, long-term goals, and risk tolerance. If you’re someone who thrives in a flexible, self-directed environment and has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, starting your own business might be the right choice. However, if you prefer a more structured setting with opportunities to learn from established professionals, joining a firm could be more beneficial.

My Personal Journey

For me, the decision was a blend of both. Starting my own business came after extensive experience and learning from an established firm. The network and skills I developed during my internships provided a solid foundation for launching my venture. This hybrid approach worked well for me, and I believe it can offer a balanced perspective for anyone starting out.

I would let this decision be an organic process, shaped by your experiences, goals, and growth as a professional. Whichever path you choose, remember to have faith in yourself and your abilities. With hard work, determination, and a love for what you do, success will surely follow.

Let’s answer the burning questions that I shared in the beginning of this section about how to start a career in wedding planning and address any other relevant questions that have arisen:

Frequently Asked Questions –  How to Become a Wedding Planner:

1) Is a degree in event planning necessary to become a wedding planner?

No, a degree in event planning is not necessary to become a wedding planner. While it can provide valuable knowledge and skills, hands-on experience and networking are critical factors for success in the industry. In my case and some of the highly successful wedding planners I know, a degree unrelated to event planning did not hinder our ability to become successful wedding planners.

2) How can one gain practical experience in wedding planning?

Gaining practical experience in wedding planning can be done through internships, apprenticeships, or working for an established firm. This allows you to learn from experienced professionals and get hands-on experience with real events. It’s also helpful to attend workshops, conferences, and other industry events to network and learn from experts.

A client would probably ask if you have experience planning a wedding like theirs not if you have a degree in event planning!

3) What are some key skills needed to become a successful wedding planner in 2024?

Some key skills that can contribute to becoming a successful wedding planner include strong organization and time management, attention to detail, creativity, excellent communication and negotiation skills, adaptability, and ability to handle stressful situations calmly. It’s also crucial to have a genuine passion for weddings and helping others create their dream day.

If you are creative, love what you do, and have a great attitude with excellent people skills, it is possible to flourish as a wedding planner.

4) Is there room for growth and advancement in the wedding planning industry?

Yes, there is definitely room for growth and advancement in the wedding planning industry. If I look back at my journey, I can see how much the industry has evolved and how many new opportunities have emerged. If I had limited myself to only weddings, I would not have the thriving business I have today.

From corporate events to destination weddings, there are many ways to expand and diversify your services. In fact, many wedding planners go on to become event designers, consultants, and educators. Today, I am not a planner but a business strategist, and I am excited to see what else the future holds. The key is to stay open-minded, continually learn, and adapt to changes in the industry.

5) What is the average wedding planner salary in the US?

This question is really vague and almost no real answer to this question as it depends on several factors, such as location, experience, and services offered. I, in fact, know successful wedding planners who are operating in a tier-2 cities and earning well. So, I suggest instead of focusing on a specific number, focus on building your brand and providing exceptional services. With hard work and dedication, the financial rewards will follow.

6) What is the best way to market yourself as a wedding planner?

I have found that word-of-mouth referrals and networking have been the most effective ways to market myself as a wedding planner. This is where building relationships, providing excellent services, and maintaining a strong online presence come into play.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for showcasing your work and connecting with potential clients. Attending industry events, participating in styled shoots, and collaborating with other vendors can also help you gain visibility and generate leads.