How to Become a Wedding Planner
5 Steps to Becoming a Wedding Planner
Step 1
Get formal training
In order to learn the intricacies of wedding planning, professionals can complete a diploma program. During their time in these programs, students learn about contract negotiations, vendor relations, budget management, marketing strategies, and bridal registries. In addition, students learn about the different kinds of wedding ceremonies, attire, and stationary, as well as etiquette at these events.
Step 2
Obtain hands-on experience
While completing a diploma program in wedding planning can familiarize students with the fundamentals they need to enter the field, hands-on experience is required to put those concepts into daily practice. Hopeful wedding planners can get this experience by participating in an internship at an event planning agency, and by helping people they know plan their weddings.
Step 3
Choose a niche
Choosing a niche can help professionals stand out and increase their expertise in a specific area. Some niches professionals can pursue include destination, same-sex, and day-of wedding planning.
Step 4
Find a mentor
People who are new to the business can learn the ropes by partnering with someone who has experience. Finding a seasoned mentor can help wedding planners see the day-to-day realities of the job, which is especially helpful if they want to start their own company.
Step 5
Earn a professional certification
Although wedding planners do not need a certification in order to do business, these credentials can be useful for standing out in the marketplace. The American Association of Certified Wedding Planners offers a certification that can be earned online or in-house. In order to earn this designation, professionals take courses in vendor relations, sales, workflow, and budgeting.
FAQ on Earning Your Wedding Planner Certification
Many entry-level insurance agents learn the duties of the job by working alongside more experienced agents. Following are some of the most frequently asked questions by new and aspiring insurance agents:
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Those who want to be self-employed need to obtain a business license. The requirements for licensing depend on the location where professionals work.
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Continuing education is not required, but these courses can help professionals continue learning their craft and keep abreast of industry trends. Some topics that continuing education classes may cover include marketing, creating a business plan, and maintaining a business license.
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Word of mouth is extremely important for wedding planners, so meeting as many people in the industry as possible, as well as potential customers, is helpful. Attending networking events can help professionals make the contacts they need to be successful.
Wedding Planner Salary & Job Growth
Wedding planning can be a rewarding career, but before people say “I do” to the field, they need to know that they will have solid job opportunities. This section discusses the job market for wedding planners, as well as the potential earnings.
According to PayScale the annual median income of wedding planners is $40,343, with the lowest ten percent of earners making about $24,000 and the highest bracket of earners making at least $74,000. The site also outlines how much these workers make at different stages of their careers, as listed below:
| Experience Level | Median Income |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0 to 5 years) | $40,000 |
| Mid-career (5 to 10 years) | $49,000 |
| Experienced (10 to 20 years) | $50,000 |
There are several factors that can influence how much wedding planners make, according to Planner’s Lounge. Some of these variables include years of experience, services offered, and the location of the business.
Alabama
Mean wage annual: $43,790
Alaska
Mean wage annual: $60,020
Arizona
Mean wage annual: $44,890
Arkansas
Mean wage annual: $43,830
California
Mean wage annual: $56,520
Colorado
Mean wage annual: $47,570
Connecticut
Mean wage annual: $59,650
Delaware
Mean wage annual: $50,530
Florida
Mean wage annual: $47,200
Georgia
Mean wage annual: $50,870
Hawaii
Mean wage annual: $55,580
Idaho
Mean wage annual: $38,250
Illinois
Mean wage annual: $52,370
Indiana
Mean wage annual: $47,240
Iowa
Mean wage annual: $43,790
Kansas
Mean wage annual: $45,980
Kentucky
Mean wage annual: $40,440
Louisiana
Mean wage annual: $44,060
Maine
Mean wage annual: $49,710
Maryland
Mean wage annual: $56,240
Massachusetts
Mean wage annual: $58,070
Michigan
Mean wage annual: $45,640
Minnesota
Mean wage annual: $54,500
Mississippi
Mean wage annual: $39,970
Missouri
Mean wage annual: $48,510
Montana
Mean wage annual: $37,490
Nebraska
Mean wage annual: $45,410
Nevada
Mean wage annual: $49,540
New Hampshire
Mean wage annual: $51,350
New Jersey
Mean wage annual: $63,000
New Mexico
Mean wage annual: $40,640
New York
Mean wage annual: $64,580
North Carolina
Mean wage annual: $45,910
North Dakota
Mean wage annual: $48,280
Ohio
Mean wage annual: $47,580
Oklahoma
Mean wage annual: $40,150
Oregon
Mean wage annual: $49,870
Pennsylvania
Mean wage annual: $50,560
Rhode Island
Mean wage annual: $52,180
South Carolina
Mean wage annual: $37,590
South Dakota
Mean wage annual: $35,000
Tennessee
Mean wage annual: $46,970
Texas
Mean wage annual: $52,430
Utah
Mean wage annual: $43,050
Vermont
Mean wage annual: $48,220
Virginia
Mean wage annual: $57,850
Washington
Mean wage annual: $45,240
West Virginia
Mean wage annual: $38,260
Wisconsin
Mean wage annual: $45,310
Wyoming
Mean wage annual: $41,330
Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not compile data on the job outlook for wedding planners specifically, the agency does predict that there will be an 11 percent increase in jobs for all meeting, convention, and event planners between 2016 and 2026—which amounts to 12,700 new jobs. The number of jobs created in this sector is largely dependent on what’s going on in the economy at any given time.
Finding a Wedding Planner Program
Just as it’s important for people to choose the right person to tie the knot with, it’s important for wedding planners to make the right choice when it comes to selecting an education program. This section provides information on how prospective wedding planners can pick the right school.
Some of the factors to consider when looking for a program include the tuition cost, how courses are delivered, and how long to complete. In addition, future wedding planners may be interested in programs that allow them to earn professional certifications. To find the right school, use the search tool below.
Professional Wedding Planner Associations & Groups
The wedding business is all about making connections, so it’s important for people in this field to participate in activities that will help them network. The following are some of the professional associations that wedding planners can join to make these vital connections.
Insurance agents should consider membership or attending the national conferences of one or more of the following organizations:
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American Association of Certified Wedding Planners
Membership benefits include networking events, job placement assistance, mentorship opportunities, access to a quarterly newsletter, and insurance. The association also provides certifications.
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Association of Bridal Consultants
Offers education courses for wedding planners.
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Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants
For over 25 years, this association has promoted high standards and professionalism among wedding consultants. To that end, the organization offers a professional certification and education events to help people in the field keep their skills sharp.
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Association of Bridal Consultants
Members can earn certifications, participate in professional development seminars and workshops, receive job placement assistance, and attend an annual conference to connect with peers. In addition, the organization offers a referral service, media relations assistance, and a magazine./p>
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Wedding International Professionals Association
Benefits for joining this organization include education programs, membership meetings, and industry resources. The association has chapters in the San Francisco Bay Area, Utah, Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Philadelphia.
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AFWPI
This group provides tools for wedding professionals.
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National Association of Wedding Professionals
Association that offers resources for wedding professionals, including individual and group insurance.
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National Association of Event Planners
This group is dedicated to promoting the success of event planners and wedding coordinators. Provides education and resources to its members.
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International Association of Professional Wedding Planners
Member benefits include a newsletter that offers practical advice to professionals, a listing in the association’s directory, and access to certifications. In addition, the organization provides discounts for books, restaurants, movie tickets, computers, flowers, and cell phones.
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Hawaii Island Wedding Association
Hawaii-based wedding planners can connect with each other at networking events, participate in a members-only Facebook group, and receive a listing in the association’s directory.
Resources for Wedding Planners
In order to keep an edge in the business, it’s important for wedding planners to always learn about trends in the industry. To help professionals keep their skills sharp, they can use resources like the ones listed below.
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AACWP Training – American Association of Certified Wedding Planners
This page describes the association’s training course for wedding planners.
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Planner’s Lounge – Resources & Community for Wedding Planners
The Planner’s Lounge is a community where wedding planners can receive information and resources to help them do their job effectively.
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Planner in Training Podcast – Conversations with Wedding and Event Professionals
In this podcast, wedding professional Fiorella Neira provides advice on management and training.
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Questions to ask Your Wedding Day Photographer – All Things Event Planning with April
This podcast episode includes tips on choosing a wedding photographer.
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Wedding Planner Collective – Resources for Wedding Planners
This site provides tools and courses to help wedding planners do their job.
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Weddings for a Living – Be a Professional Wedding Planner
Podcast has advice for wedding planners. Episodes cover topics like contracts, pricing, wedding planner niches, social media, and certifications.
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Twelve Tips for Wedding Planners – Alison Howard
Advice on how to start a wedding planning business is discussed in this video.
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Wedding Planning Tips – Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants
Includes useful information that wedding planners can apply to their company.