If you’re not ready to start your own wedding planning business or you feel like you rather not take on the responsibilities of running a business, here’s where you can find a wedding planner job.
Question
I am currently taking a wedding planner course online. My goal is to work for a business, rather than have my own business. I would feel more comfortable being part of a team rather than being on my own. My question is where do I start to look for a career like this around my area?
Answer
Owning a business isn’t for everyone and successful wedding and event businesses need great, hard-working planners on their teams so there are jobs available.
First, decide what your ideal job would look like. Part time? Full time? Working in a small to mid-sized team of wedding professionals? Or, working in a large company or corporation that offers, among many things, the services of wedding and event planners, such as a hotel or another type of venue?
Then do some research and check out these 7 places to find job opportunities:
1) Your wedding planner school
Successful alumni may reach out to to your school for referrals to new planners. Contact them to find out if they have a referral program for jobs.
2) Wedding and event planner associations
Considering joining an association so you can develop relationships with others in the industry. Attend local chapter events on a regular basis to meet and network with successful professionals who can hire you and/or refer you to someone who can.
3) Venues
Hotels, country clubs and event venues often have small teams of wedding and event planners who plan events for their customers.
4) Local High-End Wedding and Event Planners
Talk to recent brides, check local editions of bridal magazines, attend bridal shows and search wedding blogs and Facebook pages for the busiest, most successful wedding planners in your area. Learn more about their businesses and, if you feel you would be a good fit, contact them and find out if they might be interested in your skills.
5) Other types of wedding vendors
High-end caterers and florists often have planners on staff to help them, so do some research into these businesses in your area and see who might be in need of you expertise.
6) Wedding planner job websites
Do a Google search for websites that list job openings for wedding and event planners. Be cautious if a site asks for money to find you a job.
7) Networking
The best jobs often come from referrals from people you know. Make sure your friends and family know that you want a job as a wedding planner.
Employers want planners who have education and experience. If your experience is limited, offer to plan events for free for family and friends. These experiences will not only help you add to your portfolio, they’ll also help you develop a list of people who can give you glowing references.
And if you have a pressing question about starting or running your wedding planning business, you can send me an email at [email protected]. I will answer them on this blog or in my ezine, “Wedding Planner Tips,” which you can subscribe to here.
