With Engagement Season just around the corner, I’m getting questions from many of you who want to quickly start a wedding planning business so I’m answering one today.
Question
I love weddings and know I would be great at helping brides plan them. What should I do first? Get my wedding planner certificate or start my business? I want to do something right away.
Answer
You don’t need a certificate or degree in wedding planning to begin working as a wedding planner. However, if you have little knowledge and/or experience planning weddings, you could benefit by spending some time studying wedding planning first.
But, be thoughtful about the certificate or degree course you select. Don’t be in such a hurry that you just pick the first course that comes up on your Internet search or the one you can finish in the shortest amount of time because you think it will make you successful quickly. Instead, think about what you need to know about planning weddings and running a wedding planning business then research to find the course that could teach you those things.
Also find out the type of support the school can give you during and after you complete their program. They should be available to answer your questions and provide insights into how you can get some experience (which you must have) and start your business after you obtain your certificate. Some courses also offer you a limited membership in a wedding and event planner association that can help you meet other wedding professionals and your vendor network.
Beware of courses that are low cost and offer done-for-you websites or advertising opportunities to graduates. These opportunities may not be in your best interest so think before you invest.
If you already have wedding planning skills and experience, go ahead and start your business. Begin by creating a business and marketing plan that details what you want your business to look like, the type of brides you want to work with, the services you’ll offer to them and how you are going to market those services. Then put your plan into action.
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.
