You may consider yourself a party planner extraordinaire, creating lavish celebrations on shoestring budgets. As a result, you might be wondering whether a career in wedding planning is right for you. There are certain fundamental things you should consider before branching out into this particular business. If you do a little research and planning ahead of time, you can avoid costly mistakes later on.
The Role of a Wedding Planner To begin with, it is highly important that you understand the true role of a wedding planner. According to the African Wedding Guide, the role of a wedding consultant is multi-faceted. It involves serving as a facilitator, mediator, money manager, and a dream maker. At times, you might even have to act as a quasi-therapist for your nervous clients.
Skills Required There are certain skills that are essential to the job of a wedding planner. For instance, he or she must be able to present a calm demeanor at ALL times (even when the minister is an hour late!) As a wedding planner, you’ll be faced with your share of challenges, and it is important that you maintain cool composure under fire. It is also important that you enjoy working with people, because that will be your ultimate responsibility. In addition, you must be able to serve as a good spokesperson. In essence, you will represent the interests of the bride and the groom. It also helps to be an effective negotiator, so that you can get the best possible product at the lowest possible price.
You should be skillful at organization. You’ll have to handle a number of details, from the arrangement of flowers to paying the wedding band. Therefore, you must be able to effectively multi-task. Moreover, you’ll be operating your own business, so you need to have some understanding of the laws which govern your enterprise. It also helps to have superb decorating skills, since you may be decorating both the church or other wedding venue and the reception hall. A general knowledge of wedding reception etiquette may also come in handy, as you are the one the couple will come to with questions. Still, recognize the fact that, even if your skills are not up to par now, they can be improved over time.
Ways to Learn: Certification and Apprenticeship
There are steps you can take to speed up your learning process. First, there are companies that offer certification for wedding planners and consultants. These certification courses typically include course materials, tests and quizzes, and regular checking in with the main office. Second, you can approach wedding planners and wedding package companies for volunteer or apprenticeship opportunities. When doing this, keep in mind, these individuals are in business to provide a great service and to make money. If they sense that you only want to work with them to learn how they do what they do, and then leave, it is unlikely that they will be interested in working with you. Most business owners will want to train and invest time in someone who will be around for some time to help them grow their company.
Whether you decide to teach yourself, or, participate in a wedding planner course, know that there is training involved, and, once you have educated yourself, you have a wonderful and rewarding career ahead of you.
Article by:
Michelle O’Connor,
San Diego Weddings
