Wannabe Wedding Planner!

ArielleSolkovica

Hello! I wasn't sure where else to post this particular kind of message on the boards, so I hope the chit chat section will suffice! If it doesn't... I won't be upset if the mods decide to move it elsewhere...

Anyway, I a 25-year-old wannabe-wedding-planner. I've helped some friends out with their weddings before, but haven't entirely planned a wedding solo. As I try to break into this business, I'm thinking of taking a college course specifically designed for wedding and event planners/coordinators. (Preferably online classes, but doesn't have to be!) I just pretty much work almost full time as a waitress, and classes at home might be more realistic, especially since I am sharing a car with someone who ALSO works full time and is going to school. EEP!

My main question that I have is, since I have somewhat minimal experience, is the college class to get the degree in certified event planning worth it? I would think it would be... but I am trying to get some other opinions. The event planning institute has online classes, but I was thinking of the online class for Western MI University for event planning, since that is a more well-renowned college (in my area specifically.) I thought about heading over to an actual event planning studio and trying to question the event planners on the best way to go about this, but I don't think that would be very polite. Their website states that they take questions by appointment only, and I don't really want to shell out my savings on an appointment when I just have questions about going to school.

Any advice or input you have is appreciated! I just really hope that I can manage to break into this business effectively!

Thank you!!! And I wish you all luck in planning weddings or whatever else it is you are here for!

mrsmorales2be

I would think classes in business/management, etc would be more helpful than just event planning.  You'll need to learn about contracts, financial issues, personnel issues, things like that.

mrsmorales2be

Talking to a career counselor or an advisor at your school of choice would point you in the right direction.

HisGirlFriday13

I agree that business classes are going to be the most useful, as well as classes in negotiation and professional interactions, management, dispute resolution, etc.

Also, I would not have hired someone with no experience. My DOC was a friend who's actually done event planning as a job.

See if you can work with an established company before branching out on your own.

JennyColada

Try looking at other popular event planner's websites and look at their About Me sections to see what THEIR qualifications are. Then model your own route after theirs.

JaxInBlue

I agree with PPs - business classes, personnel management/HR classes and trying to get yourself some experience working with an established company are all necessary.  If you volunteer with any organizations that hold big events, I'd get on the event committees, volunteer to be the contact person for vendors, and become one of the people that works the event.

And when you approach other event planners, I would call or email to ask about informational interviews, rather than "questioning" them.  Focus your questions on their training, how they moved through the ranks to operate their own companies, and what skills and attributes they see as necessary to the position.  If you can make off season inquiries (ie: see if a wedding planner might talk to you in November or March - a month not considered prime business time), and present yourself as curious (not competition), you may find people willing to provide more information.

Rebl90

HisGirlFriday13 said:

I agree that business classes are going to be the most useful, as well as classes in negotiation and professional interactions, management, dispute resolution, etc. Also, I would not have hired someone with no experience. My DOC was a friend who's actually done event planning as a job. See if you can work with an established company before branching out on your own.

My DOC interned with a very successful event planner while she was still in college and the experience she gained led her to establishing her own business fairly easily and helped her create an amazing portfolio.  I would start looking for internships now and take business classes as well. 

larrygaga

Yeah, business classes would be better. A class or two in event planning would be nice, but I think you could read a few books and learn through experience. Fincianal and legal stuff isn't as easy to learn.