Getting started in the wedding planning business might seem daunting at first, but there are several ways to get your foot in the door and headed in the right direction. Whether you are planning to work your way up through the industry or attend a training course to be certified, you will find that a good head for business and organization as well as a creative mind are important aspects of any successful wedding planner.

Online Training

Plenty of online courses are available to aspiring wedding planners. These are particularly beneficial for individuals who desire the professional training but cannot afford to quit their day job or intern with another planner. This option allows them to work at their own pace during their free time from the comfort of their home. Online courses, which can range from offering an associate certification to becoming a certified wedding planner, vary in price but tend to cost between several hundred dollars to $1,000 or more depending on the organization and what is offered. For example, the American Academy of Wedding Professionals (AAWP) has a downloadable course that includes interaction with the wedding consultant/teacher for $895, and the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants (ACPWC) offers a similar home-study course for the same price.

Continuing Education Courses

Another viable option for becoming certified in wedding planning is to check with your local colleges and/or universities to see if they offer this type of course through their continuing education program. Many upper-level institutions have this listed under business and management courses through the program. This type of training typically requires you to fulfill a certain number of course hours and varies in cost. Sitting in a classroom might not be the ideal choice for everyone desiring to become a wedding planner, but it's a great option for people who learn best through personal interaction with a teacher and information to study.

Industry Experience

There's no denying that the best way to dive into the wedding planning business is to get first-hand experience in the field. Though not practical for everyone, this might include volunteering your time or interning with a well-established planner with their business. Bridal boutiques, hotel event teams, florists, and other wedding industry vendors also provide working environments with valuable experience. Not only will you be gleaning insider information into the planning process, but you'll also be making much-needed contacts for your own future business.

Source:

ACPWC

AAWP

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