Wedding Planner

OFO No: 333201

What is a Wedding Planner?

If you like working with people, enjoy planning big parties, and are good at negotiating and networking you might consider a job as a Wedding Planner. 

Other titles for this job could be Wedding Consultant, Wedding Co-ordinator or Bridal Consultant.  Wedding Planners are event managers but specialise, usually entirely in weddings.

Besides young people, the number of older people getting married is growing.  They are usually way too busy to organise their own wedding but have the money and resources to employ someone to do it for them.  This means there is a open market for good, organised Wedding Planners.

What does a Wedding Planner do?

• takes the client’s vision and brings it into life
• suggests colours and themes
• recommends venues, bands, dj’s, florists etc
• maintains a stress-free environment around the bride
• makes sure everything is done within budget
• pays attention to details like invitation, place cards, table numbers etc
• designs floor plan for reception/ceremony
• suggests various decorating items like candles, centre pieces, gifts for guests etc
• sources tents, outdoor toilets, chair covers and other unusual items
• assists photographers, caterers, guests etc where needed
• takes care/stores of gifts
• provides emotional support
• books spa treatments, hotel accommodation and assists guests with travel arrangements
• deals with problems as they arise

Are you … ?

• a party-person?
• good with people?
• friendly?
• able to handle stress and difficult clients?
• deadline orientated?
• a good negotiator?
• budget conscious?
• extremely organised?
• fashionable?
• sensitive to different religions and customs?
• willing to keep up to date with wedding trends?
• a person who pays attention to detail?
• good with colour?

How do I become a Wedding Planner?

There are 3 ways of studying to become a Wedding Planner:

PATH 1:

To study Wedding Planning at an institution

• SA SCHOOL OF WEDDINGS: (nationwide)

Offers both part-time and full time courses in a variety of aspects of Wedding Planning.  They offer Basic and well as Advance courses too.

• COLLEGE SA
  

Offers a Diploma in Wedding Planning

PATH 2:

Study Event Management at a local institution. 

See under Event Manager or Event Co-ordinator on our website for more information.

PATH 3:

Work with a Wedding Planning to learn the ropes and collect experience. 

When you feel you have enough, you may think of branching out on your own.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Make-up Artist … or … Fashion Designer

Is becoming a Wedding Planner the right career choice for me?