Being part of someone’s special day is an honour, so how would it feel if you were responsible for planning the joyous occasion? If you are a romantic at heart, adore weddings, and have exceptional organisational skills, then a career as a wedding planner could be for you! Wedding planner jobs are always in demand, such is their importance to the wedding industry.
Planning an occasion of this magnitude takes plenty of time and hard work, which is something that engaged couples would rather avoid. Instead, many choose to hire wedding planners to help them create the best day of their lives.
If you are interested in pursuing wedding coordinator jobs, continue reading. We will explain the roles of a wedding planner and how you can kick-start a new career in the industry.
How Much Does a Wedding Cost?
The wedding industry in the UK is worth around £14billion per year. It is a huge market that is particularly busy during the spring and summer months. The cost of an individual wedding can differ as it is entirely dependent on the couple’s budget.
Some splash the cash on an extravagant and luxurious celebration with hundreds of guests, whereas others prefer smaller, intimate ceremonies with a few close friends and family. On average, a wedding costs more than £20,000.
Is a Wedding Planner Worth It?
Some people prefer to plan their own weddings, but there is no denying that it can be a stressful process. To avoid having to deal with this stress, many people hire a professional. Instantly, you will alleviate the pressure and anxiety, and you will also be able to offer expert advice.
By hiring a professional and experienced wedding planner, couples benefit from the expertise of someone who knows how to ensure that the day runs as smoothly as possible.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Wedding Planner
If you are considering a career in the wedding industry, you will probably be asking yourself ‘what does a wedding planner do?’. Well, wedding coordinator jobs consist of a range of tasks and responsibilities. Essentially, you will be organising the structure of the day and the finishing touches.
You require expert organisational skills as well as the ability to make quick decisions should unexpected obstacles arise. The first thing you need to do is sit down with your new client and discuss all of their ideas. You will need to ask about the following:
- Date
- Venue
- Theme
- Guestlist
- Caterers
- Photographers
- Florists
While the list above is important, arguably the most crucial part of the process is learning how much your client has to spend. Part of wedding planner jobs is being able to create the clients’ vision while staying within budget.
Through our wedding planner course, you will swiftly realise that no two weddings are ever the same. Some clients want an extravagant event with a huge guestlist, while others favour an intimate affair with a few friends and family members. Remember, you may meet clients that want to marry abroad, which brings with it logistical challenges.
It is up to you as their wedding planner to create the wedding of their dreams, so get as much information as possible! Deadlines are a significant part of the wedding planning process because any delays could throw the entire day off course. You need to be a natural problem solver and have a strong work ethic to succeed in wedding planner jobs.
How Early Should You Get a Wedding Planner?
Given how much goes in to planning a wedding, couples should get in touch with a wedding planner approximately 12-18 months before the date. The quicker you get a wedding planner involved, the sooner you can book your dream venue and get the essentials organised.
How to Be a Wedding Planner
To be eligible for wedding planner jobs or wedding coordinator jobs, you don’t necessarily require a qualification but having one will make you stand out in a pool of candidates. Whether you are working for a wedding planning business or as a self-employed professional, clients are more likely to hire you if you have expert knowledge and experience.
If you are starting out in the business and have not yet planned a wedding professionally, then undertaking a wedding planner course will put you in a favourable position. With Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you can study for a Wedding Planner and Events Management Diploma.
This online wedding planner course will provide you with the knowledge you need to perform in the role, as well as how to deal with various scenarios, such as overseas weddings. This regulated wedding planner course also covers the principles of event management, which is a useful unit should you decide to eventually embark on other event roles.
This wedding planner course is made up of 12 units, and you will begin with the following:
- The Wedding Planner Role
- Church Weddings, Civil Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships
- Preparing a Wedding Overseas
- Preparing a Themed Wedding
- Planning of Goods and Services Required
- Setting up a Home Based Wedding Planning Business
Once the above units have been completed, you will work through the following:
- Getting to Know Your Employees
- An Overview of Event Management
- Planning in Event Management
- Human Relations
- Catering and Food Services
- A Career in the Field of Event Management
As mentioned, this wedding planner course incorporates events management, giving you another strand to potentially pursue. However, if you want to focus solely on the wedding industry, then studying for a Wedding Planner Diploma is ideal.
Benefits of Learning Online
If you’re looking to be in a strong position to apply for wedding planner jobs, then enrolling on courses through Stonebridge Associated Colleges will help. The wedding planner courses mentioned are delivered online and you will not have to pass an exam to achieve your qualification. The units are assessed through a series of assignments, which are completed online.
There are many reasons why studying online is beneficial, including the following:
- Study at your own pace
- No exams
- No classrooms
- Study around your existing commitments
- Learn wherever you want – only a computer/laptop and stable internet connection is needed
You will receive tutor support during your wedding planner course and once you have successfully completed it, you can either apply for wedding planner jobs or set up your own self-employed business.
Get Started!
Now that you have the answers to your question of ‘what does a wedding planner do?’ you can pursue your new career! To find out more information about our wedding planner courses, speak to one of our Course Executives on 0121 392 8288. Or you can reach us online today to get the process started.
