Each month we take a look at one of the 650 career pathways featured within Indigo. This month, we explore the role of a Wedding Planner.
Experienced Wedding Planner, Olivia Riddiford, shares her insight with this video career profile from the Indigo Careers module.
So what is a Wedding Planner?
Wedding planners organise ceremonies, receptions and other events to suit a client’s plans and budget. You will liaise with florists, caterers, photographers, musicians, venues and hair stylists, negotiating prices, booking and confirming with all suppliers and keeping a detailed record of costs.
You will help come up with creative ideas and themes, as well as advise the couple on wedding customs and etiquette. You will help organise transport, stag and hen weekends, wedding attire and accommodation for out-of-town guests.
After all the preparations are in place, you will also be charged with managing the running of the wedding day itself. It will be your job to make sure everything happens according to schedule and that the day is exactly what the bride and groom requested.
Hours
It is common to work 12-hour days, especially in the period leading up to the wedding. Although you can generally plan your own hours you will most likely need to meet your clients during evenings and weekends.
The busiest months for weddings are May to September. During peak wedding season you will often work at weekends, attending clients’ weddings to ensure the day runs smoothly.
Location
You could work from home or out of an office but most of your time will be spent visiting venues, suppliers and clients. A driving licence is essential.
Type of work
You will work very closely with multiple clients.
Things to consider
Rewarding
It’s rewarding when you make a bride and groom’s dream wedding come true.
High Pressured
You will be under a lot of pressure to deliver perfection.
Can specialise
You could choose to specialise in destination weddings.
Can run your own business
Most wedding planners are self-employed.
Long hours/overtime
It is common to work 12-hour days, especially in the period leading up to the wedding.
Most people have a certificate of further education and you will need previous experience/passion for the field
There are no set entry requirements for this career, however, a background in hospitality, event planning, catering or marketing will be useful, especially if you want to work for a large events company. BTECs, HNDs, Foundation degrees and degrees in events or hospitality management may help to give you a pre-entry understanding of industry processes.
An alternative way to start a career in the industry is to work your way up from an administrative position in a wedding planning or event management company then progress as your experience grows. The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners’ 2-day course may also be helpful.
Those with proof of more than 3 years’ business trading, 3 client references and a satisfactory quality inspection can become members of the National Association of Professional Wedding Services which advertises training and courses, including training in Wedding, Planning Design and Management.
Salary progression
If you work for a wedding and events planning company your starting salary is typically £17,000. With experience, this can increase to £20,000 a year. Highly experienced wedding planners can earn between £25,000–£40,000.
Top Tip
Most wedding planners are self-employed. Your success will depend on your reputation and how well you market yourself. You could choose to specialise in destination weddings or work overseas.
