Wedding planner

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by private training organisations

Entry requirements:

College

You can take qualifications in a related area that will teach you some of the skills you'll need. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning
• Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality

Entry requirements:

• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

Apprenticeship

You could do an advanced apprenticeship as an events assistant.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an administrator or assistant for an events management company and work your way up, or work at a wedding venue as an in-house wedding co-ordinator.

Volunteering

You could get some work experience with a wedding planner, or organise events like fun days, charity balls or fashion shows for local organisations.

Do It has information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly if you've got experience and skills from organising your own wedding, or the weddings of family and friends. Experience from other jobs would also be useful, including:

• event management
• hospitality and catering
• project management
• marketing
• public relations

OtherRoutes

You may find it useful to take a short course in wedding planning. These are offered by several private training organisations.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• administration skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• a desire to help people
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of media production and communication
• maths skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Wedding planners help couples organise their wedding.

In this role you could:

• meet couples to discuss their requirements and budget
• come up with creative ideas and themes
• advise on wedding customs and etiquette
• prepare proposals and quotations for the work
• agree prices with suppliers like florists, photographers, caterers and venues
• make sure costs stay within budget
• attend the venue on the day of the wedding to make sure everything goes to plan
• research new products, services and suppliers
• market your wedding planning service online

Location : You could work from home or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be you'll travel often and emotionally demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £29,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends as customers demand

Career Path:

You could set up your own wedding planning consultancy or events management company.