Wedding Planning Job Description And Requirements

Wedding planning is a career choice that is perfect for the multitasking individual. There are many aspects to this deceptively simple job and they include a variety of duties and very close attention to timing and detail. Positions in this field hold large amounts of responsibility and give individuals the satisfaction of creating delightful events and a lifetime of memories for satisfied clients.

While a college degree is not necessary to work in this type of position, taking classes in hospitality management and joining event planning and catering organizations will help you network and gain exposure to the newest trends in foods, wines, flower arrangements and other vital aspects of the job. Reading and researching the different types of wedding ceremonies and receptions will give materials to refer to when necessary.

Contacts are necessary to effectively plan a grand affair. Listings of ministers, officiants, florists, musicians, bakeries, catering companies, and more are needed to get the best price and achieve the vision of the engaged couple. Themes among brides vary so it is important to always to be observant with an open mind whenever you come across a prospective vendor and/or venue.

A knowledge of the city you work in and the venues available is also critical. A directory of churches, maps showing the distances between ceremonies and reception areas, and updates on traffic patterns and road construction will all assist in performing your job to the maximum. The use of unusual reception and ceremony settings at parks, museums, historic landmarks and beaches may begin new and exciting trends.

Delegate those tasks which you are not comfortable handling to more qualified personnel. If in search of a terrific band, enlist the help of more musical colleagues or friends. If gourmet food items are out of your area of expertise, ask a chef or catering director for assistance. The more you work with these types of music and foods, the more comfortable you will become handling the details on your own in the future.

People skills are also extremely important to individuals who work this type of job. Soothing a hysterical bride, pacifying a prospective mother-in-law and dealing with last minute cancellations and no-shows are all tasks to be expected during the course of an average wedding. The ability to stay calm and in control is priceless during the execution of a lavish wedding.

A can-do attitude will also prepare you for this type of work. Going the extra mile by researching all venues and vendors involved and getting the best discounts and pricing available for your client will put your name out there as the professional to use. Ending each assignment with a small gift and a personal letter wishing the new couple the best will outshine the competition.

You know you are right for the job when the ceremony is over, the food has been served, the cake cut and the bride and groom are floating in each others' arms. The enormous sense of accomplishment and the feeling of having played a large part in the success of this marriage will give you satisfaction like no other. And then on to the next wedding planning project.


Wedding Planning As A Career

Wedding planning is a wonderful service to provide to potential brides, grooms and their families. It is an opportunity to create a wonderful event and special memories of the ever-important wedding day. The ability to handle a variety of tasks and deal with many personality types is essential to working in this type of business.

This is one career which can be realized without a college degree. Classes in business and hospitality management are of great assistance as well as belonging to professional organizations such as the National Association of Catering Directors (NACE)and other event planning clubs. Networking with individuals in similar and complementing businesses will provide you with new ideas, contacts and potential business opportunities.

Sometimes it is not what you know but who you know when working in a position such as this. A knowledge of caterers, florists, limousine services, linen experts, officiants and bakeries is essential to provide the services to complete the vision your bride desires. Keeping a close eye on the competition will also keep you in the know as far as trends, pricing and current themes.

You must also be very familiar with the area in which you work. Matching ceremonies to nearby reception areas will be part of your responsibility- you do not want them to be too far apart. A knowledge of traffic patterns, potential delays and alternative routes is also helpful in smoothing the ride from one venue to the next.

A wedding planner cannot possibly know all the ins and outs of the business so it is necessary to rely on other specialists to achieve the ultimate event. Ask for or hire help in areas that you know little about - for example, if you are lacking in knowledge of French cuisine and your bride insists on it, use the knowledge of a chef in a French restaurant or a catering director that is familiar with this type of ethnic food. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance when necessary - your confidence and knowledge will grow the longer you work in the industry.

People skills are essential in planning these once-in-a-lifetime events. Stress levels are usually very high and it is your job to ensure that everyone stays calm and the function goes as planned. Last minute emergencies are to be expected and the more professional and calm you appear, the more efficient everything will be.

An over-the-top attitude is an extra plus if you decide on this profession. The willingness to work late hours, deal with unexpected appointments and get your hands dirty if needed will make you look like a star. Keeping a smile on your face through all the trials and tribulations of planning such an extensive event is sure to get potential work from newly engaged couples.

Wedding planning is not for everyone. The multitude of skills needed, the odd hours to be worked and the variety of people to deal with may appeal to some but not all potential planners. It is a commitment and those who can prove themselves in this field can be very successful and responsible for some wonderful, lasting memories.


Choosing A Career In Wedding Planning

Wedding planning is an intriguing and highly specialized position. It requires high levels of stamina, multitasking skills and great attention to detail. Flexibility in schedules and short travel excursions are also needed to be successful in this field.

While a college degree is not necessary to be a wedding planner or consultant, there are still many other vital skills needed. The ability to handle stress, change plans at the last minute, be on call 24/7 and arrive punctually at appointments and fittings as needed is crucial in executing a spectacular and memorable event. Taking online or on-campus classes in business, marketing and hospitality are also recommended.

The number one asset anyone working in this field needs is contacts. Knowing who the most popular florist is, which bakery makes the best cakes and who has the best discounts on limos will make your job so much easier. Learning which local businesses are reliable and reasonable is also vital in keeping both costs and mistakes to a minimum.

You must also be knowledgeable of the city in which you work and what it has to offer. Familiarity with reception and ceremony venues, traffic flow, city ordinances on outdoor affairs and current pricing levels will make your job so much more efficient. Studying local bridal magazines and reading the bridal announcements in the Sunday paper will assist in learning what the current local trends and hot spots are.

Depend on area expertise for topics you are deficient in. You may have an ethnic wedding to handle - for example, a Greek bride may want traditional Greek foods at her event. Visit a Greek restaurant, talk to the Chef and read up on Greek culture and customs to help your client achieve her ultimate reception vision.

Knowing how to deal with different personalities and family members will also smooth your path. This is not a job for introverts or the timid - wedding planners must know how to put themselves out there and be able to lead discussions and negotiations, sooth ruffled feathers and solve disputes and arguments. Last-minute "cold feet" by the bride or groom is also common and knowing how to reassure the wavering individual requires tact, skill and understanding.

A can-do attitude is also a requirement. Working odd hours, visiting unusual locations, dealing with hostile or difficult vendors and working for a wide variety of personalities may be highly stressful but being a person who can always work with a smile on her face will make you highly recommendable to other potential brides. Following up a successful event with a small token and a congratulatory card will make you shine.

Wedding planning can be a fun and exciting career but it does come with high professional and personal demands. This position is right for you if you like to please people, are a great multitasker and are flexible with time and travel. As weddings become more involved and detailed, these positions will be more and more in demand and you will be the person to call on.



