Here Comes the...Wedding Planner

Are you thinking of starting your own business? If you like to work with people, enjoy planning big parties, and are good at negotiating and networking you might consider becoming a wedding planner (also known as a wedding consultant or bridal consultant). Even though not as many people are getting married, according to various statistical sources, those who are getting married are older. That means, that generally they are more established and therefore have more money to spend on that special day. It also means they are so busy with work, they probably don't have time to spend planning a wedding. That's where a wedding consultant comes in.

What Does a Wedding Planner Do?

From African Wedding Guide: "...the role of the wedding consultant is that of a facilitator, mediator, money manager, artisan and constructor of dreams." However, if you've ever been a bride, a groom, or even a bridesmaid, you also know the kind of stress involved with planning a wedding. Add to the above description, therapist, sounding board, mediator, and even punching bag, figuratively of course, when frazzled nerves come into play.

Required Skills

A wedding planner must be able to remain calm in the face of adversity. Of course, he or she must be personable and, as mentioned earlier, a good negotiator. You are the mouthpiece for the bride and groom when it comes to ordering flowers, hiring a band and photographer, finding a caterer, etc. You must be able to get them the best service for the lowest price -- your reputation will depend on it. Networking is also important. Establishing good connections will help ensure that you get good deals. That's not all. Running your own business, as well as handling someone else's money, requires that you be adept at handling finances. You must also be very well organized.

A wedding planner must have a good fashion sense. He or she should know about color, music, and flowers. A good knowledge of religions is also imperative, since a wedding ceremony is often a religious one. Related to this, is a knowledge of customs and traditions, which are also part of many wedding ceremonies. Plan to spend a lot of time reading the current bridal magazines, of which there are many, to keep up with the latest trends.

Earnings and Startup Costs

An article on Entrepreneur.com reports that "preparation-planning fees, which include everything except wedding day coordination, usually range between $2,000 and $4,500, depending on whether your business is in a rural or metropolitan area. Full production coordination, which includes everything from early planning and budgeting to wedding day activity coordination, will cost an additional $1,500 to $3,000 on average" (How to Become a Wedding Consultant).

According to an article on iVillage.com startup costs for a wedding planning business may be about $2,500 or more. This covers licensing fees, office equipment and supplies, marketing materials, clothing and fees for training and conferences (Hot Home Business: Wedding Planner).

Should You Become a Wedding Planner? Take a Quiz to Find Out.

More
Part 2: Resources