Become a FabJob Guide to Wedding Planner · Become aFabJob Guide to Wedding Planner ... , more brides and grooms realize the benefits ... , a co-author of this guide, tells this story

Get paid to plan weddings!

Catherine Goulet, Jan L. Riddell, and Tag Goulet

FabJob Guide to

Become a Wedding Planner

Visit www.FabJob.com

ContentsAbout the Authors ...........................................................................9

Acknowledgements .......................................................................10

1. Introduction ..........................................................................................11

1.1 Welcome to Wedding Planning ..................................................11

1.1.1 Wedding Planning as a Profession ...................................12

1.1.2 BenefitsofThisCareer .......................................................13

1.1.3 JobTitles ...............................................................................14

1.2 InsideThisGuide .........................................................................16

2. What a Wedding Planner Does .........................................................18

2.1 Services Provided by a Wedding Planner .................................18

2.1.1 CompleteWeddingPlanningServices ............................19

FabJob Guide to Become a Wedding Planner

Copyright©2017FabJobInc. • www.fabjob.com • 2

2.1.2 Partial Wedding Planning Services ..................................20

2.1.3 Rehearsal and Wedding Day Services Only ...................22

2.2 PreliminaryStepstoPlanaWedding ........................................22

2.2.1 ConsultationwiththeBrideandGroom .........................22

2.2.2 PreparingaBudget .............................................................34

2.3 GettingOrganized ........................................................................39

2.3.1 PreparingaTime-LineSchedule ......................................39

2.3.2 PreparingChecklists ..........................................................51

2.4 PlanningtheCeremony ...............................................................63

2.4.1 Selecting the Wedding Date ..............................................65

2.4.2 Selecting the Venue ............................................................66

2.4.3 SelectingtheOfficiant ........................................................71

2.4.4 CeremonyVows,ExchangesandReadings ....................74

2.4.5 SelectingCeremonyMusic ................................................79

2.4.6 ObtainingtheMarriageLicense .......................................81

2.4.7 CeremonyRehearsal ..........................................................82

2.4.8 TheCeremonyProcessional,Recessionaland ReceivingLine .....................................................................87

2.4.9 OtherCeremonyArrangements .......................................91

2.5 PlanningtheReception ................................................................92

2.5.1 Venue Selection ...................................................................93

2.5.2 PreparingfortheReception ..............................................98

2.5.3 ReceptionActivities ..........................................................105

2.6 Working with Vendors ...............................................................109

2.6.1 Recommending Vendors .................................................111

2.6.2 ContractNegotiation ........................................................115

2.6.3 Co-ordinationwiththeVendor ......................................118

2.6.4 FollowUp ..........................................................................122



3. Developing Your Skills ....................................................................124

3.1 DoYouHaveanAptitudeforWeddingPlanning? ...............124

3.2 DevelopingYourSkillstoSucceed ..........................................127

3.2.1 InterpersonalSkills ...........................................................127

3.2.2 OrganizationalSkills ........................................................131

3.2.3 Creativity ...........................................................................135

3.3 TeachingYourselfWeddingPlanning .....................................138

3.3.1 Places to Go .......................................................................139

3.3.2 PeopletoSpeakWith .......................................................140

3.3.3 ThingstoDo ......................................................................144

3.3.4 What to Read and Watch .................................................148

3.4 EducationalPrograms ...............................................................151

3.4.1 WhattoLookFor ..............................................................152

3.4.2 CertificateProgram ..........................................................153

3.4.3 ContinuingEducationCourses ......................................154

4. Wedding Industry Jobs .....................................................................156

4.1 TypesofEmployers ....................................................................157

4.1.1 Resorts and Hotels ............................................................157

4.1.2 OtherLocations .................................................................161

4.1.3 Retailers ..............................................................................162

4.1.4 Wedding Planners ............................................................166

4.1.5 ChurchesandSynagogues ..............................................167

4.1.6 Wedding Vendors .............................................................169

4.2 FindingJobOpenings ................................................................170

4.2.1 Advertised Positions ........................................................171

4.2.2 Unadvertised Positions ....................................................172

4.2.3 HowtoCreateaJob .........................................................173



4.3 JobHuntingMaterials ...............................................................175

4.3.1 Your Resume .....................................................................175

4.3.2 CoverLetter .......................................................................177

4.4 Interviews ....................................................................................180

4.4.1 WhatEmployersAreLookingFor .................................180

4.4.2 QuestionstoExpect ..........................................................182

4.4.3 Discussing Salary ..............................................................184

5. Starting Your Own Business............................................................186

5.1 GettingStarted ............................................................................187

5.1.1 CreatingaBusinessPlan .................................................187

5.1.2 ChoosingaBusinessName .............................................196

5.1.3 ChoosingaBusinessLegalStructure .............................198

5.1.4 Taxes ...................................................................................204

5.2 SettingUpYourBusiness ..........................................................209

5.2.1 Location ..............................................................................209

5.2.2 Telephones .........................................................................212

5.2.3 EquipmentandSupplies .................................................214

5.2.4 Insurance ............................................................................217

5.3 Finances .......................................................................................220

5.3.1 Start-UpFunding ..............................................................220

5.3.2 KeepingTrackofYourMoney ........................................225

5.3.3 YourContract ....................................................................229

5.3.4 SettingYourFeesandAcceptingPayment ...................237

5.4 HiringStaff ..................................................................................246

5.4.1 Contractorsvs.Employees ..............................................247

5.4.2 Before You Hire .................................................................249

5.4.3 FindingSupportStaff .......................................................251

5.4.4 ConductingInterviews ....................................................252



5.4.5 What to Pay .......................................................................255

5.4.6 References ..........................................................................256

5.4.7 Training .............................................................................257

5.5 Join a Professional Association .................................................258

6. Marketing Your Business .................................................................262

6.1 MarketingTools ..........................................................................263

6.1.1 Your Portfolio ....................................................................263

6.1.2 PrintedMaterials ..............................................................268

6.1.3 Your Website ......................................................................274

6.1.4 SocialMedia .....................................................................279

6.2 MarketingTechniques ...............................................................283

6.2.1 Advertising ........................................................................283

6.2.2 FreeMediaPublicity ........................................................288

6.3 Networking .................................................................................292

6.3.1 NetworkingClubs ............................................................294

6.3.2 YourElevatorPitch ...........................................................296

6.4 Bridal Shows ...............................................................................299

6.5 CreativeMarketingIdeas ..........................................................302

6.6 HowtoDoaClientConsultation .............................................304

7. Conclusion ..........................................................................................311





1. Introduction

1.1 Welcome to Wedding PlanningCongratulationsonchoosingarewardingcareerasaweddingplanner!According to the United States government (www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/marriage-divorce.htm),over2.1millionmarriagesoccurredin2014. Bridesmagazinereports(www.marketwired.com/press-release/brides-american-wedding-study-2016-unveils-latest-wedding-trends-spending-habits-engaged-2149673.htmthattheirreadershipspendsanaverageof$26,522ontheweddingitself,andanother$11,830onthereception.AndTheKnotreported(www.theknot.com/content/average-wedding-cost-2015)theirreadershipspentanaverageof$32,641in2015;includingnearly$2,000onaverageperweddingontheweddingplanner!Planningweddingsofthissizeandscopetakesanenormousamountoftime,effort,andcreativity,butyoucanexpecttobewell-rewardedforyourefforts.

Weddingplannerswillwearmanydifferenthats,includingthoseoforganizer,co-ordinator,supervisor,directorandcreator.Asaweddingplanner,youwillultimatelybeassistingyourclients(thebrideandthegroom)withplanningandcreatingafabulousstress-freewedding

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/marriage-divorce.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/marriage-divorce.htm

http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/brides-american-wedding-study-2016-unveils-latest-wedding-trends-spending-habits-engaged-2149673.htm



http://www.theknot.com/content/average-wedding-cost-2015

http://www.theknot.com/content/average-wedding-cost-2015



experiencetorememberfortherestoftheirlives.Youwilldiscoverhowtogetstartedandsucceedinthisfabulousjobinthisguide,theFabJob Guide to Become a Wedding Planner.

Thischapterlaysthefoundationfortherestoftheguide.Inthepagesthatfollow,youwilllearnabouttheroleofaweddingplanner,discoverthedifferenttitlesusedinthisprofession(bridalconsultant,weddingplanner,weddingco-ordinator,etc.),readaboutthemanybenefitsofthecareer,andseethestepsyouwillneedtotaketogetstarted.

1.1.1 Wedding Planning as a ProfessionWeddingplannershavebeenaroundaslongaspeoplehavebeengettingmarried,although,inthepast,theyoftenprovidedtheirservicesforfree(withtheexceptionofplannershiredtoworkwithcelebritiesandotherwealthypeople).Inmostcases,theunpaidweddingplannerswerefriendsorfamilyofthebride.Theywereindividualswithanaturalabilityfororganizingasuccessfulevent,andwereaskedtohelpoutwithoutanyexpectationofbeingcompensatedfortheirtimeandassistance.

Weddingplanningasapaidprofessionisrelativelynew.Itis,however,agrowingprofession.Withmanycoupleslivingbusylivesawayfromtheirimmediatefamilies,morebridesandgroomsrealizethebenefitsofhiringsomeonetoco-ordinatetheirwedding.Manycouplesnowseethevaluethataweddingplannercanbringthembothintimeandmoneysaved,andinbeingabletoexperienceastress-freeweddingday.

CatherineGoulet,aco-authorofthisguide,tellsthisstoryaboutherfirstexperiencewithaweddingplanner:

Anumberofyearsago,myhusbandandIwereinvitedtoaweddingoutoftown.Thebrideandgroombothlivedinthesamecityaswedid,buthaddecidedtogetmarriedinthecitythebridehadgrownupin,afewhundredmilesaway.

Wearrivedattheweddinglocation(aluxurioushoteloverlookingthewaterfront)theeveningbeforethewedding,shortlybeforetherehearsalwastobegin.Wemetupwiththebrideandgroomandtheirnumerousguestswhohadalsoarrivedtoparticipate



inthefestivitiesthatnight.Thebrideandgroomlookedradiantandrelaxedwithoutahintofstressaboutthem.Thissurprisedme because I had been to so many weddings and seen how disorganizedandstressedthebrideandgroomcouldbetheevening before their wedding.

I also knew firsthand how much work was involved with planningawedding,andhowmanylast-minutedetailsstillneededtobehandledrightupuntilthewedding.

WhileIwascontemplatingtherelaxedstateofmindofthebrideandgroom,Inoticedawomanwalkinwhograciouslytookcontroloftheroom,handedoutitinerariesandlinedupalltheparticipantstobegintherehearsal.Thenitallmadesense.Thiswomanwasaprofessionalweddingplannerwhohadbeenhiredtoorganize,co-ordinate,directandcreateafabulousstress-freeweddingexperienceforthebrideandgroom.Theweddingplannerworkedmagicasshehandledallthelastminutedetailsandensuredthateveryoneknewtheplanforthefollowingday. Iwasimpressed,andthebrideandgroomwerehappyandatease.

Afterthewedding,Imetupwiththeweddingplannerandaskedheraboutherfabulousjob.Sheexuberantlytoldmethatshehadoneofthemostrewardingcareersintheworld.Notonlydidtheweddingplannergettoproduce,co-ordinateanddirectaspecialevent(awedding)butshealsogottousehercreativeskills,herpeopleskillsandwitnessfirsthandthelovebetweentwopeople.Wow!ThatiswhatIcalla“fab”job!

1.1.2 BenefitsofThisCareerAsthestoryaboveillustrates,asaweddingplanneryouwillenjoyacareerwithtremendousbenefits.Theyinclude:

Rewarding WorkYouwillhaveanopportunitytodoworkthatisfunandinteresting. Acareerinweddingplanningalsooffersplentyofvariety.Chancesarenotwoweddingsyouworkonwillbeexactlythesame,andeachonewillgiveyouanopportunitytolearnandgrow.



PersonalFulfillmentWorkingasaweddingplannerallowsyoutouseyourcreativityandothertalents.Thiscareeralsoallowsyoutoseetheresultsofyourefforts,andhavethesatisfactionofmakingyourvisionareality.

PeopleAsaweddingplanneryouwillmeetandinteractwithavarietyofpeople.Youwillsupportandassistthebrideandgroom,makingtheirliveseasier,andyourworkcanhelppeopletoexperienceevenmorejoyon a joyous occasion.

Growth IndustryTheweddingbusinessisa$40billionayearindustry.FaithPopcorn,anexpertinconsumertrends,notedbackin2000that,“Timeisthenewmoney:peoplewouldratherspendmoneythantime.”Thistrendisstillstrongtoday.Ratherthandoingitthemselves,morecouplesarehiringweddingplannerstoplantheirspecialday.

IncomeAsaweddingplanner,youcancertainlyearnacomfortableliving.Manyweddingplannerschargetheirfeesasapercentage(15-20%)ofthetotalcostofthewedding.Asthecostofweddingsgoesup,sodoestheweddingplanner’spotentialincome.Experiencedweddingplannerswhoworkwithwealthyclientsmayearnover$100,000peryear.

FreedomIfyoustartyourownweddingplanningbusiness,youwillenjoythefreedomofbeingyourownboss.Youcanturndownworkyoudon’twantandtaketimeoffwhenyouwantto.

1.1.3 JobTitlesWedding Planneristhemostpopulartermtodescribepeopleinthisprofession(thankstothe2001movieThe Wedding Planner,starringJenniferLopez,whichbroughtthisfabulousprofessiontotheforefront).



However,thereareactuallyavarietyoftitlesusedtodescribepeoplehiredtoplanweddings.Youmayhearanyoftheseasyouembarkuponyournewcareer,soit’sgoodtobeawareofthemandunderstandwhatpeoplemaybereferringto.Anyofthefollowingjobtitlesmaybeusedtorefertosomeonewhoplansweddings,althoughsomeofthetermsmayalsohaveothermeanings:

Bridal ConsultantMostbridalconsultantsareweddingplannerswhoassistwithallaspectsofthewedding.Thistitleisalsousedtorefertopeoplewhoworkinretailstoressuchasbridalshops,andspecializeinworkingwith brides.

Wedding Co-ordinatorTheterm“weddingco-ordinator”issometimesusedinterchangeablywith“weddingplanner.”However,someweddingco-ordinatorsareinvolvedonlyinco-ordinatingtheweddingceremony.

Wedding ConsultantThe term“weddingconsultant” refers to someonewhoownsaweddingplanningbusiness.Aweddingconsultantmayplantheentirewedding,orsimplygiveadvicetocoupleswhowanttoplantheirownweddings.

Wedding DirectorThisexpressionissometimesusedinthesouthernU.S.foraweddingco-ordinatorwhoisinvolvedonlywiththeweddingceremony.

Wedding PlannerAweddingplannerassistsinplanningandorganizinganyorallaspectsofaweddingceremonyandreception.Thenextchapterofthisguidecoversthespecificdutiesofaweddingplanner.

Whilethesetitlesmaybeusedbypeoplewhohavetheirownweddingplanningbusinesses,theymayalsobeusedtodescribepeoplewhoworkatpart-timeorfull-timejobsintheweddingindustry. Forexample,someonewhoworksforahotelorresortandspends



most of their time booking facilities for weddings may be called a “weddingco-ordinator.”

Youmayoccasionallyhearothertitlessuchas“weddingspecialist”or“weddingprofessional”usedtodescribepeoplewhoareweddingplannersorwhoworkintheweddingindustry.

Inthisguide,exceptwherenoted,weusethetermwedding planner to refertoanycareerthatinvolvesworkingwithabrideandgroomtohelpthemarrangeanyaspectoftheirweddingceremonyandreception.

1.2 InsideThisGuideTheFabJob Guide to Become a Wedding Planner is arranged to take you inastep-by-stepmannerthroughgettingstartedandsucceedingasaweddingplanner.Thesesteps,andthechapterstheyappearin,areasfollows:

Chapter2,What a Wedding Planner Does,explainsthedifferentservicesweddingplannersprovideandcovershowtoplanawedding.Inthischapteryouwilllearnhowtoprepareabudgetandtime-lineschedule,findhelpfulchecklists,andlearnhowtoplanaceremonyandweddingreception.Youwillalsofindvaluableadviceonworkingwithvendors—companiesthatsupplytheproductsandservicesyouwillneedtoco-ordinateforthewedding.

Onceyouknowwhatthejobinvolves,Chapter3willgiveyouhelpfulinformation on Developing Your Skills so you can succeed in this career. Youwill findresources forenhancingyour interpersonalskills,organizationalability,andcreativity.Thischapteralsocoversthebestresourcesforlearningweddingplanning,andexplainshowtogetexperience.

Chapter4focusesonWedding Industry Jobs. You will discover who hires weddingplanners,bridalconsultantsandweddingco-ordinators,howtofindoutaboutjobopenings,howtoprepareaneffectiveresumeandcoverletter,andhowtodowellinaninterview.Youwillevendiscoverhowtocreateyourownjob!



If you would like to Start Your Own Business,youwillfindgoodadviceinChapter5.Hereyouwillfindpracticalinformationsuchasthebestresourcesforsettingupyourbusiness.Youwillalsolearnvitalinformationsuchashowtosetyourfees,executecontractswithclients,andhirehelpwhenyouneedit.

Chapter6isallaboutmarketingyourservicesandattractingclients,withguidanceonconstructingyourportfolioandwebsite,gettingthewordouttothepublic,andavarietyofotherideastogetyourbuddingbusinessoffthegroundanddevelopovertime.

Whenyou’refinishedwiththisguideyouwillknowwhatsteptotakenextandwheretogofromthere.Byapplyingwhatyoulearnhere,it’sjustamatteroftimebeforeyou’llbewhereyouwanttobe…inanexcitingcareerasaWeddingPlanner!

You have reached the end of the free sample of the FabJob Guide to Become a Wedding Planner.Toorderanddownloadthecompleteguide go to https://fabjob.com/program/become-wedding-planner/.

https://fabjob.com/program/become-wedding-planner/

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Become a FabJob Guide to Wedding Planner · Become aFabJob Guide to Wedding Planner ... , more brides and grooms realize the benefits ... , a co-author of this guide, tells this story