Wedding planner

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
• Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Event Management

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route but it may help you to get in if you have:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could do an advanced apprenticeship as an events assistant.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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

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

Do-it has information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

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

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

Career tips

Many wedding planners have their own blog or website to showcase their work, personality and style.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a wedding planner from:

• UK Alliance of Wedding Planners
• National Association of Professional Wedding Services
• Wedding Planners Guild UK

You'll need:

• 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
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You day-to-day duties may include:

• meeting couples to discuss their requirements and budget
• coming up with creative ideas and themes
• advising on wedding customs and etiquette
• preparing proposals and quotations for the work
• agreeing prices with suppliers like florists, photographers, caterers and venues
• making sure costs stay within budget
• being at the venue on the day of the wedding to make sure everything goes to plan
• researching new products, services and suppliers

You could work from home or in an office.

Your working environment may be you'll travel often and emotionally demanding.