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Wedding planner

Wedding planners help couples organise their wedding.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends as customers demand

How to become a wedding planner

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

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
  • 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

Apprenticeship

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

Work

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.

Volunteering and experience

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.

Direct application

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

Other routes

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

More information

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:

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

You could work from home or in an office.

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

Career path and progression

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

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Events Assistant Apprentice

  • Wage : £146.25 Weekly
  • Location: Derby DE21 5DR

Events Assistant Apprenticeship

  • Wage : £6,240.00 Annually
  • Location: SL6 9BX
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning

  • Provider: Solihull College & University Centre
  • Start date: 01 September 2020
  • Location: Solihull

NCFE L2 Cert Event Planning

  • Provider: Bridgwater and Taunton College
  • Start date: 18 September 2020
  • Location: Bridgwater
Find courses near you

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