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TRANSCRIPT
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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FabJob Guide to Become a Wedding Planner
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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
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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
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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.
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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).
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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
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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!
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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/.