Every detail was done and your wedding went off without a hitch. You had no idea you loved this industry so much. There’s no reason to leave behind the flowers, musicians, vendors, food and dresses. Make it your living. Working as a wedding planner can be very exciting, as you get to help a couple make important decisions about the most important day of their lives. The actual planning is only part of the business, though. You have to market yourself well so you can bring the clients in. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 2,118,000 couples got married in 2011. Marriage is a big business, and with the proper marketing plan, your piece of the action can become a satisfying career and business.
Amazing Credentials
There are two types of wedding planners who are looking for clients: newbies who are just getting started, and established planners who are trying to grow their business. For both of those groups, becoming a certified wedding planner can help boost a resume and develop a network of clients. Along with credibility, certification instills confidence in prospective clients so you can gain a competitive edge. Schools like Penn Foster, for example, provide certification through The Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). ABC allows you to network with other industry professionals and provides career support to smart students who seek it. In addition, wedding planners can make up to $100,000 per year or more in major metropolitan cities, according to theweddingplannerbook.com, so you may want to consider tapping into cities like New York City or Los Angeles to build a solid client base and collect your share of a growing market.
Connecting With Vendors and Clients
One of the main things you’ll need to do as a wedding planner is connect with clients who need you. A free website from providers like Weebly can work, but you may want to consider purchasing your own domain name. You’ll get better search engine placement and exposure that way, and clients will take what you offer more seriously. Exposure is key, so running ads on popular wedding sites like The Knot can also help you bring in clients.
Finding the right vendors can be more difficult, because it takes time to establish relationships. Fortunately, there are bridal shows and other venues where you can reach out and connect. Reading marketing material on wedding sites can help you find the best vendors in your local area.
Light-Hearted Attitude
Clients looking for a wedding planner need a reason to choose you, so you have to set yourself apart from the competition. You can do that in a variety of ways, but you should focus on being professional and fun. Weddings aren’t meant to be somber occasions, so make sure you’re lighthearted when it counts. Additionally, you can set yourself apart with a catchy slogan or logo, or by offering theme or niche wedding opportunities. Just make sure you strike the right balance between fun and professional, so clients feel confident in your services.
