5 answers
6
Updated 357 views

What’s the best way to start gaining hands-on experience in wedding and event planning while I’m still in college ?

Advice about hands on experience

college spring25 event-planning wedding-planner
Answer This
6

5 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jessica’s Answer

Internships are a great way to gain experience. Depending on where you are located, working for a catering company on weekends or during the week can also be great experience to see all the different elements of events and how they work together:
- Venue
- Decor
- Rentals
- Lighting
- Entertainment
- Food & Beverage

Attention to detail and figuring out how all of the pieces fit together is essential to event planning!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Barbara’s Answer

It's essential to have an internship under your belt. I suggest you reach out to the top 25 meeting companies here: https://cdn.base.parameter1.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/document/2024/09/CMI_25__2024_Top_Corporate_Meeting___Incentive_Companies.66ec8ed717f45.pdf
Other sources are Special Events: https://www.specialevents.com/
If there are chapter meetings for any of the industry associations in your area, attend those and network. Most associations allow students to attend at no fee: International Special Events Society (ISES) and Meetings Professionals International (MPI) are two you can start with.
Take a look here for more info: https://meetings.skift.com/2025/04/10/so-you-want-to-become-a-meeting-planner/
Best of luck!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Lindsay’s Answer

Internships and volunteering for sure! I have been an event planner for 24 years and my internship during my junior year of college at a local tv station definitely set me up for success as far as a resume builder. Also , the interns I had at my roles over the years all went into marketing or event planning. One great way to get some experience is with non-profits. If they don't have internships you can just reach out to any that has a cause that sound interesting to you and ask if they need help with event planning - I guarantee one will take you up on it! You can also get involved at your college - student councils who plan events on campus, sorority events, etc. All of that is great experience and looks great on your resume!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rita’s Answer

In the event industry, nothing is more valuable than real, hands-on experience. You can learn so much in the classroom — from budgeting to timelines and communication — but being part of an actual event teaches you how to think on your feet and adapt when things don’t go as planned.

Rita recommends the following next steps:

Internships and student leadership roles are also great ways to build those skills early. Serving as an event chair for a campus organization or interning with a coordinator helps you learn planning, budgeting, and organization in a real-world setting. From there, you can gradually move into sales, coordination, or planning roles once you’ve seen how events actually work behind the scenes.
The best way to start is by getting involved in any part of the process. Working in food and beverage, for example, gives you an inside look at how service teams operate and how timing impacts the flow of an event. Roles like banquet server, catering bartender, or pastry chef are great starting points, as are positions with event rental companies, draping teams, or florists. Each gives you a unique perspective on how the many moving parts of an event come together.
Most importantly, make those connections... The event world is built on relationships — getting to know vendors and other professionals you work with often can open the door to future opportunities in wedding and event planning. Make sure they know your name, your work ethic. Experience and connections together are what truly set you apart in this industry. Once you've made enough connections and event professionals see you as reliable, you can do amazing things.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Stella’s Answer

The best way to gain hands-on experience in wedding and event planning while you’re still in college is to say yes to every opportunity possible — especially at the beginning.

When I was starting, I volunteered at events during SOBEWFF (South Beach Wine & Food Festival) in Miami and worked alongside FIU’s Sports Management and Hospitality teams. I helped with everything I could in order to gain experience, learn how large events operate, and most importantly, build relationships and network with professionals in the industry.

In events, real-world experience is everything. Through volunteering and internships, you learn:
• Event setup and breakdown
• Guest management and hospitality
• Vendor coordination
• Team communication
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Luxury service standards

My advice is:
• Volunteer at weddings, festivals, charity galas, conferences, and corporate events
• Apply for internships early, even small ones
• Join hospitality or event organizations at your school
• Network with vendors, planners, photographers, caterers, and venues
• Be reliable, professional, and willing to help with any task

Many people only want glamorous positions, but the people who grow the fastest are the ones willing to learn every part of the operation.

Every event teaches you something new, and every connection can open another opportunity. Experience and relationships are what truly build careers in the event industry.
0