7 answers
Alaina
Student
4
Questions
Updated
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What is the specific process to become a Wedding Planner ?
I am a Senior in High School and am graduating soon. I thought that I 100% wanted to pursue Interior Design, but now I'm not so sure that that is something I will want to do full time. As of late, I have been interested in wedding planning (the design aspect of it.) But I just need a lot of advice for the right path to take: college (interior design degree or business degree) or straight into the environment (internships)? I'd really appreciate some guidance here! Thanks!
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7 answers
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Planning weddings is a career with no single "right" path, which can be both a bit confusing and quite liberating. You don't need a special license to become a wedding planner. It's more about gaining experience, staying organized, and building a good portfolio rather than having a specific degree. Many planners start by getting experience in the industry, often through internships or assistant roles with established planners, venues, or event companies. This is where you learn about managing timelines, vendors, budgets, and clients, and you get to see how hectic wedding days can be behind the scenes.
When considering college, think about the skills you want to develop. If you're interested in the design side of weddings, like layouts, colors, flowers, and décor, an interior design degree could be helpful. However, degrees in business, marketing, hospitality, or communications are also valuable because wedding planning involves running your own business. You'll handle contracts, budgeting, client communication, branding, and social media. Many successful planners don't have design degrees but are excellent organizers and business people. Some even major in business and minor in something creative, or the other way around.
If you're unsure, getting hands-on experience first is a smart move. Consider interning with a wedding planner, working at a venue, or helping with events while you figure out your college plans. This real-world experience will quickly show you if wedding planning is something you want to do full-time. You can also start small by helping friends or family with their events and documenting your work. In wedding planning, experience and reputation often matter more than a specific degree. You're right where you need to be by exploring your options now.
When considering college, think about the skills you want to develop. If you're interested in the design side of weddings, like layouts, colors, flowers, and décor, an interior design degree could be helpful. However, degrees in business, marketing, hospitality, or communications are also valuable because wedding planning involves running your own business. You'll handle contracts, budgeting, client communication, branding, and social media. Many successful planners don't have design degrees but are excellent organizers and business people. Some even major in business and minor in something creative, or the other way around.
If you're unsure, getting hands-on experience first is a smart move. Consider interning with a wedding planner, working at a venue, or helping with events while you figure out your college plans. This real-world experience will quickly show you if wedding planning is something you want to do full-time. You can also start small by helping friends or family with their events and documenting your work. In wedding planning, experience and reputation often matter more than a specific degree. You're right where you need to be by exploring your options now.
Thank you so much, Vianne! This response was very helpful!
Alaina
Liz Tomasiello
Professional Services
4
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Liz’s Answer
Hi Alaina - it's exciting that you know that you want to pursue this career path! I think college (if you can afford it and if it makes sense) is a great opportunity to explore different courses, and as some of the other respondents said, you can pursue majors in business or event management, depending on what your school offers. These can certainly be a leg up when you are applying for jobs.
You can also find local wedding planners in your hometown or city and see if any of them would be willing to meet with you to discuss their career path and how they got into the business. There are so many small businesses out there for wedding planning and you might find that someone would be willing to let you shadow them for a day or two to see what it's really like.
I have 2 friends who are in the wedding planning business, and I will say this - it is very demanding on your time when it comes to the weekends and so you have to accept that your own personal social life might be put on the back burner. The other thing that one of them told me is that you rarely get repeat business from clients (unless it's a MOB planning another child's wedding) so you very much rely on word of mouth, referrals, etc. Weddings certainly have become big business though and I hope you can make it work! Best of luck!
You can also find local wedding planners in your hometown or city and see if any of them would be willing to meet with you to discuss their career path and how they got into the business. There are so many small businesses out there for wedding planning and you might find that someone would be willing to let you shadow them for a day or two to see what it's really like.
I have 2 friends who are in the wedding planning business, and I will say this - it is very demanding on your time when it comes to the weekends and so you have to accept that your own personal social life might be put on the back burner. The other thing that one of them told me is that you rarely get repeat business from clients (unless it's a MOB planning another child's wedding) so you very much rely on word of mouth, referrals, etc. Weddings certainly have become big business though and I hope you can make it work! Best of luck!
Thank you so much for your thorough response, Ms. Liz! Very helpful!
Alaina
Violaine Gonzalez
Senior Associate
185
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Hi Alaina, it's wonderful that you're interested in becoming a wedding planner! You can start by getting hands-on experience through internships or volunteering at events. This will help you learn the basics and see what you enjoy most. While a degree in business, event management, or hospitality can be helpful, it's not always necessary. Since you like the design aspect, mixing interior design skills with event planning is a fantastic approach. Begin with internships to explore your interests, and then you can decide if college or certifications are the way to go. Remember, networking and creating a strong portfolio are important steps to success!
Wonderful! Thanks for your quick response!
Alaina
Lauren Marino
Human Resources
3
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Alaina,
How exciting! As others have suggested, getting hands-on experience is so important. While I always recommend internships as a great test drive opportunity, I would strongly suggest pursuing a degree first and using an internship as a compliment. Anything from marketing, hospitality, even business with a specialized minor will lend well to this profession which can take on many different forms. Having a degree will help provide a foundation for the launch of your career after school and help support you if you change your mind - which many do (including me!). I have a degree in Fashion Merchandising with a dual minor in Product Development and Business Administration. I started my career in fashion and after 5 years pivoted to Human Capital - the business degree and real-life experience I gained were critical in helping me land an opportunity when my career path took a pivot. Best of luck!!
How exciting! As others have suggested, getting hands-on experience is so important. While I always recommend internships as a great test drive opportunity, I would strongly suggest pursuing a degree first and using an internship as a compliment. Anything from marketing, hospitality, even business with a specialized minor will lend well to this profession which can take on many different forms. Having a degree will help provide a foundation for the launch of your career after school and help support you if you change your mind - which many do (including me!). I have a degree in Fashion Merchandising with a dual minor in Product Development and Business Administration. I started my career in fashion and after 5 years pivoted to Human Capital - the business degree and real-life experience I gained were critical in helping me land an opportunity when my career path took a pivot. Best of luck!!
Thank you for the real-time advice, Lauren! Much appreciated!!
Alaina
Stephanie Aguila-Acciardi
Learning & Development Manager
3
Answers
Rochelle Park, New Jersey
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
It’s great that you’re already thinking about what you want to do and asking these questions. If wedding planning is something you’re interested in, especially the design side of it, it’s important to know that there isn’t one “right” or required path to become a wedding planner.
Many successful wedding planners come from different backgrounds. If your goal is to eventually start your own wedding planning business, having an understanding of how business works can be incredibly helpful. A degree in business, marketing, communications, or even interior design can all be valuable, depending on what skills you want to develop. Interior design can strengthen your eye for aesthetics, layout, and color, while a business degree can help you with budgeting, contracts, client management, and running a company successfully.
That said, hands-on experience is just as important in this field. Internships, assisting established wedding planners, working at venues, or helping with events can give you real-world experience and help you decide if this is something you truly enjoy doing full time. Many people combine both — going to college while gaining experience through internships or part-time event work.
If you’re unsure right now, that’s completely okay. You don’t have to have everything figured out before graduating high school. Focus on learning, exploring, and gaining exposure to the industry. Whether you choose college, internships, or a mix of both, each experience will help guide you toward the right path for you.
Many successful wedding planners come from different backgrounds. If your goal is to eventually start your own wedding planning business, having an understanding of how business works can be incredibly helpful. A degree in business, marketing, communications, or even interior design can all be valuable, depending on what skills you want to develop. Interior design can strengthen your eye for aesthetics, layout, and color, while a business degree can help you with budgeting, contracts, client management, and running a company successfully.
That said, hands-on experience is just as important in this field. Internships, assisting established wedding planners, working at venues, or helping with events can give you real-world experience and help you decide if this is something you truly enjoy doing full time. Many people combine both — going to college while gaining experience through internships or part-time event work.
If you’re unsure right now, that’s completely okay. You don’t have to have everything figured out before graduating high school. Focus on learning, exploring, and gaining exposure to the industry. Whether you choose college, internships, or a mix of both, each experience will help guide you toward the right path for you.
Jill Robinson
Human Resources
1
Answer
Oakland, California
Updated
Jill’s Answer
Hi Alaina!
I've always wanted to be a wedding planner! I ended up being a self taught cake decorator. The core of wedding planning is that it's a business that requires business skills and creativity. It sounds like your strengths lie in the design area and that part may come more naturally to you. I think you can take a multi path approach. A business degree is a strong foundation and can lead you to several career opportunities outside of wedding planning. To be a wedding planner, one needs to budget and manage time, money, and expenses, have challenging conversations, presentation skills, negotiation and problem solving skills, and a client first mindset. Plus, relationship building skills are important to build your business and establish a list of vendors to work with. There are wedding planner certifications that can be taken online to compliment any college degree (or as a stand alone learning) to focus on the specifics of the wedding industry. Also, reaching out to various wedding planners for shadow / internship opportunities or asking for an informational interview will provide first hand insight about the business. That being said, you can have a degree in interior design and still be a wedding planner. Just be aware that it is a business and you'll either need to learn those aspects or outsource for assistance. Very excited for your future!
I've always wanted to be a wedding planner! I ended up being a self taught cake decorator. The core of wedding planning is that it's a business that requires business skills and creativity. It sounds like your strengths lie in the design area and that part may come more naturally to you. I think you can take a multi path approach. A business degree is a strong foundation and can lead you to several career opportunities outside of wedding planning. To be a wedding planner, one needs to budget and manage time, money, and expenses, have challenging conversations, presentation skills, negotiation and problem solving skills, and a client first mindset. Plus, relationship building skills are important to build your business and establish a list of vendors to work with. There are wedding planner certifications that can be taken online to compliment any college degree (or as a stand alone learning) to focus on the specifics of the wedding industry. Also, reaching out to various wedding planners for shadow / internship opportunities or asking for an informational interview will provide first hand insight about the business. That being said, you can have a degree in interior design and still be a wedding planner. Just be aware that it is a business and you'll either need to learn those aspects or outsource for assistance. Very excited for your future!
Priceless advice! Thank you so much!
Alaina
I'm curious, do you know about the online certification program called QC Event School?
Alaina
Hello! I personally haven't participated in the QC online courses.
Jill Robinson
No worries! I just wanted to know if you are familiar with it?
Alaina
Have your heard about it?
Alaina
Tammy Hanerfeld
2
Answers
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
Hi Alaina,
I've been involved in the events industry for 30+ years now. I started out as an assistant to a wedding planner at about 12 doing anything she asked and that experience morphed into an incredible career in many aspects of the events industry. My best advice would be to get experience in all aspects of events. The best path forward in general is to start in a nicer hotel that is known for their events and weddings. You would start as an event coordinator where you get a taste of everything connected to events. From there the typical path would be working in catering or banquets and getting experience working around events, menu planning, floral arrangements, contracts, etc. Once you understand how events operate, you can really add value to your clients by understanding how things work. From there you can then decide if you want to pursue working for a wedding planner or moving into other areas of events you've had experience in.
Best of luck!
Research hotels that are known for weddings and events and see what types of entry level positions they have
Volunteer for events and help coordinate them
I've been involved in the events industry for 30+ years now. I started out as an assistant to a wedding planner at about 12 doing anything she asked and that experience morphed into an incredible career in many aspects of the events industry. My best advice would be to get experience in all aspects of events. The best path forward in general is to start in a nicer hotel that is known for their events and weddings. You would start as an event coordinator where you get a taste of everything connected to events. From there the typical path would be working in catering or banquets and getting experience working around events, menu planning, floral arrangements, contracts, etc. Once you understand how events operate, you can really add value to your clients by understanding how things work. From there you can then decide if you want to pursue working for a wedding planner or moving into other areas of events you've had experience in.
Best of luck!
Tammy recommends the following next steps:
That is awesome how you got upfront, hands-on experience at such a young age! I appreciate your answer; thank you!
Alaina