16 answers
Alaina
Student
8
Questions
Updated
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Do I need some type of degree to get hired to work with a Wedding Planning company? If so, which degree is most beneficial?
Hi! I am about to graduate from High School and become an intern with a few wedding planning companies, but I need guidance about whether or not I should continue college. I am the kind of person who needs structure but I'm not sure if I want that from college or elsewhere...please help. Thank you so much!
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15 answers
Xiwei Wu
Landscape Architect
2
Answers
Shanghai, China
Updated
Xiwei’s Answer
Hi Alaina,
Whether or not you end up working in the wedding planning industry, I would recommend going to college if you can—no matter the major. College can broaden your horizons and help you build your network. I’m not sure if it’s possible for you to do an internship and attend college at the same time, but I believe the two can benefit each other.
As for which major to choose, it really depends on your interests. Even within a wedding planning company, there are roles in marketing, finance, design, and more. For example, if you study marketing, you can observe how the company promotes its services. If you study design, you can focus specifically on wedding-related design.
If you find during your internship that this isn’t the industry you want to pursue, college will give you the time and space to rethink your path and switch tracks. On the other hand, if you truly love the work and discover areas you want to dive deeper into or skills you want to improve, you can also use your time in college to grow in those directions.
Whether or not you end up working in the wedding planning industry, I would recommend going to college if you can—no matter the major. College can broaden your horizons and help you build your network. I’m not sure if it’s possible for you to do an internship and attend college at the same time, but I believe the two can benefit each other.
As for which major to choose, it really depends on your interests. Even within a wedding planning company, there are roles in marketing, finance, design, and more. For example, if you study marketing, you can observe how the company promotes its services. If you study design, you can focus specifically on wedding-related design.
If you find during your internship that this isn’t the industry you want to pursue, college will give you the time and space to rethink your path and switch tracks. On the other hand, if you truly love the work and discover areas you want to dive deeper into or skills you want to improve, you can also use your time in college to grow in those directions.
I hadn't thought about college in that way...thank you so much for your helpful response!
Alaina
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1209
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Alaina,
It's great that you are getting ready to get some work experience in the wedding planning industry. If you can, work with different companies and companies of different sizes and clientele. Make sure you get exposure to different aspects of the business too.
You don't NEED a college degree in the wedding planning industry, but - depending on your goals and interests - you could benefit from both, the hand-on skills you'll learn during your internships and a college education. Depending on the size and location of the companies you might want to work for and your own aspirations, a degree in hospitality, fashion, interior design, communication, marketing or business could all be beneficial for you in the long run. College is not only about earning a certain degree but also about growing as a person, spreading your wings and widening your horizon. As a wedding planner, you'll work with a wide variety of people and being able to communicate and hold your own will come in handy.
There are some short (a few weeks) programs at community colleges that lead to certifications or diplomas for wedding planners. These might be helpful initially to gain some credibility. If you are easily getting hired for internships, this step might not be necessary as long as you can turn internship experience into a paid position. Talk to the companies you'll intern at what their preferences are. And look for job ads in your area (or the area where you want to work) to see what kind of experience and credentials are usually required.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's great that you are getting ready to get some work experience in the wedding planning industry. If you can, work with different companies and companies of different sizes and clientele. Make sure you get exposure to different aspects of the business too.
You don't NEED a college degree in the wedding planning industry, but - depending on your goals and interests - you could benefit from both, the hand-on skills you'll learn during your internships and a college education. Depending on the size and location of the companies you might want to work for and your own aspirations, a degree in hospitality, fashion, interior design, communication, marketing or business could all be beneficial for you in the long run. College is not only about earning a certain degree but also about growing as a person, spreading your wings and widening your horizon. As a wedding planner, you'll work with a wide variety of people and being able to communicate and hold your own will come in handy.
There are some short (a few weeks) programs at community colleges that lead to certifications or diplomas for wedding planners. These might be helpful initially to gain some credibility. If you are easily getting hired for internships, this step might not be necessary as long as you can turn internship experience into a paid position. Talk to the companies you'll intern at what their preferences are. And look for job ads in your area (or the area where you want to work) to see what kind of experience and credentials are usually required.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
semi hayat
Professional Resume Writer
60
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
semi’s Answer
Hey Alaina,
You don’t need a degree to work in wedding planning; experience matters more, and your internships already put you on the right path.
If you decide to go to college, degrees like event management, hospitality, or business/marketing can be useful, but they’re not required.
The best move is to keep gaining hands-on experience, build a strong portfolio, and learn how events actually run.
Focus on experience first. A degree is optional, but it can be a helpful backup.
You don’t need a degree to work in wedding planning; experience matters more, and your internships already put you on the right path.
If you decide to go to college, degrees like event management, hospitality, or business/marketing can be useful, but they’re not required.
The best move is to keep gaining hands-on experience, build a strong portfolio, and learn how events actually run.
Focus on experience first. A degree is optional, but it can be a helpful backup.
Thanks for your helpful advice!!
Alaina
Flower xu
41
Answers
Updated
Flower’s Answer
You don’t need a specific degree to start working with a wedding planning company—especially for internships. The barrier to entry in this field is relatively low, and many people begin by learning on the job, building experience, and developing practical skills like communication, organization, and problem-solving.
However, if you want to work for higher-end or more competitive wedding planning companies, having a relevant background can help. Majors like event management, design, marketing, or other art-related fields can give you an advantage, especially when it comes to creativity and presentation.
That said, it’s important to be realistic. Wedding planning may look glamorous, but in reality, it involves a lot of coordination, pressure, and compromise. Your ideas are not always the final decision—clients’ preferences and, most importantly, their budget will guide what you can actually create. A big part of the job is balancing creativity with financial limits and client expectations.
So if you’re passionate about it, starting with an internship is a great move. You can decide later whether further study is worth it based on your experience and long-term goals.
However, if you want to work for higher-end or more competitive wedding planning companies, having a relevant background can help. Majors like event management, design, marketing, or other art-related fields can give you an advantage, especially when it comes to creativity and presentation.
That said, it’s important to be realistic. Wedding planning may look glamorous, but in reality, it involves a lot of coordination, pressure, and compromise. Your ideas are not always the final decision—clients’ preferences and, most importantly, their budget will guide what you can actually create. A big part of the job is balancing creativity with financial limits and client expectations.
So if you’re passionate about it, starting with an internship is a great move. You can decide later whether further study is worth it based on your experience and long-term goals.
Thank you for the advice, Flower.
Alaina
Zakari Scott
54
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Zakari’s Answer
Hi Alaina,
You do not need a degree to work with a wedding planning company. I would recommend you start with volunteering at different event sites so you can gain the experience. If you did want to pursue a college degree I would recommend event management/ hospitality, marketing, or business. Also, connect with someone who is in this specific field.
You do not need a degree to work with a wedding planning company. I would recommend you start with volunteering at different event sites so you can gain the experience. If you did want to pursue a college degree I would recommend event management/ hospitality, marketing, or business. Also, connect with someone who is in this specific field.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Alaina
Ian Crosby
Executive Producer
2
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
Ian’s Answer
Hi Alaina,
Starting with an internship is a fantastic step forward. I began as an intern at a music venue as an audio engineer, and it paved the way for my career today, even after 15 years.
Gaining experience is incredibly important, and I strongly believe that pursuing a college degree adds great value too. A degree not only boosts your chances as a job applicant but also helps you gain valuable skills, discipline, and a broader perspective, all of which contribute to a brighter future.
Wishing you all the best!
Ian
Starting with an internship is a fantastic step forward. I began as an intern at a music venue as an audio engineer, and it paved the way for my career today, even after 15 years.
Gaining experience is incredibly important, and I strongly believe that pursuing a college degree adds great value too. A degree not only boosts your chances as a job applicant but also helps you gain valuable skills, discipline, and a broader perspective, all of which contribute to a brighter future.
Wishing you all the best!
Ian
Thank you for the advice.
Alaina
Alex Crispino Sammon
Inclusion Networks Senior Manager
26
Answers
Sayreville, New Jersey
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hi Alaina! Only you know what's best for you! The internships are a great way to get hands on experience. You can always take a few classes in event management/planning perhaps at a community college. It will help you during your internships too. Remember, you can be a part time student to try it out before overcommitting. There may even be classes online through different platforms like The Knot. You could start there too!
Thank you so much!
Alaina
Rene Yard
Financial Services Manager
7
Answers
Bella Vista, Arkansas
Updated
Rene’s Answer
Pursuing a degree in hospitality offers a fantastic chance to learn about different areas of planning. While it's not required to start, taking courses in this field can really help you grow your career. You might discover a passion for becoming a chef or find that project management excites you, leading to a successful career as a wedding planner.
Stella Giraldella
Private Chef & Culinary Entrepreneur
12
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Stella’s Answer
Hi! First of all, congratulations on graduating High School and already getting internships with wedding planning companies that is an amazing start. Real experience in the event industry is extremely valuable.
You do not necessarily need a degree to work for a wedding planning company. Many successful planners start through internships, assistant positions, and hands-on experience. However, having a college degree can absolutely help you grow faster, especially if you eventually want to manage luxury events, open your own company, or work with high-end clients and hotels.
I graduated from FIU in Hospitality Management, and it helped me tremendously. Hospitality teaches you much more than events — you learn organization, customer service, business, leadership, food & beverage, luxury service, budgeting, and how to manage high-pressure situations professionally. Those skills apply perfectly to weddings and events.
If you enjoy structure, college might actually be a great environment for you, especially a Hospitality program. It gives you networking opportunities, internships, mentors, and confidence while still allowing creativity.
The most beneficial degrees for wedding planning are usually:
• Hospitality Management
• Event Management
• Business Administration
• Marketing or Communications
My honest advice would be: continue interning while going to college if possible. The combination of education + real-world experience is incredibly powerful in this industry.
Most importantly, pay attention to whether you truly enjoy serving people, managing details, solving problems quickly, and working under pressure with a positive attitude. That is what makes someone successful in weddings and luxury events.
You are already ahead by asking these questions so early. Trust yourself, stay curious, and keep learning from every opportunity.
You do not necessarily need a degree to work for a wedding planning company. Many successful planners start through internships, assistant positions, and hands-on experience. However, having a college degree can absolutely help you grow faster, especially if you eventually want to manage luxury events, open your own company, or work with high-end clients and hotels.
I graduated from FIU in Hospitality Management, and it helped me tremendously. Hospitality teaches you much more than events — you learn organization, customer service, business, leadership, food & beverage, luxury service, budgeting, and how to manage high-pressure situations professionally. Those skills apply perfectly to weddings and events.
If you enjoy structure, college might actually be a great environment for you, especially a Hospitality program. It gives you networking opportunities, internships, mentors, and confidence while still allowing creativity.
The most beneficial degrees for wedding planning are usually:
• Hospitality Management
• Event Management
• Business Administration
• Marketing or Communications
My honest advice would be: continue interning while going to college if possible. The combination of education + real-world experience is incredibly powerful in this industry.
Most importantly, pay attention to whether you truly enjoy serving people, managing details, solving problems quickly, and working under pressure with a positive attitude. That is what makes someone successful in weddings and luxury events.
You are already ahead by asking these questions so early. Trust yourself, stay curious, and keep learning from every opportunity.
Wow! Thank you so much for all this wonderful advice. I haven't really considered hospitality as much as marketing and communications, but I will look into it!
Alaina
Emmanuel Asong
Consulting
3
Answers
Greenbelt, Maryland
Updated
Emmanuel’s Answer
First, it’s completely okay not to have the full answer right away. A lot of people feel pressure to decide immediately after high school, but this is really about choosing the environment where you will grow best, not just following a default path.
Since you’re about to intern with wedding planning companies, you already have a great opportunity to test your interest in the field through real experience. That matters a lot, especially in a career like event or wedding planning, where organization, communication, client service, and execution often matter as much as a degree. If you need structure, college can provide that, but so can a strong internship, a formal training program, a mentor, or even a clear work plan with goals and deadlines.
My advice would be not to think of this as “college or no college forever.” Instead, ask yourself what kind of structure helps you do your best and what path moves you closer to your long-term goals. If you enjoy the internships and can see yourself building a career in this space, you might consider working first while taking business, marketing, hospitality, or event management classes part-time. If you feel you want a broader foundation, networking opportunities, and a more guided environment, college could still be a very good choice. YOU ARE ALREADY A WINNER!
Since you’re about to intern with wedding planning companies, you already have a great opportunity to test your interest in the field through real experience. That matters a lot, especially in a career like event or wedding planning, where organization, communication, client service, and execution often matter as much as a degree. If you need structure, college can provide that, but so can a strong internship, a formal training program, a mentor, or even a clear work plan with goals and deadlines.
My advice would be not to think of this as “college or no college forever.” Instead, ask yourself what kind of structure helps you do your best and what path moves you closer to your long-term goals. If you enjoy the internships and can see yourself building a career in this space, you might consider working first while taking business, marketing, hospitality, or event management classes part-time. If you feel you want a broader foundation, networking opportunities, and a more guided environment, college could still be a very good choice. YOU ARE ALREADY A WINNER!
Quyen Tran
Sales Compensation
3
Answers
Los Altos, California
Updated
Quyen’s Answer
Hello! You don't need a formal degree to become a wedding planner, but there's much more to it than just choosing venues, flowers, and photographers. If you dream of running your own business someday, a business degree could be very helpful. A degree in business management or administration offers a wide range of courses, helping you discover what suits you best. If you're aiming to start your own business, an MBA in entrepreneurship is another great option. Remember, the sky's the limit!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Alaina
Dawn Patillo
Risk Management
6
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Dawn’s Answer
You don't need a degree to start a career in wedding planning. Most companies are more interested in whether you're dependable, organized, calm under pressure, and good with people. If you decide to go to college, the best majors to consider are those that teach business and event skills:
- Hospitality, Tourism, or Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Business or Marketing
- Communications or Public Relations
- Event Management (if available)
Going to college can help you move up faster into roles like:
- Lead planner or coordinator
- Venue or hotel events manager
- Marketing or sales for a wedding brand
- Starting your own planning business
If you need guidance but aren't sure about college, a good option is to:
- Work or intern now, and
- Take short courses or certificates in event planning, basic accounting, marketing, or Excel while gaining experience.
Here's a simple plan for what to do next:
1. Get an internship.
2. After 4–8 weeks, ask yourself if you enjoy the pace, working with clients, and handling stress on weekends.
3. If yes, choose between:
- Part-time college (or a related degree), or
- Full-time work with short courses.
- Hospitality, Tourism, or Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Business or Marketing
- Communications or Public Relations
- Event Management (if available)
Going to college can help you move up faster into roles like:
- Lead planner or coordinator
- Venue or hotel events manager
- Marketing or sales for a wedding brand
- Starting your own planning business
If you need guidance but aren't sure about college, a good option is to:
- Work or intern now, and
- Take short courses or certificates in event planning, basic accounting, marketing, or Excel while gaining experience.
Here's a simple plan for what to do next:
1. Get an internship.
2. After 4–8 weeks, ask yourself if you enjoy the pace, working with clients, and handling stress on weekends.
3. If yes, choose between:
- Part-time college (or a related degree), or
- Full-time work with short courses.
Kelly Sweet
Bank Manager
3
Answers
Sebring, Florida
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
You do not need a degree to work for a wedding planning company. Most employers care more about your experience, organization, and people skills, and your internships are already a great start. Whether you should go to college really depends on you. If you like structure, want a clear path, or want a backup plan, college could be helpful, especially if you study something like event or hospitality management, business, marketing, or communications. However, if you enjoy hands-on work and your internships start leading to real opportunities, you can succeed without a degree. The best advice is to keep gaining experience through your internships and not feel pressured to rush into college until you’re sure it’s the right choice for you.
That is a really helpful answer. Thank you SO much, Ms. Kelly!
Alaina
Ida Holden
TEM analyst
2
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Ida’s Answer
Hi Alaina,
Congratulations on graduating from high school and landing internships! Your drive will definitely help you succeed. Consider asking the owner of the wedding planning company if they could mentor you.
If there's a community college nearby, like Austin Community College, you might find free courses for recent high school graduates. Starting with an associate degree can be a great step, and many programs can lead to a bachelor's degree.
Best of luck to you!
Austin Community College offers several associate degrees in hospitality. Here are some options:
- Hospitality Management – Prepares you for further studies at a university.
- Hospitality Entrepreneurship – Focuses on starting or managing your own business.
- Hotel & Restaurant – Prepares you for careers in hotels and restaurants.
- Meeting & Event Planning – Focuses on planning events, conferences, and weddings.
Congratulations on graduating from high school and landing internships! Your drive will definitely help you succeed. Consider asking the owner of the wedding planning company if they could mentor you.
If there's a community college nearby, like Austin Community College, you might find free courses for recent high school graduates. Starting with an associate degree can be a great step, and many programs can lead to a bachelor's degree.
Best of luck to you!
Austin Community College offers several associate degrees in hospitality. Here are some options:
- Hospitality Management – Prepares you for further studies at a university.
- Hospitality Entrepreneurship – Focuses on starting or managing your own business.
- Hotel & Restaurant – Prepares you for careers in hotels and restaurants.
- Meeting & Event Planning – Focuses on planning events, conferences, and weddings.
Thank you for your response; it is very helpful!
Alaina
Chris Gee
Customer Success
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Weigh the costs of stopping work, the cost of college itself (and potential debt) vs staying on the internship track that could eventually lead to full time work.
Also, wedding planning seems like a low barrier to entry job, and after a few years of experience, you could start your own business. Once you find a role full time, build relationships with the other vendors that you work with if you do intend to launch your own business at some point - these will go a long way.
Also, wedding planning seems like a low barrier to entry job, and after a few years of experience, you could start your own business. Once you find a role full time, build relationships with the other vendors that you work with if you do intend to launch your own business at some point - these will go a long way.
Thanks, Mr. Chris! Well, I'm not working yet and I would be taking advantage of FAFSA, so taking classes while still doing internships every now and then wouldn't be too much, I think. And I do intend to start my own business one day! Thank you; your response was helpful!
Alaina