To all wedding planners...?

Question

How did you get started in your business? Are there certain regulations that must be met? Is it possible to do it on the side while working a regular job?

My friend and I have been wanting to find out about the requirements. We both love decorating, designing, and working with people.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The college I attend actually has an entire bachelor degree in event management, I think we are currently the only place that has it though.

Answer 2

My daughter and I opened our own wedding planning business last year.  We first got certified through Stratford Career Institute in Wedding Planning and Design.  We then got licensed through the county.  However, you do NOT need to have any sort of formal education to qualify as a planner.  If you live in one of the 3 states where a notary can legally marry, you can add that to your business as well.

From there we set up a website and started looking at ways to advertise.  Be careful, advertising can be very expensive but it is absolutely necessary!  

It can be a lot of fun but it does come with more than its share of bridezillas and even worse than the bridezillas are the families of the bridezillas!  

It would be more than possible to do with a regular job because most of the work is on the weekends.  However, if your business really takes off and you can make enough money through the wedding business, it would be wise to make it your career.

Being in a big city definitely has its perks (more weddings, bigger budgets, more options, etc.).

We have loads of fun doing weddings and its definitely worth the time to take the classes.

Good luck and let us know how you do!