Want to build your career as a wedding planner
The wedding industry is burgeoning and the need for a wedding planner continues to increase. Be it catering or wedding decorations, designing invitations or wedding favors, wedding planners will fight for your wedding vision and keep everything on track. And as a wedding planner, you have to always be equipped with all the essentials to glam up your client’s wedding.
But the key to a successful wedding lies in effective planning and that is possible only if you understand the client’s requirement list accurately. It is extremely important that you ask all the right questions before planning your client’s big day. Of course, if you have had a chance at obtaining formal training for wedding planning, you would have your bases covered on what are the questions you should ask your client before planning for his/her wedding. Formal training will give you a taste of the real deal before stepping out into such a demanding industry. At TWS, we have a strong focus on educating our students on dealing with clients and asking the right questions. However, if you haven’t had the chance to invest in formal training, worry not! Here are a few questions you should ask your client while planning his/her wedding-
1. Budget of the wedding –
Weddings range from small intimate ones to large starlit ones. That is why it is essential that you are aware of your client’s budget and plan accordingly. You can ask your client to give an approximate budget to you and you can break it into a ‘per person’ budget. This way your client will get a clear idea about the costs involved.
2. Number of guests attending the event –
Once you are done breaking down the budget ‘per person’ wise, you can now ask your client to give you an idea of the number of people attending the event. Realize that there are always some last-minute add-ons and hence always keep room for some extra guests and start setting your budget accordingly.

3. Date and the venue –
This question sounds very basic but it is infact the most important. Make sure that your client gives you a clear answer about the venue or at least the options that he has zeroed down to. Alternatively suggest him places and take him for venue recce and let his indecisiveness rest.

Make sure that if your client is too confused about the location. You must put a break on your horses as the entire planning should start only after the venue has been set right. Assist your client and do enough research to fit his budget. Let his doubts disappear before you hit the floor.
4. Top priorities for the wedding –
Now that you have a budget and guest list in your hand, it is the time to ask the client about the ‘must haves’ at his wedding. Make sure that you evaluate the budget at the beginning only and make it clear if it’s possible to add various other elements that the client might require. For example, your client wants a particular style of flower decoration but if you feel it won’t fit the budget, discuss it and have it clarified in the beginning to avoid any disappointments later.
5. Things the client wants to avoid –
Just like priorities, people have their aversions too. Imagine that you have planned for a particular band to play in the wedding but then your client says no for it and it reflects on the budget as the other options are just way too expensive for client’s budget. Now here’s a situation that should have addressed right in the beginning.
Such a ‘Need this/ need this not list’ might sound obvious but can play a huge role in deciding the wedding as per the client’s taste and satisfaction and avoiding any last-minute disappointments.
So, let all the clients call out your name in unison once their wedding shenanigans start and let your client get the utmost satisfaction from your work with the help of such effective planning.


Wedding Planners
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Certification
A certification from a well-known institute adds the much-needed weight or value to your CV. The difference between a hobbyist wedding planner and a certified professional is huge. When you receive formal training, you learn the intricacies of the business. As a student, the internship that you undergo teaches you negotiations, marketing strategies, finding out about the ongoing trends, management of budget and preparing plan etc. You also learn about the different kinds of ceremonies, cultures as well as etiquettes. Your certificate is the proof that you are well aware of all such details already.
Gather Experience
Experience is extremely important in an industry like wedding planning, and hence it is highly recommended that you prefer a course that provides you on-site internships. But in case your institute did not provide you any field training, it is a must that you get some on your own. This would make you familiar with the field and will be hugely beneficial in putting this knowledge into your business. When you work as an intern, you learn about the various aspects and the professional environment a wedding planner works under, thus thoroughly preparing you to excel in this field.
Build An Impressive Portfolio
If you are just starting out, then you may not have a big portfolio, but it is always recommended that you get started with developing your own portfolio as soon as it is possible. Invest in a shoot with photographers, decorators, venue managers and vendors to give the clients an idea of your skills and assets. A portfolio is probably the best tool that can help you secure clients. Even if it costs you a bit of money at the start, go ahead with developing a strong portfolio.
Be Realistic
Being realistic doesn’t mean that you don’t dream big. Graduating from a renowned institute will surely give you a great platform to start your business, but do not get overwhelmed by the offers that you get or do not get. Remember, the first few steps are the most crucial. Be prepared that your phone will not start ringing right away. And keep in mind that you must be 100% prepared when you commit to a client. Be comfortable and confident about your wedding planning styles before you dive into the hectic environments.
Start When You Are Ready
For giving a launch pad to your business you need to pay attention to the various aspects of starting a business. You need to be sure of the administration, accounts and the marketing departments. Be prepared with your strategies and start advertising your services. Talk to your friends and acquaintances about your business. You never know, that the lady you met casually at the supermarket, is looking for a wedding planner.
The Bottom Line
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither would your Business. The key, however, is to be consistent in your efforts and work patiently. A career in wedding planning needs a life-long penchant for learning. Keep innovating and hang in there!
Good Luck!