Job Description

Wedding planners help couples organise their wedding. They will discuss their requirements and budget, come up with creative ideas and themes, advise on wedding customs and etiquette and preparing proposals and quotations for the work.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You can take qualifications in a related area that will teach you some of the skills you'll need. Courses include:

Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality
Level 3 Certificate in Travel and Tourism

You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following local colleges offer courses in Travel and Tourism/ Hospitality:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

Apprenticeship

You could do an advanced apprenticeship as an events assistant.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Work

You could start as an administrator or assistant for an event management company and work your way up, or work at a wedding venue as an in-house wedding co-ordinator.

Direct Application

You can apply directly if you've got experience and skills from organising your own wedding, or the weddings of family and friends. Experience from other jobs would also be useful, including:

event management
hospitality and catering
project management
marketing
public relations

Other Routes

You may find it useful to take a short course in wedding planning. These are offered by several private training organisations.

Career tips

Many wedding planners have their own blog or website to showcase their work, personality and style.

You could get some work experience with a wedding planner, or organise events like fun days, charity balls or fashion shows for local charities.

You can find out more about becoming a wedding planner from UK Alliance of Wedding Planners and National Association of Professional Wedding Services.

Career Path and Progression

You could set up your own wedding planning consultancy or event management company.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Hotel receptionist
Personal assistant
Conference and exhibition manager
Events manager

Required Skills

Excellent organisational and planning
time management skills
attention to detail
good at problem solving
strong team
working skills
able to manage a budget
a flexible approach
good communication skills

Salary Range

£17,000 to £29,000

Wedding Planner