I want to be a wedding planner and I need advice on how to start.?

Hi My name is Tiffany and I want to start my own business as a wedding planner. I was wondering if there was someone that can give me advice on how to start and get into the business?? All information is appreciated! Thank you!I want to be a wedding planner and I need advice on how to start.?
OMG Tiffany (Hey, that rhymes, lol) Wedding planners are sooo important. The wedding planner at my weddign was a life-saver. Here are some good tips!





1. Learn about weddings





There are many details involved in planning a wedding -- from selecting the wedding date to choosing the menu for the reception. You can learn how to plan weddings by attending and helping out with as many weddings as possible, visiting bridal shows, reading wedding magazines, and talking to recently married brides.





2. Create a portfolio





A portfolio is a collection of photographs that show people your skill at planning weddings. To develop a portfolio, offer your services to friends and family who are getting married in exchange for pictures for your portfolio. (You can ask them to write reference letters for you as well.) You can also include photographs of table settings or room decorations you have created in your home, or pictures from your own wedding to show your creative side. This will appeal to future employers!





3. Find a job in the wedding industry





Even if you plan to start your own business, consider getting a job in the industry first. Besides employment benefits, these positions can be used as a stepping-stone to gain valuable experience and contacts. Wedding coordinators are hired by hotels, country clubs, and churches across the country. Some of the more exciting options include working as a wedding coordinator at an attraction such as Disney World or at a resort in a location such as Hawaii, Las Vegas, Europe or the Caribbean. Oooh-la-la!





4.Choose a specialty





Wedding planners offer a variety of services and packages based on their specific skills . For example, some wedding planners specialize in arranging ';destination weddings'; at resorts or on cruise ships. Decide which services you would like to offer.





5. Develop relationships with vendors





Vendors are suppliers of any product or service related to weddings, such as limousine companies, musicians, photographers, party supply companies, invitation printers, etc. Vendors can be great networking allies. Conduct informational meetings to learn about their services, and what discounts they can offer you as a wedding planner.





Before recommending a site for a wedding ceremony or reception, visit and inspect the premises. Take notes on the condition, size, cleanliness and capacity of each venue so you can guide your clients in making suitable choices. Always follow up with vendors after the wedding with a thank you note or to discuss any changes you want for future.





GOOD LUCK!!!!I want to be a wedding planner and I need advice on how to start.?
i would recommend getting your feet wet with a caterer or hotel that does a minimum of 40 weddings a year. also working with a church(es) wedding coordinators. there is so much more to it then the movies. things will pop up and you will have to be able to control and fix every situation. the timing will need to be coordinated so knowing how long it takes to serve the food (and how to carry a tray) are imperative, cutting the cake.... all those things. once you have the experience....


i would work a couple/few years with a reputable hotel or hall/venue. do the extras on your own and that will allow you the ability to build and grow and garner a reputation - on someone elses dime.


do you have a degree? getting your CMP is helpful but nor mandatory. THere is the ABA and Special Events..... tons of things around. what state are you in??





feel free to email if you want to have a dialogue.
To start Try to go to work for a wedding planner or hotel.Learn all you can and you may have to work for peanuts for a while but you are gathering knowledge.Some planners may welcome free help if you offer.It is a very big job so get ready, and the hours are long and you must be creative.