By Dee Gaubert | Owner, No Worries Event Planning
Growing up, I wasn’t one of those girls who gushed over weddings or dreamed of being a wedding planner. I definitely wanted to get married one day, and I loved event design and decor, but it wasn’t a passion of mine to become a planner. Instead, I worked in both marketing and then television production, and worked on events as part and parcel to both of these careers, and realized I could start my own event planning company. With my husband’s hours intensive and us starting a family, I needed to be able to manage my own schedule and be the ‘lead parent’ most of the time; and thus, No Worries Event Planning was born.
As I became more searchable on the web, I started getting inquiries and notes from a variety of people wanting very badly to be planners and learn more about the business. I was surprised because it’s really hard work, a serious hustle the first few years to find your clientele, and for certain temperaments, being a wedding planner is extremely stressful. But, I really loved doing it and I wanted to educate others.
To that end, here are a few pointers if you want to become a planner, that will help you reach your goal of having your own business or a thriving career in events.
One of the perks of the job? Getting to work in stunning locales. Photo by Katie Geiberger, venue: Rancho Del Cielo. Florals by Peony and Plum.
Get lots of experience before becoming a full time wedding planner.
Working for years in both marketing and TV production, I developed a skill set working both in project management and events that served me well. If you haven’t done a lot of event planning, you will find yourself in unusual situations that you won’t be ready for, unless you start working for other planners right away. Volunteer for trade organizations (like ABC, WIPA, and EPA) and help them plan and execute events, too – it’s outstanding experience, and you will start to get to know other wedding planners, as well.
Another pinch-me moment from running No Worries: Our Paris destination weddings. This gorgeous photo is by Yann Audic of Lifestories Weddings photography.
Consult the B2B pros.
As a wedding planner, I’ve run into a lot of gray areas as far as responsibilities of the various parties involved with each element of the event. But, I got a great lawyer and accountant from the beginning, and since then have developed a team of contractors who help me when needed for IT, web maintenance, and other needs. You don’t want to be held up by a last minute issue with your printer or have a contract that leaves you liable, so interview a team of B2B pros when you start your business.
Network.
Networking is the number one way I built my business, by referral from other trusted peers and colleagues. It also helps you build a support system with other planners and pros; it’s really the most fun part of doing what we do! I love the friends I’ve made in this industry, and treasure our relationships.
For brass-tack advice and personalized consulting on creating a profitable, joyous wedding and event planning business, check out our Aspiring Planners page for thoughtfully crafted workshops and consulting packages, and please call or email me anytime: 310-562-3306 and dee@noworriesep.com. Here’s to a happy and prosperous 2017!