Whether it’s rows of wedding pews under weeping willows for the ceremony or a skywriting plane scrawling “I love you” in the sky during the reception, Rosemary Hattenbach’s spectacular events feel like carefully orchestrated sets. Her work reflects her background in production, and it’s not uncommon to find a celebrity or two on her client list.
As a wedding planner, your job is to make sure every aspect of the couple’s day comes off without a hitch. That might mean scheduling and attending vendor meetings, negotiating contracts, and creating timelines and floor plans. It could also include sourcing the right vendors, from florists and photographers to bands and DJs. Many planners have relationships with local pros and can recommend the best fit for a bride or groom’s budget. And they often save their clients money, too: When planners bring in a lot of business, vendors know to offer them discounts or extras.
A good wedding planner Wedding Planner Columbia, SC is also a skilled listener who can understand a client’s vision and help bring it to life. They have a knack for problem-solving and can quickly come up with solutions when a curve ball is thrown their way. They also have excellent communication and organizational skills to keep their clients on track.
You don’t need to have any formal qualifications to start a career as a wedding planner, but you should have an interest in event planning and have proven experience organizing events. You may also want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or another related field to enhance your opportunities for advancement in the industry. You can also pursue professional certification from QC Event School or the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners to show employers and clients that you have the knowledge and skill set needed for the position.
Weddings are big affairs, and they can be expensive—but they’re also an opportunity for couples to bring together their loved ones and celebrate a new chapter in their lives. That’s why most brides and grooms opt to hire a wedding planner. They’re there to ensure that every detail is in place on the day of the wedding and handle any last-minute snafus (like forgetting to rent coat check attendants).
So, how do you choose the right planner for your big day? First, assemble a list of potential candidates. Then, schedule consultations with each one to meet in person or over a video call. During these conversations, ask the following questions: