I've been to lots of functions and enjoy planning events. I was wandering if any of you do this as an occupation. If so, can you give me your likes and dislikes about the job? I've been in banking for too long and am thinking of taking some on line courses for something different.
Thanks,
Amy
I was one in my previous life -- my full-time job was to plan large events for the San Francisco Bar Association members (banquets, holiday parties, themed parties) -- since they were non-profit I made peanuts so in my own time I was a wedding planner -- made great money and loved what I did...
I decided to go to law school and now am an attorney (go figure!)...so now I plan family weddings when they come about and do wedding flowers and cakes in my free time...
I think it is a great profession (event planning that is) however, the income is sporadic so you need to have a steady stream from something else -- that is why a lot of coordinators do flowers or cakes or something else for the wedding or event as well.
Good luck!
Lisanne
I agree with previous post. Unless you are in a "hot" area where people are willing to pay for the service it can be very sporatic. In many areas, especially rural, weddings are planned by the bride, the mother, and others who want to put their 2 cents worth in. Most are on a budget, and that does not include a wedding planner. All the planners I know do flowers, catering or cakes on the side to increase their income. I also think its tough to get an "in" somewhere, especially in those "hot" areas. I have dabbled in planning as an extra service , however I prefer doing the food, cakes or flowers. To much head bucking for me on the planning end,especially dealing with a picky bride who most of the time does not have a clue, and the MOTHER who thinks she has a clue. Then you get all the other variables and if you have any hair left you are doing good. I say if you want to give it a try, then go for it. That will give you another notch in your belt.
Work toward your certification such as the Association of Bridal Consultants - http://www.bridalassn.com/index.tmpl - This will help lend credibility to your skills. Especially in the rural areas where the attitude is "Oh, it's just a wedding! *I* can do that!" and they don't understand the cost savings (and the stress savings) that a good planner / coordinator can add to the wedding. As a caterer, I LUV it when I find out the bride has hired a coordinator.
I did this sort of for a little while at my church. I didn't do the entire wedding, just coordinated what went on at the church - and believe me, that was enough for me!!! I had to deal with people not showing up for consultations, rescheduling, people constantly changing their minds, mothers of the brides can be the WORST, though this event seems to bring out the naughty child in any wedding party member! If you've ever tried to direct a school play or a church pageant, it's similar to that in many ways!!! I don't mean to belittle anything, but talk about adults having a hard time following simple directions (and I am NOT a bossy person). True story - I actually told bridal parties to go to the bathroom at least ten minutes before the ceremony - I reminded them a few minutes before they lined up , and still one time two out of six ADULTS HAD to go "potty" right as we're lining up to go into the chapel!!!!
It's actually a lot of stress, but if you enjoy drama (from others) and lots of action - it might be your line of work. Would I do it again? Probably!! Funny, isn't it? There are a lot of great things about it too. It's so neat to share this event with people, and there are people who keep their cool and cooperate, just be prepared for ANYTHING!!!
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