Find out all you need to know about wedding planner programs, including potential coursework, admission criteria, degree levels, and possible career paths in the comprehensive guide below.
What Is Wedding Planning?
Wedding planning is a vast field that is designed to help engaged couples tie the knot. Since most couples are either too busy or have very little experience in wedding management, wedding planners play an important role to play. The field of wedding planning involves being aware of various aspects of a typical marriage ceremony, including the menu, flowers, cake, decorations, seating arrangements, wedding bands, wedding sites, budgeting, etc.
What Can You Do with a Wedding Planner Program?
Wedding planners typically opt for a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or a related subject. Other potential fields of study include tourism management, business, and public relations. After completing a wedding planner program, students can either start their own business or can look for employment in a company that manages weddings and related events. The following list provides a detailed look into a few wedding planner careers students can go for. All statistical data has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Meeting, Convention and Event Planners
Meeting, convention and event planners are responsible for coordinating all aspects of professional meetings and events. They make arrangements for transportation, locations, vendors, and decorations.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $50,600 | 7% | $54,880 | California | 17,020 |
| New York | $69,250 |
Floral Designers
Also known as florists, these professionals make flower arrangements with live, dried, and silk flowers, along with greenery for decorative purposes. They also assist customers in selecting flowers, ribbons, containers, and other related accessories.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $28,040 | -14% | $29,760 | California | 4,640 |
| Connecticut | $40,240 |
Food Service Managers
Food service managers are in charge of ensuring the smooth operations of restaurants and other establishments that serve food and drinks. They are also responsible for hiring and training employees and overseeing food preparation.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $55,320 | 11% | $59,820 | California | 40,440 |
| New Jersey | $83,350 |
What to Expect from a Wedding Planner Program?
A wedding planner program would expose students to several management courses, along with courses on aesthetics and the latest trends in decorations. Even though most wedding planners complete community school or a technical college, competition is becoming increasingly stiff, and more graduates are now opting for higher education credentials. Students are also taught the basics of research, design, wedding customs and etiquette, vendor management, and budgeting.
How to Choose a Wedding Planner Program?
While selecting a program in wedding planning, students are advised to keep the following things in mind:
- Accreditation of the program
- Notable alumni
- Job placements
- Experience opportunities
- Practical learning (flower arrangement workshops, mock events, etc.)
- Length and cost of the program
- Learning outcomes
- Online and on-campus options
- Faculty credentials
Admission Requirements for a Wedding Planner Program
Admission requirements for a wedding planner program would vary according to the program level and the institute that offers it. If you go for a certificate program, you will likely be required to complete high school. However, if you intend to go for associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in event management, you will have to meet stricter criteria for admission. This could include the completion of pre-requisite courses, letters of recommendation, interviews, minimum GPA cutoff, etc. For exact requirements, students are requested to visit the official websites of their shortlisted programs.