Wedding Planner

The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in wedding planner roles:

• Meet frequently with engaged couples to determine client goals, preferences, and needs
• Walk clients through different options for wedding ceremonies and receptions
• Work with third parties to secure venues, catering services, music, decorations, seating, and an officiant for wedding ceremonies and receptions
• Assist engaged couples with administrative tasks like creating and sending invitations, arranging for parking or transportation, and applying for marriage licenses
• Ensure all services are schedules and operating correctly the day of the event to ensure the event goes smoothly and as planned, and to handle last-minute emergencies

A Day in the Life

Large weddings and receptions can be extremely difficult to plan, so many engaged couples turn to wedding planners to handle the wedding and reception logistics. Wedding planners assist engaged couples in planning for their big day. They meet with clients initially to determine the needs and requirements of the ceremony and reception. They determine the number of guests to plan for, the type of venue the couple wants, and the available budget in order to form wedding and reception plans.

Once the wedding planner is familiar with client preferences and desires, he/she begins scouting for options that meet client needs. Wedding planners help clients find wedding and reception venues, food and drink caterers, photographers, and bands or DJs. Additionally, the wedding planner—depending on the amenities offered by the chosen venues—may need to organize for delivery of tables, chairs, and decorations, and may need to find a cleaning service to clean up venues after weddings and receptions.

The wedding planner works to find all of these services within the budget specified by clients, and presents valid options to engaged couples for decision making. The wedding planner may organize viewings of venues or tastings at potential caterers. The wedding planner also handles all of the paperwork and scheduling of third-party services, and ensures that all service providers are available and working the day of the event. The wedding planner’s ultimate goal is to deliver the perfect wedding event while reducing the stress and workload of planning on clients.

Typical Work Schedule

Wedding planners may work either full- or part-time schedules, and they often work irregular hours. They may need to be available during normal business hours to view venues and work with third-party service providers, and they may also need to be available in evenings or on weekends to meet with clients or make sure weddings go smoothly and as planned.

Typical Employers

Many wedding planners are self-employed and take on clients on a freelance basis. Others may work for wedding/event planning services, or they may work for hotels or other venues that host weddings, assisting with planning for couples who are hosting their weddings and receptions at that venue.