National Avg. Salary
$51,200 More Salary Data →Job Growth Rate
9.9% More Growth Data →Recommended Degree
Certification Programs & Degrees →Attributes
- Creativity Focused
- Deal Making
- Flexible Hours
- High Job Satisfaction
What Salary Could I Make?
Calculate what you could potentially earn based on job data in your area.
Calculate your SalaryWedding planners assist engaged couples with planning for wedding ceremonies and receptions. They help organize all details of the marriage event, including finding a venue, arranging for food and drink catering, securing tables, chairs, and decorations, finding an officiant, and creating event invitations.
You Could Save Thousands Of Dollars Toward College
Take Free Online Courses from OnlineDegree.com and You Could Finish Your Freshman Year of College. Yep, Free.
or Learn More →
Job Description
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.
Want To Be a Wedding Planner? Start Your Path Today.
Take Over 15 Free Courses at OnlineDegree.com that Could Receive Credits Towards Your College Degree.
or Learn More →
Wedding Planner Salary Data
We've provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Annual Salary
Low Range
$34,510
Average
$51,200
High Range
$82,050
National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$17/hr
Average
$25/hr
High Range
$39/hr
How do Wedding Planner salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Wedding Planner's can make an average annual salary of $51,200, or $25 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $34,510 or $17 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#375 Nationally for All Careers
What Will Your State Pay?
State | Hourly | Annual |
---|---|---|
California | $00.000 | $00.000 |
Texas | $00.000 | $00.000 |
Florida | $00.000 | $00.000 |
Washington | $00.000 | $00.000 |
Tennessee | $00.000 | $00.000 |
Find Out Your State's Average Salary Based on the Latest Jobs Data.
Calculate My Salary
How To Become
There are several different paths you can take to become a wedding planner. In many cases, a high school diploma is sufficient for finding work as a wedding planner, but doing so will require professional experience. With a high school diploma, you’ll need to find ways to gain experience planning weddings. Help friends and family members with their wedding planning, or look for internships with hotels, catering companies, and other venues to begin building a portfolio of work you can use to jumpstart your career as a wedding planner.
Another viable path is to earn a certificate in wedding planning from a trade or vocational school. These postsecondary certificate programs are focused on teaching students the skills needed to work as successful wedding planners, and include coursework in writing, communications, and business management. Even with a certificate, though, you’re going to need professional experience, so consider volunteering to help friends plan their weddings or look for internship opportunities.
The third path is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field, majoring in communications, business, or public relations. The benefit of these degree programs is that they teach you skills that are necessary to running your own wedding planning business, such as how to reach out to strangers, how to market your services, and how to manage your business finances and paperwork. Again, you’ll need experience to break into the field of wedding planning with these degrees, but you may be able to find higher-paying opportunities with a bachelor’s degree, planning for corporate events or working for a hotel.
Start Your Path To Become a Wedding Planner, Free!
At OnlineDegree.com you could receive college credits towards your degree by taking free courses online. Potentially saving you thousands of dollars and time.
Enroll Now!Quick Summary
-
Optional
Professional experience is more important than having a degree, so many wedding planners are able to find work in the field with only a high school diploma by gaining experience through volunteer or internship opportunities.
-
Recommended Min. Degree
Certification
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming a Wedding Planner. a Certification is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Wedding Planner
- 1.5% Doctorate
- 10.7% Masters
- 50.7% Bachelors
- 8.6% Associates
- 18.5% College
- 8.5% High School
- 1.5% Less than High School
Want To Be a Wedding Planner? Get Started!
Take Over 15 Free Courses at OnlineDegree.com That Could Receive Credits Towards College... Saving You Both Time and Money.
or Learn More →
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
100,0002024 Est. Jobs
109,900Job Growth Rate
9.9%Est. New Jobs
9,900How does Wedding Planner job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 9,900 jobs for a total of 109,900 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 9.9% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#204 Nationally for All Careers
Is There Growth in My State?
State | No. of Jobs | Job Growth |
---|---|---|
California | 00% | 00% |
Texas | 00% | 00% |
Florida | 00% | 00% |
Nevada | 00% | 00% |
New York | 00% | 00% |
Chicago | 00% | 00% |
Find Out Your State's Growth and Salary Based on the Latest Jobs Data
Calculate My Salary
What Companies Employ The Most Wedding Planners
Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
---|---|---|---|
Self-employed workers | 13,100 | 700 | 1% |
Other support services | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 |
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; private | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 |
Find Out which Employers Hire The Most Wedding Planners
Get all the free data on what employers are most common based on your state, and what they might pay on average.
Calculate My Salary
Similar Careers

Helicopter Mechanic

Jet Engine Mechanic

Aircraft Mechanic

Airline Pilot

Ambulance Driver

Horse Trainer

Dolphin and Marine Trainer

Dog Trainer

Animal Trainer

Tattoo Artist

Athletic Trainer

Audio Visual Technician

Marine Dock Attendant

Auto Body Technician

Windshield Repair Technician

Automotive Mechanic

Avionics Technician

Pastry Chef

Barber

Bartender

Bicycle Mechanic or Technician

Boilermaker

Brickmason

Building Cleaning & Maintenance

Diesel Mechanic

School Bus Driver

Butcher

Cabinetmaker

Camera Repair Technician

Carpenter

Carpet Installer

Cartographer

Cement and Concrete Mason

Master or Executive Chef

Sushi Chef

Sous Chef

Industrial Painter and Sprayer

Vending and Slot Machine Mechanic

School Cafeteria Cook

Prep Cook

Underwater Welder

Commercial Diver

Helicopter Pilot

Agricultural Pilot or Crop Duster

Charter Jet Pilot

Computer Repair Technician

CNC Machine Operator

Solar Panel Technician

Construction Worker

General Contractor

Construction Foreman or Manager

Valve Technician

Pizza Cook

Cafeteria Cook

Personal Chef

Prep or Line Cook

Catering Cook

Barista

Glass Blower

Ceramic Pottery Maker

Sculpter

Furniture Maker

Crane Operator

Exotic Dancer or Stripper

Hip Hop Dancer

Orthodontic Assistant

Oral Surgeon Assistant

Dental Assistant

Dental Hygienist

Dental Lab Technician

Oil & Gas Derrick Operator

Crime Scene Investigator

Criminal Intelligence Analyst

Sonographer

Ultrasound Technician

Dietetic Technician

Machinist

Daycare Director

Electric Motor Mechanic

Industrial Robotics Mechanic

Electric Utility Lineworker

Electrician

UAV Drone Technician

Unmanned Vehicle Technician

Robotics Technician

Automotive Electrician

Cable Internet Installer

Elevator Mechanic

Embalmer

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Cirque Du Soleil Acrobat

Magician

Professional Poker Player

Stuntman

Exercise Physiologist

Tractor Mechanic

Farm Equipment Mechanic

Sailboat Builder

Motor Boat Builder

Fiberglass Fabricator

Aerobics Instructor

Personal Trainer

Yoga Instructor

Strength Weight Trainer

Spin or Cycling Class Instructor

Pole Fitness Instructor

Swimming Class Instructor

Pilates Instructor

24hr Fitness Instructor

Crossfit Instructor

Zumba Instructor

Laminate & Vinyl Floor Installer

Florist or Floral Designer

Coffee Roaster

Fish & Meat Smoker

Barley Roaster

Fry Cook Operator

Blacksmith

Kiln Operator

Bookie

Casino Cashier

Casino Dealer

Blackjack Dealer

Craps Dealer

Poker Dealer

Casino or Gaming Manager

Casino Employee

Casino Pit Boss

Glazier

Beautician

Cosmetologist

Makeup Artist

Hair Stylist

X Ray Technician

Radiology Technician

Ophthalmic Technician

Surgical Assistant or Technologist

Neurodiagnostic Technologist

Perfusionist

Polysomnographic Technologist

Medical Technologist

Herbalist

Hearing Specialist

HVAC Technician

Tow Truck Driver

Truck Driver

Genealogist

Home Appliance Repairman

Caregiver

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

Quality Assurance Specialist (QA)

Windmill Mechanic

Gunsmith

Sign Language Interpreter

Medical Interpreter

Spanish Interpreter

Chinese Interpreter

Court Interpreter

Translator

Custodian or Janitor

Grave Digger

Dry Cleaner

Locksmith

MRI Technician (Tech)

Housekeeper

Nail Technician

Massage Therapist

Histotechnician

Histotechnologist

Optometrist Assistant

Chiropractic Assistant

Medical Assistant

Medical Records Technician

Patient Coordinator

Medical Secretary

Medical Transcriptionist

Party Planner

Event Planner

CNC Programmer

Millwright

Mining Engineer

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Fabricator

Fashion Model

Plus-Size Model

Swimsuit or Lingerie Model

Art Model

Nude Modeling

Fitness Model

Potter

Cigar Roller

Undertaker

Mortician

Projectionist

Boat or Marine Mechanic

Motorcycle Mechanic or Tech

Art Conservator

Piano Tuner

Music Instrument Technician or Repair

Dog Groomer

Cat Groomer

Dog Walker

Dog or Pet Sitter

Zookeeper

Pet Groomer

Nurse Anesthetist

Midwife

Certified Nurse Assistant

Notary Public

Gift Wrapper

Commercial Painter

Auto Body Painter

Legal Assistant or Secretary

Paralegal

Payroll Clerk

Doula

Butler

Shoe Shiner

Exterminator

Oil Pipeline Job

Pharmacist Assistant

Pharmacy Technician

Phlebotomist

Wedding Photographer

Photojournalist

Sports Photographer
Want To Be a Wedding Planner? Get Started!
Take Free Courses at OnlineDegree.com That Could Receive Credits Towards College... Saving You Both Time and Money. Awesome.
or Learn More →