When it comes to diving into the wedding planning industry, one big question often looms: Should you start your own wedding planning business or gain experience working for someone else first? After all, maybe you found this post because you were looking to get a wedding planner job?

In this article, we'll break down both options, helping you weigh the benefits and challenges of going solo versus learning the ropes under an established planner. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of which direction might be the perfect fit for your wedding planning dreams. 

Spoiler alert: Before we even get started, I want you to know there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Everything we talk about today is subjective – but don't worry, I'm here to help you figure out which path might be right for you. So grab your notebook (or, let's be real, open another tab on your already overcrowded browser), and let's dive in!

Option 1: Starting Your Own Wedding Planning Business

When you think about starting your own wedding planning business, there’s a lot of pros. Time freedom, making tons of money, everything else you see online, right? But if I’m being honest, there’s more to starting your own wedding business than posting on Instagram that you’re open for business (or lurking around in Facebook groups that you joined when you were getting married). In fact, I always say the moment you open up your own wedding planning business, you become a business owner, and wedding planner second.

Let’s talk about the quick pros and cons of starting your own wedding planning business…

Pros:

• You're in charge
• All the profits go straight into your pocket (hello, designer shoes fund!)
• Creative freedom to build your brand and style
• Flexibility to work with your dream clients

Cons:

• It's sink or swim, baby – no safety net here
• You'll be wearing ALL the hats (CEO, accountant, marketer, therapist…)
• Steeper learning curve 
• The buck stops with you (pressure, much?)

Now, let’s talk about trying to get a wedding planner job at an established company instead!

Option 2: Trying to Get a Wedding Planner Job

If you want to learn the ropes from a seasoned pro (with a steady paycheck in hand, without the stress of running the whole show), it might be worth it to you to head out and search for a wedding planner job that already exists. But let’s talk about the pros and cons of that…

Pros:

• Learn from someone else's mistakes (and successes!)
• Steady income while you figure out if this is really your jam
• Network and build connections in the industry
• Focus on honing your skills without the business headaches

Cons:

• Less creative control
• Smaller piece of the financial pie (probably the biggest reason people choose to start their own business)
• You might outgrow your role with no place to advance
• Zero time freedom (you’ll likely have set hours if you’re working for a company)

 It can be hard to find a wedding planner job

The other con that nobody talks about? It can be kind of hard to find a wedding planner job. Everyone talks about “gaining experience” by working for another planner, but here's the kicker: Those jobs are rare. 

Most wedding planning businesses are small operations. We're talking about solo entrepreneurs or tiny teams. They're not exactly lining up to hire fresh faces off the street. The few positions that do exist? Often filled by long-time team members who've clawed their way up from intern to assistant to planner.

If you’re set on getting a wedding planner job (instead of going out on your own), I recommend looking at venues to see if they are looking for venue coordinators. While it’s not exactly the same role, it’ll get your foot in the door and there are more positions available.

I Started My Wedding Planning Business With ZERO Experience

Now, let me let you in on a little secret. When I started my wedding planning business, I had exactly zero experience. Nada. Zilch. The closest I'd come to event planning was being a hostess at a restaurant. (Spoiler: Seating hangry couples is NOT the same as planning their wedding.)

But guess what? I did it anyway. I launched that business, learned as I went, and eventually sold it. Now I'm here, teaching fabulous people like you how to do the same.

The moral of the story? If one of the reasons you’re looking to find a wedding planner job is that you’re nervous to start your own business, don’t be. Yes, it’s a lot of work but you’ve done hard things before. Sometimes, you've just gotta take the leap and trust that you'll figure out how to fly on the way down.

So, What Should You Do If You Want to Be a Wedding Planner?

1. Assess Your Risk Tolerance

Becoming a wedding planner often means diving into the unknown, especially if you’re starting your own business. Are you someone who thrives in uncertain environments, or do you prefer the security of a steady paycheck? 

Understanding your comfort level with risk is crucial. If the thought of unpredictable income or dealing with last-minute changes fills you with dread, it might be worth considering whether this career is the right fit. On the flip side, if you’re energized by challenges and excited by the idea of being your own boss, wedding planning could be a great opportunity for you to thrive.

2. Check Your Local Wedding Industry Market

Before you jump into the wedding planning industry, take a good look at what’s happening locally. Research whether there is a demand for wedding planners in your area. Are there already established planners with strong reputations, or is there room for someone new? If the market is saturated, don’t get discouraged. You might need to get creative with your niche or consider relocating to a more promising area. 

There’s ALWAYS room for someone new, trust me. 

Conversely, if there’s little competition but a strong market, you could have a golden opportunity to establish yourself. Understanding the local landscape will help you make an informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls.

3. Be Honest About Your Skills

Wedding planning isn’t just about organizing beautiful events; it also involves running a business. Take a hard look at your skill set. Do you have the necessary organizational skills, creativity, and business acumen? Are you confident in your ability to handle finances, marketing, and client relationships? 

If you feel you’re lacking in any of these areas, consider seeking mentorship or further education before diving in. A solid foundation of skills can make the difference between a successful business and one that struggles to get off the ground. Join me inside the Planner’s Playbook, my membership for wedding planners, if you want ongoing support as you start this new venture!

4. Trust Your Gut

Sometimes, no matter how much research or planning you do, the decision comes down to what feels right. Your intuition can be a powerful tool in making decisions. If every fiber of your being is telling you that wedding planning is your calling, it’s worth listening to that inner voice. 

Just remember to keep your instincts in check with reality; while it’s important to trust your gut, make sure your dreams are grounded in a solid plan. You can download my FREE business plan template to help you get started.

The Bottom Line on Getting a Wedding Planner Job

Whether you choose to launch your own wedding planning empire or set out to find a wedding planner job, remember this: There's no “right” way to become a successful wedding planner. It's all about finding the path that works for you, your goals, and your fabulous personality.

And hey, if you do decide to start your own biz, I've got your back. Get on the waitlist for my new course, The Wedding Planner Business Blueprint, where I'll walk you through everything from you need to start your wedding planning business in just 30 days. 

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• How To Become A Wedding Planner With No Experience

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