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!
(And if you want to skip getting a wedding planner job and jump right into starting your own business, you’ll want to register for my free masterclass: How To Launch Your Wedding Planning Business THIS Year – And Book Your First 5 Clients!)
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!
And if you’re looking to START your wedding planning business, make sure you sign up for my FREE masterclass. Click here to register for free now!
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. Sign up for my FREE live masterclass, where I’ll teach you how to start your wedding planning business this year and book your first five clients – even if you don’t have a portfolio, experience, or a clue where to start!
Explore More Wedding Industry Resources
- How to Start a Wedding Planning Business
- How to Become a Certified Wedding Planner
- How To Build Your Portfolio As A Wedding Planner When You’re Just Starting Out
- How To Go From Side Hustle To Full Time Wedding Planner
- Creating Wedding Planner Packages for Your Business: How To Find the Best Way To Position Your Offer
- 6 Things You Need to Include In Your Wedding Planner Pricing Guide
- Here’s What Every Wedding Planner Needs To Include In Their Wedding Design Proposals
- Wedding Planner Pricing: How Much Should You Charge As A Wedding Planner? Learn How To Figure Out Your Price
- Pricing Mistakes You Can’t Afford To Make In Your Business As A Wedding Pro
- 6 Ways Wedding Planners Leave Money on the Table
- 5 Ways to Make More Money As A Wedding Planner
- Why Honeybook Is The Best CRM for Wedding Planners
- How Much Does It Cost to Become a Wedding Planner?
- Wedding Planners – Should You List Your Wedding Planner Pricing Packages On Your Website?
- Day of Coordination: The Pros and Cons as a Wedding Planner
- How To Sell Your Wedding Planning Services: The 7 Stages Of The Sales Cycle
- 5 Contracts Every Wedding Planner Must Have To Be Legally Set
- How To Get Wedding Clients When You’re Just Starting Out
- Are Your Wedding Industry Sales Down? Here’s How To Figure Out What’s Wrong
- 9 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Wedding Planning Business
- How to Book Destination Weddings And Elopements In Your Wedding Business
- Why You’re Not Attracting The Right Clients and How to Fix It
- How To Become A Wedding Planner With No Experience
For More Wedding Planner Business Secrets Follow Me On Instagram
12 years of being the luckiest girl on the planet.💜 happy anniversary to the person who makes everything about this beautiful life we have possible.
📷 @c10ike
DAY TWO // WPI Spring Retreat 💜
If Day 1 was about getting closer to the question, Day 2 was about getting honest with the answer.
We came back together over mimosas and morning hugs (a WPI staple at this point 😉) and got right back into refinement — this time turning the lens inward. What are you actually building? And are your standards, your pricing, and your daily reality all telling the same story?
The member gives went THERE. We talked about how a systems strategist can help you untangle your process, and how saying no (A LOT) helped two photographers book better weddings.
I spoke about two important topics: setting standards and nervous system – two topics that have become very important inside WPI!
In between these conversations was room for the good stuff: small group breakouts, real talk, a few happy tears, a homemade Caribbean lunch (those pressed sandwiches 🤌), and an afternoon of feet in the pool and brains fully stretched.
Not pictured was the homemade Guac I whipped up and other poolside treats!
All these gorgeous moments captured by our retreat photographer + my business bestie @c10ike 💜💜💜
You might see the highlight reel and think ending up here was always my plan all along but you’d be wrong.
Like any good career, there have been lots of pivots and hiccups, and lessons that had to be learned the hard way.
Not seen here? The time…
- I forgot to add chairs to a rental order and ended up footing the $2,000 bill
- A client sat across from me crying that I ruined her wedding because her parents table had a low centerpiece
- I had to borrow $4,000 from Grandma Vera to make payroll, because I didn’t pay attention to my numbers
- About a hundred “dream clients” hired a different planner than me and I felt like an absolute failure
- I cried in my car before a wedding because I was completely and totally overwhelmed with the amount of responsibility on my shoulders (OK, maybe I did this more than once)
- My seasonal launch of The Planner’s Playbook completely bombed and I felt like my entire business was falling apart
…and roughly 700 other moments I’ve chosen to leave off the highlight reel.
So if you’re at the messy, nothing’s-working stage right now? Just know that if you have been to one wedding in your life, you are starting with more experience than I had.
I’m getting ready to embark on an exciting new chapter that I cannot wait to share with you… it’s big, and scary, and I’m sure in another few years I’ll have a lot more lore to share… but in the meantime…
Cheers to all the ups and downs I’ve experienced over the last 19 years!
And a special thanks to the photographers who made a lot of this lore possible: @c10ike @allanzepedaphoto @stevedepino @withincreative @robertandkathleen @thebrandedbosslady 💜🫶🏼😘
I’ve come to realize that many of us want to have a village, but we don’t recognize that we have to be a villager first.
My friend carla @c10ike is one of those rare exceptions and I want to introduce you to her!
When I started my planning business, I had no contacts and no real idea what I was doing. I was so green it makes me laugh to look back on it now!
And somehow, I got lucky enough to be taken under the wing of this incredible woman who showed up for me then when I was a little baby business owner, and has kept showing up ever since in more ways than I could possibly count.
She’s taught me so much over the years, and I don’t mean in the traditional sense of teaching someone something. She simply lived her life, and I paid attention.
She modeled what it means to be a friend.
A sister.
A daughter.
A wife.
A mother.
A business owner.
A boss.
I learned generosity by watching her be generous.
Compassion, connection, leadership… none of it came from advice. All of it came from the way she carries herself and the way she treats the people around her.
She has taught me more than she will ever know by the sheer act of living loudly and joyfully in every corner of her life.
I am so lucky to call her my friend. So lucky to be one of the many, many people she has been a villager for.
Carla thank you for letting me grow up right beside you. I love you. 🤍
filed under:
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
add a comment