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You turn on the TV to see a panorama of the most beautiful wedding you’ve ever seen. Jewels hang on white roses like dew drops. Chandeliers sparkle in blue and pink lights. Is that dramatic music coming from the speakers or is it just part of your imagination’s fantasy? Is that a tear that just dripped down your cheek? You have unreserved admiration for the character behind the planning of this spectacular event.
Whether it’s someone else’s event or your own, you appreciate every tiny detail that went into designing the picture-perfect scene. Unlike others, you notice the font on the place cards. You ogle the flower arrangements, thinking to yourself about how these particular varieties had to have been flown in from a foreign country. You give an approving nod to the event planner as she flicks off a microscopic piece of dust from the bride’s designer dress.
It suddenly dawns on you that you, too, could be an event planner. You’ve always been the trusted confidant, the meticulous weekend planner, the go-to girl known for her good taste in your friend group. Now that you’ve realized your potential, you’re obsessed with the idea. But how can you achieve such a feat? Here are the steps to follow to become an event planner.
Before you begin on your path to becoming an event planner, you’ll want to think specifically of what you want from the job. Though you could opt to be a general event planner, many event planners will choose a specific field. Whether it’s planning for weddings, sporting events, or corporate events, you’ll want to figure out the path you want to follow before starting.
Being an event planner isn’t just party planning and fun times. Your schedule will have to be extremely flexible and you’ll be responsible for dealing with many different entities on a day-to-day basis. If you don’t do well under stress or if you’re domineering in your work, then event planning might not be for you. It takes a certain personality to be an event planner, so determine whether you’re prepared for the rigors and demands of the job. According to CareerCast, event planning was among the top five most stressful jobs in the country in 2014.
Another thing to consider is your location. Do you live somewhere where you could succeed in event planning? If you live in a small town with very few weddings or large events, event planning might end up being a dead-end job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest employment in event planning are California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Virginia.
Before jumping head-first into event planning, you might want to dip your toes in first. Starting off by volunteering is a great way to learn about the logistics involved in event planning. An internship is also another way to gauge what you are getting yourself into.
Before going through the process of formal training, you should develop a background in the event planning field. There are many different ways of getting relevant experience. Working as an assistant to a hotel manager, working with a caterer, or shadowing an event planner are all great ways to gain a resume-worthy taste for the job.
Once you have a little experience, put evidence of your work in an event portfolio. Include photographs of the events and references to vendors and clients in the portfolio. This way, potential employers will have an in-depth look into your qualifications.
You’re ready to become a bonafide event planner. Your fledgling days are behind you, and the professional world awaits. Be aware that a certification is different from a certificate in that a certification is given by a reputable trade organization. Each certification program will have its own testing and experience requirements. Some well-known certification companies are Meeting Professionals International, the International Special Events Society, and the Convention Industry Council. If you’re specializing in a certain type of event planning, such as weddings, there are other companies that provide more specific and in-depth certification programs for your needs.
Your certification won’t be enough to land you that perfect gig. The benefits and opportunities that come along with joining a trade organization are extensive. However, membership costs may be expensive for newcomers. Try to avoid FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) when it comes to trade organizations. If you can’t afford a membership, don’t worry. You’ll still be able to find jobs without it.
Once you’ve been working in the field, you’ll begin to get more comfortable with your surroundings. Hone your skills and become the best event planner you can be! Better people skills, organizational techniques, and attention to the client will make you a more successful event planner in the long run.
By following these steps, you’ll have the perfect guideline toward becoming an event planner. Whether you find yourself puffing tulle on a Cinderella-esque ball gown, negotiating with catering companies, or running across a parking lot with your arms full of bags of ice to chill an important guest’s champagne, we hope that event planning is everything you hoped it would be.
