You can go learn how to become a wedding coordinator through four steps. Understandably, it can feel overwhelming to see multiple steps and requirements needed to be a wedding coordinator.
So to keep you inspired and excited, we simplified everything you need to know and go through to be in this profession. And if you’re interested, you can read about how much do wedding planners make a year because we’ll also give a quick comparison between these two wedding vendors that are often termed interchangeably.
How To Become A Wedding Coordinator With No Experience
Step 1. Training for wedding coordinators
- To become a recognized professional where clients would find you more trustworthy and reliable, you need to get formal training as a wedding coordinator
- There are programs for wedding planning that you can consider to teach you the necessary skills for this profession
- Nowadays, there are even online courses offered by different institutions for wedding coordinators
- It’s important to train as a wedding coordinator to learn about vendor relations, marketing strategies, and even different kinds of weddings and expected etiquette to various types
- The diploma you’ll get from a wedding coordinating program can also become your proof if clients want to know about your experience
Step 2. Experience to become a wedding coordinator
- Like with other professions, nothing beats experience to improve and become better as a wedding coordinator
- After enrolling and graduating from a program or training, you need to get hands-on experience in wedding planning
- You can find a wedding planner and ask them to be your mentor, so you’ll know the ins and outs of wedding planning
- You can also participate in an internship with bigger planning agencies to help you get exposed to various types of weddings
- Your experience will serve as your portfolio and can be your proof to a potential client who’s having a similar wedding
Step 3. Branding as a wedding coordinator
- To be a successful wedding coordinator, it’s essential to have your own brand to separate you from the competition
- Decide on a niche and work on becoming an expert in that chosen area
- By specializing and focusing on one niche, you can have your own brand as a wedding coordinator
- For example, you might be an expert in rush weddings, or you’re known for destination weddings
- Then, expand your niches to become more versatile for various wedding clients
Step 4. Certification for wedding coordinators
- Certified wedding coordinators have the edge over those who aren’t, so invest in earning a professional certification
- Put yourself in your client’s shoes, and you’ll surely understand that you’re more likely to select a professional wedding coordinator who took time to get certified over someone who didn’t
- Having a professional wedding coordinator certificate will be your credential and even help you get recognized in the industry
- Consider getting online training under the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners, although it’s worth noting that you must know the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator
What Is The Difference Between A Wedding Planner And A Wedding Coordinator?
Wedding coordinator
Wedding coordinators can be differentiated from wedding planners because they are involved at a shorter period, typically closer to the wedding or only at the wedding day itself. A wedding coordinator is responsible for coordinating with the wedding vendors from the name itself.
This person ensures that the wedding day will flow smoothly and keep you and your partner updated with everything. The coordinator will even manage the program from start to finish, which means they’ll check the schedule, timeline, set-up, and tear-down.
Think of the wedding coordinator as someone who’ll execute the desired flow of your wedding day. And a wedding planner, on the other hand, helps you create a blueprint of your dream wedding.
Wedding planner
A wedding planner will work with you from the beginning of the wedding, even when you don’t have information about the event itself. The wedding planner can help you find vendors, venues, and even travel arrangements before the wedding.
While the wedding coordinator will communicate with the vendors to avoid issues during the wedding, the wedding planner is the one who recommended and procured the vendors in the early stages of the wedding.
It’s also essential to have a wedding planner to keep you on your budget and answer any potential questions you have. However, you can also read how to plan a wedding without a wedding planner if you don’t think you need help in the early stages of wedding planning.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Wedding Planner?
Becoming a wedding planner does not require a specific degree or certification requirements. However, there are advantages if you take a degree in hospitality and tourism management or even a course in special events management.
Some colleges offer courses regarding event planning, and some are even available online. In addition, you can join organizations like the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants if you want to be more involved in this profession.
Conclusion
And that’s it! To recap how to become a wedding coordinator, you must train, gain experience, specialize in a niche, and get certified.
Of course, this is just a rough guide, and you can always consider a degree or take courses regarding events management. But, overall, it’s a rewarding profession, and don’t let your doubts stop you from pursuing it if it’s your dream.