Online Schools? Which ones are worth it?

I've been looking into schools for wedding planning vigorously and I came across Ashworth, Penn foster, and U.S career. Out of those I find only U.S Career to seem legit, so far. This forum opened my eyes to Sheffield and QC which both seem like good schools although many people are out there scamming to get money, not saying that is the case here. However being that they are such "great" schools I was curious to see how Caroline and the responses from QC have time to be here on a forum answering all these questions. Many Advisers from legit schools do to have time nor feel it's necessary to spend time doing that. So that makes me wonder as well. Granted if these schools are legit and these people are really just trying to help I do apologize, I'm just looking at every aspect of this because I don't want to make a wrong decision.Although it is not required to be certified in this business accreditation is still important because that shows the school has other courses, degree's, so you know you'll actually be getting an education vs. a unaccredited or so said accredited certification that could just be information that I could have gotten without throwing out almost 1,000. Just some things to think about. But between U.S Career, Sheffield, and QC more Feedback would be great.! Thank you guys!

I am new to the blog. I am planning a wedding for October this year. I have never taken a course but am definitely leaning towards one at this time. I have done many types of parties and have been successful at putting them together and hosting them. My concern now is to get certified and be able to present it to future clients. I never was asked for certification but I would feel a lot better if I can show to clients maybe I can get my name out there a little faster and better.

anybody out there that wants to take a event planning course online that is real and that helps and is not focusing on wedding but really on the steps to take to have a career and eventually open your business: do yourself a favor and go to www.careers-on-event-planning.com. Best Course Ever!! I apply it everyday and its working for me and only $300. I warn you if you want to be a wedding planner this course is not for you. It's focused on corporate and eventa planning. Its soo good. It has changed my life and my career is really now going somewhere with her advise. It will take time but i am in the right path.
If you are in the Miami area DO NOT take the Longevity Weddiing and "Event" Planning course hosted a Miami Dade Wolfson Campus. I dont know in other campuses but in this one the teacher is a joke and she has issues, shes just crazy and unprofessional. A real waste of my $800. You really do not need a certification..buy books on event planning and get a mentor and network, get experience working for free..all this is on the website. good luck!

Alright, so I'm completely new to this field and I'm very glad I found this forum. I've pretty much narrowed down my schooling search to Penn Foster. I like that i can pick my payment option, that's awesome since I'm a stay-at-home-fiancee type(the whole baby thing hasn't really happened yet lol) and money can be tight sometimes.

However I have the following questions for everyone:
1. Who does and does not have a return and refund policy?
2. How long has it taken YOU, the student, to complete your program?
3. How easy was it? I don't want to have to call for support every two minutes but i for sure need to be challenged...I want to be prepared.
4. Do you feel like you're ready to start your own business upon completion?
5. I WILL be a new mommy by the 2013, and I have my wedding date set for late 2013-early 2014. Am i going to be able to launch my business by then, with confidence in myself to successfully plan a wedding and maintain a business?
6. Finally, if I get discouraged and off track will I have someone to call for an occasional extra push? We all get busy with our life drama, you know how it goes.

shay in Killeen, Texas said: im looking more towards sheffield but has anyone heard of longevitys wedding planning institute, it looks very good! any comments on how sheffield is going for past/future students.
thanks

hi - i took this course in a classroom setting, and was a waste of money. you can just buy the book and read the chapters yourself. it was only about weddings, not events, and my teacher was terrible, so you never know who you would get. the careers in event planning from serina evans is a much better option, but it doesnt include weddings. and again, you dont need certifications in this field. you need experience and great networking. best of luck!

I just came across this school based out of Australia. The syllabus for their courses looks pretty good. I haven' done a BBB check or review yet but if your interested they offer certificates,diplomas, are accredited and are apart of the ISES. They have some great extras too. They offer courses in Event Planning, Event Design, Wedding Planning, Wedding Planning, Styling and Design and a combo Event Planning and Wedding Design. They start at $1,495 and go up to $3,300. The courses are by E-Learing through a virtual campus. You only need to have access to a internet connection. When I find out more about it good or bad I will come back and post what I've found. Of course you can all check it out for yourselves at the website I've listed below. :)

Australian Academy of Wedding & Event Planning. www.aawep.com.au

I would appreciate anyone from the event/wedding planning pro-field who advice me where to get the professional courses and training around Los Angeles area.
And which of the institutions (or school) provides high quality with its best education and knowledge in this field.
Thanks,

Di Di in Los Angeles, California said: I would appreciate anyone from the event/wedding planning pro-field who advice me where to get the professional courses and training around Los Angeles area.
And which of the institutions (or school) provides high quality with its best education and knowledge in this field.
Thanks,

Hey!

I did all my homework and got on with penn foster. they've been amazing so far. you can e-mail me if you want, and i can directly answer questions for you. the info has been detailed, and i actually feel like i'm learning important things, not just bull crap. plus they teach you about business all through out the course, too!

madisonnoelle@yahoo.com

Hello to everyone.

Anyone has any feedback on the event planning programs being offered by "Event management Training".
eventtrainingusa.com/event_management_course_distance_learning_pg.php

Regina Hayes in Ridgewood, New York said: I just came across this school based out of Australia. The syllabus for their courses looks pretty good. I haven' done a BBB check or review yet but if your interested they offer certificates,diplomas, are accredited and are apart of the ISES. They have some great extras too. They offer courses in Event Planning, Event Design, Wedding Planning, Wedding Planning, Styling and Design and a combo Event Planning and Wedding Design. They start at $1,495 and go up to $3,300. The courses are by E-Learing through a virtual campus. You only need to have access to a internet connection. When I find out more about it good or bad I will come back and post what I've found. Of course you can all check it out for yourselves at the website I've listed below. :)

Australian Academy of Wedding & Event Planning. www.aawep.com.au

They have a US sister company that those in the US should take its the Wedding & Event Institute. There is a link on the site linked above. The prices are cheaper.

Madison in Cincinnati, Ohio said: Hey!

I did all my homework and got on with penn foster. they've been amazing so far. you can e-mail me if you want, and i can directly answer questions for you. the info has been detailed, and i actually feel like i'm learning important things, not just bull crap. plus they teach you about business all through out the course, too!

madisonnoelle@yahoo.com

Thanks for all the comments. I was debating between QC, Penn Foster, and Sheffield. It was a real toss up. I was going to choose QC but after I got a call from Pen Foster and he took the time to explain the program and I did have a lot of questions about the graduation rate, and based on the graduation rate how many were working in the field he said it was 94%. He also said that one of the courses would be dealing with videos/media. I didn't read that in the QC course outline. They offer career services to get you ready for the work force. but what especially sold me on Penn Foster were 3 independent project and exams after the units. It just seem to be a thorough program. The price of the program was a lot cheaper than QC. I put a deposit of $35 and the monthly payments would be $41 for 13 months. I chose to go with Penn Foster. It just seem to be a better deal for me. I already started the first unit. I was able to printed out and begin reading. Its easy.

i decided to check out Sheffield web site. I did like their program a lot better than penn foster. so i enroll in it. i couldn't do the $898. i took the monthly plan. i paid a deposit of $35 and monthly will be $45. i read the course outline and its very detailed and thorough. Penn was good but sheffield is better and as so many of you have said its in NY. I'll get a certificate rather than a diploma. The guy who enroll me was nice and friendly. he didn't over do it. he told me they would send out the materials this wednesday or thursday and i'll get it next week. im crossing my fingers. i like that with Sheffield I was able to see all the materials that i would be receiving. Penn Foster didn't. after i check out sheffield materials i'll cancel with Penn Foster.

got a call from a call from sheffield a few minutes ago. didn't expect that. she was very nice and wanted to see if i had enroll and i told her that i did and couldn't wait to start in the program. so far so good!!!

Cara in Brooklyn, New York said: got a call from a call from sheffield a few minutes ago. didn't expect that. she was very nice and wanted to see if i had enroll and i told her that i did and couldn't wait to start in the program. so far so good!!!

Be very careful of Sheffield! Read my post! Ashworth has the same program. Matter of fact, NY photography Institute, Ashworth college have the same address!

I enrolled at Sheffield. After receiving their course material and doing more investigation, I found out Sheffield is a scam! Their course material is weak! I returned their material and enrolled in Penn Foster`s Certified wedding planner program that is written by The Association of Bridal Consultants.

The course is informative and in depth! The exams make you think! I`am two exams away from getting my certificate. They have informed me very well business wise. Everything that was taught on how to start a business and market it was one point! I `am currently going through the process to start a Limited Liability Company. My course cost was less than $600. After graduation, I qualify as a Wedding Consultant with ABC.

Any course taken with ABC is worth taking!

Psalm150 in Newburgh, New York said: Be very careful of Sheffield! Read my post! Ashworth has the same program. Matter of fact, NY photography Institute, Ashworth college have the same address!

I enrolled at Sheffield. After receiving their course material and doing more investigation, I found out Sheffield is a scam! Their course material is weak! I returned their material and enrolled in Penn Foster`s Certified wedding planner program that is written by The Association of Bridal Consultants.

The course is informative and in depth! The exams make you think! I`am two exams away from getting my certificate. They have informed me very well business wise. Everything that was taught on how to start a business and market it was one point! I `am currently going through the process to start a Limited Liability Company. My course cost was less than $600. After graduation, I qualify as a Wedding Consultant with ABC.

Any course taken with ABC is worth taking!

I'm enrolled in Sheffield now and would like to know why you think it's a scam. I have done extensive research for almost a year and decided to go with them. Can you give me any other feedback from you found in your investigatation that makes you believe they are a scam?
Thank you! =)

Kay W. in Canyon Country, California said: I'm enrolled in Sheffield now and would like to know why you think it's a scam. I have done extensive research for almost a year and decided to go with them. Can you give me any other feedback from you found in your investigatation that makes you believe they are a scam?
Thank you! =)

I'm enrolled in Sheffield too, I don't think they are a scam. I got two letters from them. Welcome me to the school and the program and it goes to say that I will be receiving my student id first and then unit 1 will be arriving soon. i'm also enrolled at Penn Foster. I want to check out their both first units.

Yes, I got a call a letter and an ID card!

These schools are associated with one another. I discovered this by mistake when I received Sheffield school`s first units books. I received the books in a box addressed from NYIP in New York, but the address was from The Ashworth college address. I found this odd. It did not connect until I was reading one of the books and decided to google the Author of the books, Susan Welborn, a wedding planner from Norcross, GA.

I discovered that she was a faculty member at pcdi in Caneda, pcdi which is Ashworth college. They have the same outline except Sheffield. Instead of Sheffield naming their chapters, they chooses to make the different by using the table of contents in the book. I was not impressed the contents in the books or what I discovered.The CD was a waste of time! I called them and told them what I discovered. I sent back the books before the deadline.

www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ashworth-college-appoints-rob-klapper-as-new-chief-executive-officer-

Our Wedding Planner school covers the following:
course outline of each school
PCDI CA, PCDI, Ashworth course outline

Making Dreams Come True
Etiquette, Traditions & Customs
The Wedding Budget
Dressing the Part
Starting a Business
Marketing your Business
Orchestrating & Decorating the Celebration
Capturing the Memories
The Honeymoon
Beating Wedding Stress

NORCROSS, Ga., Dec. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ashworth College, a leading provider of accredited, online educational programs, announced that it has appointed Rob Klapper as its new Chief Executive Officer. Klapper follows Gary Keisling, who will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Company.

As CEO of Ashworth, Klapper's responsibilities extend to all global marketing, sales and operations functions, including multi-channel and digital marketing, product and business development, educational content and admissions/student services for Ashworth as well as its sister schools of James Madison High School, PCDI Canada, the New York Institute of Photography and the Sheffield School of Interior Design.

Psalm150 in Newburgh, New York said: NORCROSS, Ga., Dec. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ashworth College, a leading provider of accredited, online educational programs, announced that it has appointed Rob Klapper as its new Chief Executive Officer. Klapper follows Gary Keisling, who will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Company.

As CEO of Ashworth, Klapper's responsibilities extend to all global marketing, sales and operations functions, including multi-channel and digital marketing, product and business development, educational content and admissions/student services for Ashworth as well as its sister schools of James Madison High School, PCDI Canada, the New York Institute of Photography and the Sheffield School of Interior Design.

It says that Sheffield is a sister school. That doesn't make them a scam- at least not in my opinion. I received my ID card, and my unit 1 books and so far I'm happy with the course and the material. Does anybody else have any comments- good or bad- about Sheffield? I've already past my 30 day return mark but I wasn't planning on returning anything- would love to hear what others think about Sheffield.

has anybody started the QC wedding planning program. i'm still debating which school to attend. i've have enrolled in both Penn Foster and Sheffield. just waiting for the first unit to come in from both school to decide. i like QC because of the certification.

Andri in Redford, Michigan said: Hi, No I haven't started yet. I'll still undecided on which school to attend. My biggest concern is the accreditation and value of certification. I will definitely keep you posted when I make a decision and/or get more info.

hi what school you chose? how you been? I'm trying to decide between QC, U.S. and shelffield

"do yourself a favor and go to www.careers-on-event-planning.com . Best Course Ever!!"

Link is broken.

Has anyone taken the certificate course from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh? No sooner did I sign up for information, did i get a call from an admissions person. I'll have more to go on when I receive their info packet, but hopefully I can get some insight on their program here.

Even though I already enroll with Penn Foster, i just got the information and this is pretty much what I wanted. A accredited school, a diploma, and certification. With Penn Foster I will be a certified wedding planner with the association of bridal consultants. I havent received the materials yet. I should be getting them by next week they were shipped on tuesday. I can't hardly wait.

Congrats Cara on your choice of schools! You will be so glad you went with Penn Foster~ it is surely a school to be proud of. You'll see that your matererials arrive fast, and that the staff is there to give assistance. I will always be glad that I chose Penn Foster!

Hi everybody, I just received the information i requested from Sheffield. I enrolled over the phone with the school but wanted to know if I had to complete the enrollment form that was in the packet. This is so confusing.

Cara in Brooklyn, New York said: Hi everybody, I just received the information i requested from Sheffield. I enrolled over the phone with the school but wanted to know if I had to complete the enrollment form that was in the packet. This is so confusing.

Cara, I'm confused, too! I thought you had already enrolled with Penn Foster. Are you going with Sheffield???

Cara, yes you have to sign the form and mail it ... Its for a paper trail with your signature

RB,

Yes i did enroll with Penn Foster and Sheffield. I want to see which school is the most thorough. I am looking for in-depth information. With Penn Foster the units are very short. I look at the catalog from Sheffield and it seem much more thorough than Penn Foster. What I like about Penn Foster is the certification. Sheffield does not provide certification. Kind of thinking of doing both. Sheffield for the course load and Penn Foster for the certification and the service they provide for their graduates...resume, interview tips, etc. Sheffield does not provide this.

Thanks Takoe,

I got an email from Keith, Student services that they received my enrollment agreement. I think I'll call the school tomorrow to make sure. Hope I get unit 1 soon.

i told my mom about my decision about becoming a wedding planner. She was a bit concern that as a nyc teacher i make a lot of money but i feel that money isn't everything. it does pay the rent and other things but i have to be happy about getting up and going to work. i haven't been happy with the teaching profession for a very long time. I can't see myself doing it for another 5 years. if i could i would walk away right now and wouldn't have any regrets about it. it tells me that i stayed too long at the ball. its time for a change and becoming a wedding planner is what i want to do. i didn't make this decision over night. i had thought about it in 2004 but because of life. it was put on the back burner. but now its full steam AHEAD. : )

Cara,

You have to go with the school that you feel comfortable with! I found the PF courses very lenghty- covered everything possible. But hey, Sheffield may be the school for you.

As far as the money situation goes, it can be bad or good- or somewhere in between. It depends on where you live, I think. And if you live in a small town the income will be less. Brooklyn is sizable so I doubt if they'll be a shortage of brides! I was fortunate to already be working for a company where I was the event coordinator. I've booked many weddings,events, meetings,etc. I have years of experience, so the Penn Foster certification was icing on the cake. I got a raise and I'm proud to have the certificate hanging on my office wall. This is vastly different from starting a business from your home, seeing clients at all hours of the day. I work within my eight hours only and I love it. However, if you really want to do this, I say go for it! We all have to find our niche to be fulfilled.

Research all schools and choose the one that will meet all your needs.

Good luck!

Hello everyone. I am glad to have found this forum. I have pouring over the schools this past week. Sheffield, US Career Institute, Penn Foster, QC School of Event Planning, TISOH (The International School of Hospitality). I guess pretty much the accreditation and being certified is the biggee. Also, cost (nowadays) is an issue. The feedback here is great. Is anyone over 40 and possibly starting a new career?

Thanks,

dani

Cara in Brooklyn, New York said: i told my mom about my decision about becoming a wedding planner. She was a bit concern that as a nyc teacher i make a lot of money but i feel that money isn't everything. it does pay the rent and other things but i have to be happy about getting up and going to work. i haven't been happy with the teaching profession for a very long time. I can't see myself doing it for another 5 years. if i could i would walk away right now and wouldn't have any regrets about it. it tells me that i stayed too long at the ball. its time for a change and becoming a wedding planner is what i want to do. i didn't make this decision over night. i had thought about it in 2004 but because of life. it was put on the back burner. but now its full steam AHEAD. : )

Good for you! I`am a nurse Manager. I always wanted to plan personal events, especially weddings! planning my own wedding re kindled my passion. I `am concentrating more on event design. I will taking my final exam with Penn Foster`s program next week.

Good Luck!

Dani in Sacramento, California said: Hello everyone. I am glad to have found this forum. I have pouring over the schools this past week. Sheffield, US Career Institute, Penn Foster, QC School of Event Planning, TISOH (The International School of Hospitality). I guess pretty much the accreditation and being certified is the biggee. Also, cost (nowadays) is an issue. The feedback here is great. Is anyone over 40 and possibly starting a new career?

Thanks,

dani

Hello Dani,

I`am over 40 and starting another career that I always wanted to do. My children are grown. I can now do what I want!
Best of luck to you!

Cara in Brooklyn, New York said: RB,

Yes i did enroll with Penn Foster and Sheffield. I want to see which school is the most thorough. I am looking for in-depth information. With Penn Foster the units are very short. I look at the catalog from Sheffield and it seem much more thorough than Penn Foster. What I like about Penn Foster is the certification. Sheffield does not provide certification. Kind of thinking of doing both. Sheffield for the course load and Penn Foster for the certification and the service they provide for their graduates...resume, interview tips, etc. Sheffield does not provide this.

Hello Cara,

I enrolled in Sheffield first before I enrolled in Penn Foster. PF Is more en depth. Most of the books are nearly 100 pages.I found PF program is current and very informative. Go with works for you!

Good Luck!

Has anyone ever heard of the Bridal Society? www.thebridalsociety.org

What is the best program out of all these if your not really into wedding planning and want more on the community events like fundraisers, dinners, gallas, street fairs, races, concerts, festivals, rallys, etc?

I would like a LITTLE BIT of wedding stuff included so that I can offer it but mostly the community/social type events!

ANY IDEAS?

I would say QC School of Event Planning

just got unit 1 shipment from sheffield and already started reading lesson 1. its sooooo interesting : )

Hi RB and Psalm 150,

got unit 1 from sheffield and printed out Penn Foster first 2 units. you were absolutely right. Penn Foster is the better school. Even though sheffield books are beautiful, its going back. Penn Foster is more in-depth and well-detailed. its more like a college course.

Check out the Event Planner Course at www.careers-in-event-planning.com/event-planner-course.html

Instead of combining wedding planning AND event planning (which makes no sense at all, since they are two completely different career paths) this course teaches you the foundation of corporate event planning, which is the only true way to make money as a planner.

Hope this helps!
~Sirena

thcguy12 said: What is the best program out of all these if your not really into wedding planning and want more on the community events like fundraisers, dinners, gallas, street fairs, races, concerts, festivals, rallys, etc?

I would like a LITTLE BIT of wedding stuff included so that I can offer it but mostly the community/social type events!

ANY IDEAS?

Have you looked at The Wedding & Event Insitute its based out in California. www.weddingandeventinstitute.com/

Cara in Brooklyn, New York said: Hi RB and Psalm 150,

got unit 1 from sheffield and printed out Penn Foster first 2 units. you were absolutely right. Penn Foster is the better school. Even though sheffield books are beautiful, its going back. Penn Foster is more in-depth and well-detailed. its more like a college course.

Hi Cara,

So glad you were able to see what Penn Foster offers! Really, you won't be sorry if you choose P.F.
'

Regina Hayes in New York, New York said: Have you looked at The Wedding & Event Insitute its based out in California. www.weddingandeventinstitute.com/

Do you know anything about this school? Has anyone attended? Anyone have any reviews or heard anything?

RF,i

I pass Penn Foster's Introduction to Planning exam. It wasn't easy. It was very though provoking. I got a few incorrect but I did ok. I wonder if I can retake it to get a better grade.

I read the PF handbook and i won't be able to retake the test since i pass it. i'm just competitive with myself. I went over the wrong answers and i know now whats attendee scope means now. i have to do the learning strategies. i want to do better so i won't take the test til i'm ready.

i feel disappointed with the other course i waited for and it turn out to be a bust. glad i didn't cancel PF.

isabelcmd in Salt Lake City, Utah said: hi what school you chose? how you been? I'm trying to decide between QC, U.S. and shelffield

Im with Penn Foster. The mateiral is presented more as research based college course. At the end of each course there are exams. They are open-book and thought provoking so at the end of the program you really will be a wedding planner. the exams are not easy. you need to be really ready to take the exam. I just took into to planning and have learning so much already. i love it. i am not waiting for my first shipment. if you go to PF you will be glad you did.