Becoming an Event Planner

Are there specific certifcations in event planning that would be helpful? There are so many programs out there for event planning--which ones are worth looking into?

Thank you!

Hi everyone,
I am currently in the process of changing careers and am very interested in becoming an event planner. What would be the best way to get one's feet wet in this field? What kind of skills are important in this field? Please let me know I would greatly appreciate it

Hi,

I was wondering if you would consider networking with me. I am currently in the Boston area and looking to transition from Office Manager/Exec. Asst. to Event Planning. I do have a little bit of experience in the field but would like to go deeper and I am willing to do an internship as you suggested. You may contact me at cswynter@gmail.com if you do not mind answering some questions for me. Thanks.

Sam in Boston, Massachusetts said: Hi All,

I am a corporate event planner at a hospital in the Boston area. The best advice I can give people who want to be event planners but have no experience is: take on a basic, unpaid internship or consider volunteering in the events department of a local non-profit. An internship does not mean you have to commit 40 hours a week. It could be as easy as working 2 hours a month. Approch companies you are interested in working for and see what they offer. You may be surprised-- some companies will tailor their internships to suit the needs of a working professional.

Good luck!

I started as an event planner last Christmas and have been doing really well. Its a great field. There's a really good web site that provides a ton of free information about becoming an event planner. I found it really helpful before I got started. Hope this helps.

www.how-to-become-an-event-planner.com

Katrina,

I have also been thinking about becoming an event planner as well. I have worked with two well known wedding planners in the area and LOVE IT! :) Please e-mail me so we can chat. Thanks

Michelle

Winters.michelle1@gmail.com

I am currently an Event Planner in the US Marine Corps. I really enjoy what I do and will be honorably departing the service in approimately 7 months. It is my intention to continue planning events outside of the military. My college major was in the sciences. I don't have formal education in the communications or marketing fields, but would "school up" if necessary. Does anyone have any information that could help me get where I want to be? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Frank (fcna2mc@hotmail.com)

Carla in Marietta, Georgia said: Hi Karina,

I am a wedding planner in GA. I started out in the business in California. I learned everything through reading books , research, extensive planning and of course hands on. I eventually went to school and realized that mostly everything in the course, I already knew, from the research I had done previously. It is worth getting certified though because your clients will feel more at ease with an official title and those initials after your name. It also gives you the confidence that you do in fact know what you are doing and yes, you can charge that insane amount of money.

You can pretty much pick any school to go to, but I would suggest going to one that will affiliate you with a wedding planning orginazation once you've completed the course.

God bless you in your endeavors!

I am too in atlanta..Do you know of any schools that would affiliate me with wedding planning. I am about to start my journey in the course.

I own my own event planning company which I started in July of 2009. I have had a few clients but alot have fallen through. I have now hit a wall and really need some solid information on how to gain more clientele and business. I would like to have a sucessful business but recently I have just been gaining alot of anxiety over the slow progress I am making. It is been really discouraging to have multiple clients that don't follow through.
I need advice on gaining new business as well as advice on if I am on the right track and if similar event planners that have started there own business have been experiencing the downfalls that I have been.

Hi, I'm looking to get into the wedding planner business in the Gonzales/ Baton Rouge, Louisiana area. If anyone can assist me with any advice: such as certificates, courses, jobs, etc. it will be greatly appreciated. You can email me at EventPlanner14@aol.com. Thanks

KMS in West Palm Beach, Florida said: Hi - I can certainly offer some advice. I too am an event planner in Florida and my bofriend is ATC. Do you have a personal email address where we can correspond?

Hi, I am in the process of becoming a certified event planner and getting a certification in public relations....by spring 2011 i want to be in florida...i am from nyc originally...I need help on the job front!!! my e-mail is asilber416@optonline.net...would love to hear from you!!! God Bless!!!

Hi everyone, can anyone tell me if i needed a certificate or license to be an event planner. I am actually just doing this for a hobby, help family and friends with there events and just to have extra money on the side. thank you

Hello Everyone,

I am looking to get information on event planning. I’ve wanting to do this for some time... and I recently just planned and did a big party and after it all going done and it being a big hit it really made me want to peruse this lot more now. I live in MA and I’m about 2 and half hours away from New York and an hour away from Boston. Do you really need to have a certification for planning? Thank you all for your time, I truly appreciate it.

Hi I always wanted to be a party planner. I love to do creative things and would love to start my own business.
Can someone suggest where to begin.
Thank you very much.

My name is Brittany Crennan, I'm looking into getting into the wedding planning. I love wedding and everything about planning any sort of events. I'm 21 years of age and currently enrolled in Community college. This fall I am enrolling in a wedding planning certification course. I was just wondering what else do I need? Just wanting to know how to possibly work for someone or if you just have any advice...

thanks

Hi Shannon, definitely follow your dreams but it is tough out there. You really have to fight for the business you get, but i believe that if you have a passion for the industry you should do well. Do prep yourself for lots of hard work and also initial rejections - it is a part of the game!

Shannon in Palm Desert, California said: Okay, so I am surrently in the process of studying wedding consulting & event planning. I am very outgoing, friendly, organized and creative. I have always been interested in becoming an Event Planner and opening my own business. I currently live in Southern California and plan on moving to Central Florida next year....is this a smart field to get into? I am currently engaged, and my fiance is a pilot and air traffic controller so I don't need to make a bundle, but I would like to make at least 60-70k....is this possible? Also, are there certain areas of the US that anyone feels is a bad area to be an Event Planner? Any advice will help! Thanks!

Jane in Altea, Spain said: Hi, Have you tried any courses to become qualified? The Institute of Event Planning offer a great course at www.inst.org/event . This should really help you get started. Good luck!

I checked out this course... There are so many spelling and grammatical errors, it's quite the turn off.. I feel reluctant to take a course when they don't even bother to do a spell check when making their brochure. Oh well...

I am a First Class BA (Honours) Events Management & Public Relations Graduate from England, looking to work in Events & Weddings in America. I do have experience in a variety of events and have already undertaken an Internship in California with a Special Events company. I am familiar with the Visa application; does anyone know of anywhere that would be willing to offer a paid work opportunity for a UK Graduate? Any help and information is very much appreciated. Thank you.

I am a First Class BA (Honours) Events Management & Public Relations Graduate from England, looking to work in Events & Weddings in America. I do have experience in a variety of events and have already undertaken an Internship in California with a Special Events company. I am also studying to become an IWPP with QC School of Wedding Planning. I am familiar with the Visa application; does anyone know of anywhere that would be willing to offer a paid work opportunity for a UK Graduate? Any help and information is very much appreciated. Thank you. My email address is vpountney@hotmail.co.uk.

I am getting ready to enter my freshman year of college this August. I am cosidering a career in Event Planning. I've done some research and many People suggest a major in Hospitality Management, Public Relations, or Marketing. The school im planning to go to has Management, Public Relations and Marketing. I can't seem to figure out which to choose as a major. I am thinking about transfering to a bigger university my sophomore year and this school that I would transfer to has Event Management. So if I decided to go that route (transfer) would it be safe for me to major in Management at my first school (or which Major?) Also would it matter if I transfer or not to go into this occupation.

Thank You

Ruth Mundsack in Seal Beach, California said: Hello All,

I just found this site job hunting/career changing. I have been a Travel Agent for over 20 years and feel that a lot of the skills I learned as a Travel Agent can help me greatly to transfer into a corporate event planner. I also am interested in destination celebration events. Is there in one in this Orange County/LA area that might want to get together and share info and ideas on getting started? Any business owners willing to help as a mentor or with some volunteer opportunities? Has any one taken the Event Planning course that Cal State Long Beach offers? It is a nine week course just on Sat. About 1000.00. Any additional information would be much appreciated.

Cheers~

Ruth

Ruth -

You probably won't get this in time, but I hope maybe it will help someone else. I took this course and was sorely disappointed. I will tell you that I took it during its infancy and I paid over $800 for poorly photocopied materials! In my opinion, that is simply not acceptable. It is not my understanding that anything has changed. Furthermore, do NOT miss a single class or you will be ineligible for the certificate. I broke my foot and apparently this was not a good enough excuse. I have still not gotten my certificate. They were very poorly planned which was not reassuring coming from a bunch of event professionals. RESEARCH before you commit. Make sure you KNOW and are happy with course materials and the syllabus - for any program you choose. Good luck!!

I need someone to help me get to my goal I want to be a event planner, but I don't know where to begin maybe if I talk with people who know where to start it will help me..Well why I want to be a event planner I know this is crazy expressing my self on this website but who knows who will read this. I want to be a event planner because I have a dream so big to put weddings,and parties together. I can express myself my happiness my saddness and my hurt through this. But my biggest dream of all dreams is to put fashion shows together I have a style that are beyond the styles people kno but I based my style on everything I been through or going through. I want this so bad I have to start from here this is the ROOT.

My daughter wants to start charity golf tournaments,what percentage is she suppose to keep. Any information?

Has anyone worked for the 8MinuteDating company as an Event Organizer? I see the job listed near me but it looks kinda scammy. It wants a fee to become an event organizer which is a red flag.

Has anyone done it?

Hi i am just starting to learn about event planning and i need all the advice and tips i can get! please email me with any knowledge, websites or tips that have helped you along the way. thank you!!! a.r.m2005@hotmail.com

I am looking into becoming an event planner. I am creative, very organized and enjoy working with people. I am originally from NY but right now, reside in NH. My question is,,,how do I get my name out there for people to contact me? What is the best method of getting known in my general area? Any advide or key information in order to start and be successful would be greatly appreciated. I must work from home since I have kids at home and am unable to get away for more than 4 hours daily...Thanks so much for any help!
Carol

Hi all, i am very much interested in event planning just like everyone here. No clue as to where i should start. Should i take up a course, or work for some non-profit organizations? If anyone interested in hiring an assistant for any kind of events in Los Angeles, i would like to get in touch. I love decorating, designing and organizing for events. I have a masters in Computer Science but i just want to do something creative. Kindly advise me.
email: mrash85@gmail.com

Hello, My name is Kasey and the reason I’m writing is because I am looking to be an assistant to a wedding or event coordinator. I am extremely passionate about this field and have been working towards my dream of planning memorable events since 6th grade. I would love to learn from someone that is as passionate about making someone’s special day everything they dreamed of. I’m currently a junior at Cal State University of Northridge majoring in Recreation and Tourism Management. I am very organized, detail oriented and willing to go the extra mile to get some more hands on experience. I am open to all kinds of different events, from children parties to weddings to corporate events. If anyone knows of any opportunities, or needs an assistant, please email me at kaseychung@live.com

I really want to become a graphical web party planner but my frinds josh and emely says that a jod like this one doesn't exist,and i really think that it does because i like to design and plan party and events, i really need help this is a difficult choice for my career. please respond me.

I want to become an event planner to but don`t know where to start. I have always had a love for planning parties and things and love to see people having fun. you can really help me if you could give me some advice on how to start and what to do in this business.

Hey everyone! I own an event planning firm that is sweeping the nation! If you are interested in creating a career in event planning, and would like to be part of an exciting new company, email me at careers@foxgloveproductions.com - be sure to include the following...

Your name, first and last
DOB (00/00/0000 format)
City, State
Phone number and email
Your favorite flower (security purpose)

Then please answer the following questions...

Why do you want to be an event planner and what makes you think you'd do the job well?
Do you have any experience in the social world?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

Thanks so much!
M. and the Foxglove Team ~

check us out at www.foxgloveproductions.com

Tiffany in Mobile, Alabama said: I want to become an event planner to but don`t know where to start. I have always had a love for planning parties and things and love to see people having fun. you can really help me if you could give me some advice on how to start and what to do in this business.

Get involved with a non-profit organization as a volunteer, where you can be involved in planning and organizing events. This way you gain experience and a reference for when you apply for a paid position.

Hello, I too am trying to get into the Event Planning/decorating business. I am currently a sales and event manager for a hotel in the Nashville area. Any advice on the transistion and certifications to take? I would love anyone to help me that might be in my area or sounding area.

Hi,
please i am also an event planner, i have helped friends and families plan their events in the past and i still do, now i want to start my own business professionally as an event planner but i will also like to go to school to learn more about it and be a certified event planner. i recently relocated to st,louis missouri and finding a school that offers the program in the st,louis area has been my greatest problem. can any one HELP find a school to get certified around here or somewhere close please. thank you!

Hi, I am very interested in starting a small business out of my home as a party/event planner...I have come up with my company name...started collecting business cards. I live in a small town and am hoping to assist clients on a budget, I know there is no one in our area who does this. Just wanted some advice on how to get started, what to do in prepartation before I do. And what should my fees be? I am so excited about this and I think it will really take off!!! :)

suzyq6771 in Tallmadge, Ohio said: Hi, I am very interested in starting a small business out of my home as a party/event planner...I have come up with my company name...started collecting business cards. I live in a small town and am hoping to assist clients on a budget, I know there is no one in our area who does this. Just wanted some advice on how to get started, what to do in prepartation before I do. And what should my fees be? I am so excited about this and I think it will really take off!!! :)

Take a planning certificate course it will give you all the ins and outs of how to run that business. Make sure you find a good one that really provides information. Go to amazon and check out event planning business how to books and see which one fits what you are looking for read the reviews. I plan on dealing strickly with weddings but a great book that will really give you an idea of what is involved is How to Open and Operate a Financially Successful Wedding Consultant and Planning business by John N. Peragine Jr.

Good luck in your busniness ventures!

Hi there, I am starting a business in events- is there anyone out there established in this industry that wouldn't mind being a sounding board/mentor? Thanks :-) Please email me... envyevents@xtra.co.nz

Hi,
I am very young...only a freshman in highschool...and I am known for being responsible and mature. I cant wait to get my life started, and I have recently decided that I would love to be event planner. I know im young and u think I might change my mind, but I know I wont. I was just wondering if there was anything anybody would suggest starting now, anything that would help me in my future of becoming an event planner. Thankyou!

Z.C. in Atlanta, Georgia said: I am very interested in becoming a professional event planner. I currently work in Corporate America and hold a Degree in Business Management. To be honest, my job pays well but I hate it! My heart just isn't there. I've always had a passion though for planning things. Done a few private parties for friends, assisted with a few family reunions - small things like that. I realize that in order to be successful in this business, knowing people in high positions certainly helps. I unfortuantly don't know very many people like that. I'm looking for as much advice as possible on how to truly begin and build a fan base in this business...

I am very interested in becoming a professional event planner. I currently work in Dental offices as a Consulter . I've always had a passion though for planning things. I have Done a few business parties for dental offices . I realize that in order to be successful in this business, knowing people in high positions certainly helps., I know many dentist in orange county. l I'm looking for honest partner to work with . I know how to truly begin and build a fan base in this business...my email m_aggie53@yahoo.com

Meredith Bond- Crave26 Events in North Grafton, Massachusetts said: I own my own event planning company which I started in July of 2009. I have had a few clients but alot have fallen through. I have now hit a wall and really need some solid information on how to gain more clientele and business. I would like to have a sucessful business but recently I have just been gaining alot of anxiety over the slow progress I am making. It is been really discouraging to have multiple clients that don't follow through.
I need advice on gaining new business as well as advice on if I am on the right track and if similar event planners that have started there own business have been experiencing the downfalls that I have been.

I am very interested in becoming a professional event planner. I currently work in Dental offices as aConsulter .I've always had a passion though for planning things. I have Done a few businessparties for dental offices . I realize that in order to be successful in this business, knowing people in high positions certainly helps., I know many dentist in orange county. l I'm looking for honest partner to work with. I know how to truly begin and build a fan base in this business...my email m_aggie53@yahoo.com

Katrina in Hollywood, Florida said: Hi,
My Name is Katrina . I am thinking about starting my own biz in event planning and would prefer to do it with a partner.
And of course I welcome any advice I can get. .
I f you like to talk to me , please let me know.
Kind regrds. - Katrina-

I am very interested in becoming a professional event planner. I currently work in Dental offices as a Consulter . I've always had a passion though for planning things. I have Done a few business parties for dental offices . I realize that in order to be successful in this business, knowing people in high positions certainly helps., I know many dentist in orange county. l I'm looking for honest partner to work with . I know how to truly begin and build a fan base in this business...my email m_aggie53@yahoo.com

I am very interested in becoming a professional event planner. I currently work in Dental offices as a Consulter . I've always had a passion though for planning things. I have Done a few business parties for dental offices . I realize that in order to be successful in this business, knowing people in high positions certainly helps., I know many dentist in orange county. l I'm looking for honest partner to work with . I know how to truly begin and build a fan base in this business...my email m_aggie53@yahoo.com

Giselle Chia in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: Hi, I found your e-mail in indeed.com and read you are an event planner in West Palm Beach, FL. I am really interested in learning more about this field and would greatly appreciate any advice or help you can give me, I really dont know where to start. Hopefully, I look forward to hearing from you soon. my e-mail address is gisellechia67@hotmail.com. Thanks.

I am very interested in becoming a professional event planner. I currently work in Dental offices as a Consulter . I've always had a passion though for planning things. I have Done a few business parties for dental offices . I realize that in order to be successful in this business, knowing people in high positions certainly helps., I know many dentist in orange county. l I'm looking for honest partner to work with . I know how to truly begin and build a fan base in this business...my email m_aggie53@yahoo.com

Evelyn Govan in Lanham, Maryland said: sure...

I am hosting a 3-4 day conference in September/October 2012 in the the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan area and I am looking for a volunteer assistant. Interested or know someone who is - email me at christinejohnson@automatedtestinginstitute.com. THANKS!

Vv2double in Omaha, Nebraska said: Hi,
I am very young...only a freshman in highschool...and I am known for being responsible and mature. I cant wait to get my life started, and I have recently decided that I would love to be event planner. I know im young and u think I might change my mind, but I know I wont. I was just wondering if there was anything anybody would suggest starting now, anything that would help me in my future of becoming an event planner. Thankyou!

You are at a great age to start! if you love to "organize" things, love working with people and are enthusiastic you can make a great career in event planning. It's also an area where there's plenty of potential. I read in one of the earlier posts here that somebody felt there was an upper limit to the amount of money that you could earn unless you had specific degrees in communication and so on from three year universities – and then went into the corporate field. This is not necessarily the case at all. It's certainly possible to make a great career as an independent event organizer, as an entrepreneur. As entrepreneurs tend to be self-starters, be motivated and have good organizational skills this goes very well with the same type of skills required to be a good event planner.

We are shortly going to be providing a lot of resources and free information in a concerted effort to attract people into the event planning industry.

Just think. People love to "hang out" with people. We are all social animals and this is an inherent part of our very being. Thus, it's a great industry to get into as people will always want to go to events.

Best of luck,

Nigel.

Vv2double in Omaha, Nebraska said: Hi,
I am very young...only a freshman in highschool...and I am known for being responsible and mature. I cant wait to get my life started, and I have recently decided that I would love to be event planner. I know im young and u think I might change my mind, but I know I wont. I was just wondering if there was anything anybody would suggest starting now, anything that would help me in my future of becoming an event planner. Thankyou!

You are at a great age to start! if you love to "organize" things, love working with people and are enthusiastic you can make a great career in event planning. It's also an area where there's plenty of potential. I read in one of the earlier posts here that somebody felt there was an upper limit to the amount of money that you could earn unless you had specific degrees in communication and so on from three year universities – and then went into the corporate field. This is not necessarily the case at all. It's certainly possible to make a great career as an independent event organizer, as an entrepreneur. As entrepreneurs tend to be self-starters, be motivated and have good organizational skills this goes very well with the same type of skills required to be a good event planner.

We are shortly going to be providing a lot of resources and free information in a concerted effort to attract people into the event planning industry.

Just think. People love to "hang out" with people. We are all social animals and this is an inherent part of our very being. Thus, it's a great industry to get into as people will always want to go to events.

Best of luck,

Nigel.

i did not really study anything about event but it has always been my dream to own my own event company. Currently i have a company and we do event and advertising with other things. i want to know more about event and to be able to plan a better one

I am thrilled that I found this thread! I am 27 years old and have a degree in fashion design, 6 years experience in the apparel industry (including 5 years in production at an esteemed historical bridal house) and I have planned all the christmas parties/reunions/farewell parties for my former employer. Now being out of the bridal world, I crave to get back in it. I want to be a wedding planner and am confident I would be good at it. I have extensive knowledge with gowns, I am outgoing and I love talking to people, I am creative and can whip together a beautiful display on a tight budget and I'm not afraid to negotiate. But I dont know where to start.

Is it worth my while to get a masters in event planning? Or should I just take one of those weekend courses, or is that not worth it? I am thinking of just going to the nearest hotels to my house and asking them if I can volunteer there to help with planning to get some experience under my belt. Good idea? Bad idea? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

i want to know how to become an event planner

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